Copyright:Support Guides/Image Sources Citation Guide/Licensed Image Databases
Licensed Image Databases
Licensed image databases are very similar to online image databases in that it is a license (or terms of use agreement) that gives users the permission to make use of the images. In the case of Library licensed databases though, the database license is usually much more complicated than the standard Creative Commons license. Please consult the library's Licensing Database for specific licensing information on individual resources. Sometimes the license may stipulate images are to be cited in a particular way, or that the citation contain certain information. Generally though, a standard citation will be sufficient.
At a minimum, the image citation should include: Creator, Image title: Source. Many publication style manuals, including APA and MLA, have more specific and detailed requirements for citing images from digital databases. Some style guides make a distinction between images that are copies of physical art and images that exist only in a digital format. Refer to the citation practices specific to your discipline if you are following a particular citation style. Below are a few examples of APA and MLA style (adapted from SFU: Finding and Using Online Images[1]).
Examples:
Minimum Citation:
- Creator, Title: Source.
- Edouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies-Bergere: ARTstor Digital Library
- Creator, Title: Source.
APA Citation:
- Creator last name, First initial. (Role of creator)(Date of creation) Title of image. [Type of work]. Retrieved from database name.
- Manet, E. (Painter) (1882) A Bar at the Folies-Bergere. [Image of Painting]. Retrieved from ARTstor Digital Library.
- Creator last name, First initial. (Role of creator)(Date of creation) Title of image. [Type of work]. Retrieved from database name.
MLA Citation:
- Digital copy of an item in a physical collection:
- Creator's last name, first name. Title of image. Year of creation. Physical collection. Title of database. Medium of access (Web). Date of access.
- Manet, Edourard. A Bar at the Folies-Bergere. 1882. Courtauld Institute Galleries, London. ARTstor Digital Library. Web. 10 April 2012.
- Creator's last name, first name. Title of image. Year of creation. Physical collection. Title of database. Medium of access (Web). Date of access.
- Digital image only:
- Creator's last name, first name. Title of image. Year of creation. Title of website or database. Database publisher (if available). Medium of access (Web). Date of access.
- Towell, Larry. Ann Towell Watching Business Fax. 1995. ARTstor Digital Library. ARTstor Inc. Web. 10 April 2012.
- Creator's last name, first name. Title of image. Year of creation. Title of website or database. Database publisher (if available). Medium of access (Web). Date of access.
- Digital copy of an item in a physical collection: