Image Databases & Resources 

Images must be cited like all other resources. If you use an image you did not create, you must provide a citation. Images should be cited in all cases, even if the image is very small, or in the public domain. The citation should be accessible in the context of the image's use (within a Powerpoint presentation, on a web page, in a paper, etc.).

Image citations should include the following information at a minimum:

• Title
• Creator name
• Repository information (museum, library, or other owning institution)
• Image source (database, website, book, postcard, vendor, etc.)
• Date accessed

It is also useful to include date, culture, and rights information, if known.

Citations can be formatted according to the citation style you are using.

Digital images are an electronic resource that need to be used responsibly. Most databases and web sites provide information about how their images can be used. It is important to read this information carefully, and comply with all usage guidelines.  Usage guidelines can vary considerably, so be alert to differences and details.

The UW Libraries outlines some general do's and don'ts for electronic resources. Please see Responsible Use of Electronic Resources.

The UW Copyright Connection provides information about many aspects of copyright, including Compilations, Music and Images and Images of Art and People.

Appropriate Use of UW Resources is published by UW Information Technology and provides additional copyright information and guidelines for using electronic resources.

UW Libraries citation guides

• Citation Guides

Other useful guides for citing images

• The Owl at Purdue MLA Formatting and Style Guide
• University of Cincinnati Libraries Citinig Images PDF