I know you just want to start downloading free images. But before you do, there are a few very important things you must remember:

1. Don’t violate copyright rules. On Target includes many articles that address copyright. The Library of Congress Copyright Web site also is a great resource. When in doubt about using any image, refer to www.copyright.gov.

2. Look for the terms of use. Just because a Web site offers free images, that doesn’t mean there aren’t strings attached. Many Web sites offering photo resources may allow you to use the images free, but they still have terms of use. That could be as simple as requiring that you credit the photographer or Web site with the image, but other rules may apply. Always look for and follow the terms of use on any photo site before you use any images. When in doubt, always contact the site to ask for permission.

3. Don’t get taken in. Companies and groups with agendas may offer you free images that are little more than free advertising for them. Their logos or products may be front and center or subtle. Don’t use such images if they do not fit in with Purdue Extension’s educational mission.

Here is a partial list of image resources.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Images Library

www.cdc.gov — click on “Image Library (PHIL)”

This site contains photos, illustrations, and video from the CDC. Many of the images contained in the library are public domain, but have rules regarding credits and use. See the site's FAQ's for details.

FEMA Photo Library

www.photolibrary.fema.gov/photolibrary/index.jsp

This site contains images from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. While many of these images are public domain, they mostly involve disaster situations. Be sure to read their terms of use.

Library of Congress American Memory

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html

This site contains many historical photos in a variety of categories — from Ansel Adams to Wright Brothers. Be sure to carefully read their legal statements before using any of these photos.

Microsoft Clip Art and Media

http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us

This site contains photos and clip art suitable for use with Microsoft Office programs. When you download images, be certain you read the end-user agreement carefully.

Morgue File

www.morguefile.com

This site includes a number of stock photos. You can search for specific images or browse by category. Don’t forget to read their terms of use.

National 4-H Online Photo Library

http://4hphotos.umd.edu

This site contains images that are available for the staff, volunteers, and youth of 4-H and its affiliated programs. In other words, if it isn’t related to 4-H, don’t use images from this site.

NOAA Photo Library

www.photolib.noaa.gov

This site contains many current and historical photos from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many of the images contained in the libraries are public domain, but have rules regarding credits and use. Click here for details.

Purdue Marketing Communications University Photos

www.pmc.purdue.edu/pages/downloads/univ_photos.html

This site contains selected photos of Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.

stock.xchng

www.sxc.hu

This is another source of stock photos that allows you to search or browse by category. Be sure to read their terms of use.

USDA-ARS Image Gallery

www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos

This site contains many current and historical photos from the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Many of the images contained in the libraries are public domain, but have rules regarding credits and use. Details and contact information are provided with each photo.

USDA-CSREES Image Database

http://csrees.umd.edu

This site includes images from CSREES programs. You may search for specific images or browse by category.

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Image Gallery

http://plants.usda.gov/gallery.html

This site contains many current and historical photos from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Many of the images contained in the libraries are public domain, but have rules regarding credits and use. Click here for details.

USDA On Line Photography Center

www.usda.gov/oc/photo/opclibra.htm

This site contains images of various USDA programs. Terms of use are provided here.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Digital Library System

http://images.fws.gov

This site contains the Service’s collection of public domain photos. You can search or browse individual collections. Copyright information is located here.

Kevin Leigh Smith, kevlsmith@purdue.edu

Do you want On Target to cover a topic that interests you? E-mail your ideas to Kevin Leigh Smith.