Photographic Services and Copyright - FAQ - McCord Stewart Museum
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Collections and Research

Photographic Services and Copyright – FAQ

The McCord Stewart Museum is allowing the free use of all the digital images available online of archives and objects believed to be in the public domain. These images are offered free of charge, without restriction, in accordance with the guidelines provided.

The Museum’s online collections include over 156,000 objects, photographs and archival documents. Over 145,000 royalty-free images may be downloaded in the highest resolution available.

Request for use or digitization

Users may request the use or digitization of objects and archival documents that are still under copyright protection. Every request for use or digitization must be submitted using the form provided. For more information, contact photo@mccord-stewart.ca.
Complete the form

ONLINE ACCESS

Are all the objects in the McCord Stewart Museum collections available online?

No, only 156,000 objects from the Museum’s collections are currently accessible online; of these, 145,000 records include one or more images.

How can I download an image?

If an image is available for downloading, there will be a download symbol under it. Simply click on this symbol to download the file.

Why are the images of certain objects and archival documents no longer in copyright not available online?

Some objects in the Museum’s collections have not yet been digitized. Submit your request using the form.

Are all the images available for downloading in high resolution?

The majority of online images are high resolution (300 dpi, 8″ X 10″). Though some objects have not yet been scanned in high resolution, their images are of sufficient quality for research. We have opted to make them available online to offer broader access to our collections.

How do I request the digitization of an object without an image?

Submit your request for digitization using the form. Consult the price list for more information.

Is it possible to obtain an image with a resolution higher than 300 dpi?

Submit your request for digitization at a resolution higher than 300 dpi using the form.

COPYRIGHT AND LICENCES

Can all the images available online be downloaded and reproduced?

No, the objects in the collections are subject to a variety of licences.

How can I find out which images I can reproduce?

Images available online can be reproduced in accordance with the conditions set forth in the relevant licence.

The McCord Stewart Museum is allowing the free use of images it has taken of objects and works in its collections that are believed to be no longer under copyright protection. These photographs can be downloaded and reproduced without restriction. However, it is not permitted to compile images to replicate a similar or competing service.

In the case of images under licence, you may have to acquire permission from other sources to reproduce an image (image rights, Trademark Act, etc.). The user must make the necessary verifications before using an image.

How can I find out which licence applies to the object I am interested in?

The relevant licence is indicated under the image of the object.

What are the conditions of use with the licence In copyright – Non-commercial use permitted?

The object is still protected by copyright. However, the owner of the work has permitted the image of this object to be reproduced for non-commercial use. A low-resolution image of the object is available for downloading. To obtain a high-resolution file (with the owner’s permission), please submit your request using the form.

For more details on the licence In copyright – Non-commercial use permitted.

 

What are the conditions of use with the licence Copyright undetermined?

The McCord Stewart Museum is unable to definitively confirm the copyright status of this object. However, our examination indicates that it is potentially in the public domain. A low-resolution image of the object is available for downloading. To obtain a high-resolution file, please submit your request using the form.

For more details on the licence Copyright undetermined.

What are the conditions of use with the licence In copyright?

The image of an object that is still protected by copyright cannot be reproduced without the owner’s permission. No images of this object will be available online. To obtain a high-resolution file (with the owner’s permission), please submit your request using the form.

For more details on the licence In copyright.

What are the conditions of use with the licence Public domain?

When an object is no longer protected by copyright, it is in the public domain. Such images can be copied, shared and modified without restriction, even for commercial purposes. A high-resolution image of the object is available for downloading. It is not permitted to compile images to replicate a similar or competing service.

For more details on the licence Public domain.

Do I have to mention the McCord Stewart Museum when I use an image in the public domain?

You are not required to mention the provenance of or attribute an author to an image in the public domain. However, as a cultural institution, the Museum hopes that any images used are accompanied by a note that identifies the keeper of the object.

Example: Artist, title or name of object, date. Object number, McCord Stewart Museum.

The object I am interested in is still protected by copyright. How can I obtain permission to use the image? Will it be in high resolution?

The Museum will not provide any images of objects still protected by copyright without proof of permission from the owner of the work. It is the buyer’s job to take the steps necessary to obtain permission. Once this permission has been obtained, a request for use or digitization can be submitted using the form.

The PDF files in the Archives collection are available for downloading. Is it possible to obtain a high-resolution image from a PDF?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a high-resolution image (300 dpi, 8″ x 10″) from a PDF. Submit your request using the form, indicating the object number (name of PDF file) and the page number of the document that contains the desired image.

The PDF files in the Archives collection are believed to be in the public domain. Why does the Museum only permit non-commercial uses?

The PDF format is not suitable for commercial use. To obtain a high-resolution image (300 dpi, 8″ x 10″), please complete the form, indicating the object number (name of PDF file) and the page number of the document that contains the desired image.

PRICES

Is there a fee to obtain a copy of an image in the public domain?

No. A high-resolution image in the public domain can be downloaded and used free of charge.

Is there a fee to obtain a copy of an image that is not in the public domain?

Yes, there is a fee to obtain a high-resolution file.

How much does it cost to obtain a high-resolution file? How much does it cost to have an object or archival document digitized?

Existing high-resolution digital file (300 dpi, 8″ X 10″) 30 $ / file
High-resolution digitization (300 dpi) – 2D and 3D objects* 50 $ and up* / file

*The price can vary depending on the special needs associated with photographing the item (hanging it on a mannequin, removing from a frame, etc.).

Note: In addition to reproduction fees, usage fees may be invoiced depending on the planned use of the digital photograph.

PAYMENT AND FILE TRANSFER

How do I pay for my photo order?

We use the online payment platform Square. You will be sent an invoice by email with instructions on how to pay. Once payment has been made, we will contact you about sending the digital files.

How will I get my image?

You will be emailed a WeTransfer link so you can download the images ordered.

OTHER INFORMATION

How do I properly cite an image?

Artist, title or name of object, date. Object number, McCord Stewart Museum

Example: Alexander Henderson, Spring inundation, near Montreal, about 1865. MP-0000.308.5, McCord Stewart Museum
Example: Davenport, Dinner plate, 1830-1840. MC988.1.69, McCord Stewart Museum

Can I use a detail of an image?

Yes, it is possible to use a detail from an image of an object or archival document. We request that you add the word “detail” if you mention the source.

Example: Alexander Henderson, Spring inundation, near Montreal (detail), about 1865. MP-0000.308.5, McCord Stewart Museum

I believe there is a mistake in the information provided about an object. Whom can I contact to discuss this?

If you would have some information about an object that you would like to share with us, please send an email to reference.mccord@mccord-stewart.ca, noting the object number in question.

Not to be missed!

Not to be missed!