At our medium sized historical society we
receive many photograph requests every month. Over the past year
there have been many requests to receive the images in digital form instead of
standard photo reprints. Some people are so bold as to offer to
bring in their own laptops and scanners. So far we have denied all of
these requests. There are many issues at hand: number one being the
preservation of the historic images; how much should be charged and how do you
argue that the fee helps to preserve the collection (although scanning costs
virtually nothing); how do we protect copyright of a digital image? Any
suggestions of what has worked for others out there would be greatly
appreciated!
Thanks!!!!!!!
Renee Kurtzweil, Director of Collections
Northern Indiana Center for History