Embedded Files
For agency projects, NGPC employees should first look to Merlin and the NGPC photo library for visual content. For options available beyond NGPC, check out the resources gathered below. Many of these repositories contain open source images that are free to use with attribution, while others may have additional requirements depending on end use. Be sure to read, understand, and follow the specific requirements tied to the assets housed in each of these externally operated repositories. NGPC staff may contact the photo library for assistance in using these resources.
Nebraska State Agencies
Nebraska State Agencies
Hosted by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, this media library contains nearly 7,000 photo assets, showcasing the state of Nebraska. Downloads require approval through a request process. Allow two days for request processing.
The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) provides digital access to many historical photographs of Nebraska, including images of Nebraska Sate Parks. Permission and photo attribution is required. Generally, there is no charge for permission only for NGPC, and some photos can be downloaded directly from the site at no charge. There is a $15 fee if NSHS staff need to digitize and release a high resolution version. See full details on reusing NSHS images here.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and Fishing
RBFF maintains a Photo Library of assets available for outreach efforts. These professional images capture people fishing and boating and are available at no cost. Use of the photos requires one-time download, signature, and submission of a terms of use agreement form.
Offered by the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, the R3 Clearinghouse provides content created by outdoor agencies across the nation that is open for use in promoting recruitment, retention, and reactivation. This resource hub includes Nebraskaland photography. Specific collections include Photos, Videos, Small Game Diversity and Inclusion Marketing Toolkit, and Mentoring Communication Toolkit.
Nature and Wildlife
Nature and Wildlife
Center for Biological Diversity
CBD provides photos for use by the media and general public. The majority of images have been gathered from various government agencies and are, unless otherwise noted, public domain and free to use. With all images, credit the agency and the photographer (where known).
USFWS National Digital Library
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Images Collection is a selection of digital still images which are the very best visual representation of the USFWS mission - "working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people." The page also links to USFWS's offering of videos, audio, documents, and maps.
USFWS Flickr Album
The Flickr stream maintained by the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service includes photos from eight states across three distinct landscapes — North and South Dakota; Montana and Wyoming; and Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. Use of the photos is open with attribution to the photographer.
Forestry Images is a collection of photos for non-commercial, educational use with citation. The resource is a joint project of The University of Georgia - Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, US Forest Service, International Society of Arboriculture, USDA Identification Technology Program.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
These photo assets and the associated toolkit products are the result of a Multi-State Conservation Grant in partnership between MAFWA, DJ Case & Associates, GUD Marketing, Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Back Country Hunters and Anglers, the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, and National Wild Turkey Federation. Nebraskaland photos are included in this collection.
Vintage and Historical
Vintage and Historical
Search, browse, and download high resolution photographs directly from the LOC's Prints & Photographs Online Catalog. The collection includes historical photos from the Army Corps of Engineers, Farm Security Administration and more and also includes some contemporary photos of Nebraska's state parks. See each image record for attribution and use specifications.
The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) provides digital access to many historical photographs of Nebraska, including images of Nebraska Sate Parks. Permission and photo attribution is required. Generally, there is no charge for permission only for NGPC, and some photos can be downloaded directly from the site at no charge. There is a $15 fee if NSHS staff need to digitize and release a high resolution version. See full details on reusing NSHS images here.
General Open Stock Libraries
General Open Stock Libraries
Wikimedia Commons
Open use photos, with various levels of reuse requirements, such as photographer attribution.
Full reuse information details can be found here.
Copyright free images, videos, and music. No permission or credit required, even for commercial purposes (linkbacks appreciated). Requires free signup. Take care not to click out of Pixaby into iStock ads, which are not free.
Aggregator of openly licensed images, audio, and more. All content is under a creative commons license or in the public domain. Refer to each record for attribution or other use requirements.
Teacher Librarian Wiki
A list of links to many copyright-friendly image resources across the web.
In 2020, a collective of Paris museums released 100,000 high-res digital copies of artwork online, for unrestricted public use. The collections include images of interest to NGPC. Google the French translation for what you would like to find. For example, to find images of deer, search the French word for buck (cerf) or doe (biche). To find artwork of fish, use the French word (Poisson). More information is available in this article describing the project.
The J. Paul Getty Museum launched their Open Content program in 2013. Users may download high resolution digital images of works of art, art history texts, and art books under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means works may be freely copied, modified, distributed, and performed, even for commercial purposes. Read more in this article.
Resources for Determining Copyright
Resources for Determining Copyright
This interactive tool designed by the American Library Association helps users determine if works (including photographs) published in the US are protected by copyright.
This publication contains the text of Title 17 of the United States Code, including all amendments enacted by Congress through December 23, 2022. It includes the Copyright Act of 1976 and all subsequent amendments to copyright law; the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984, as amended; and the Vessel Hull Design Protection Act, as amended. The Copyright Office is responsible for registering intellectual property claims under all three.
The Digital Image Rights Computator (DIRC) program assists users in assessing the intellectual property status of a specific image documenting a work of art, a designed object, or a portion of the built environment. Understanding the presence or absence of rights in the various aspects of a given image will allow the user to make informed decisions regarding the intended educational uses of that image.
Updated 12/11/2024. To suggest additions or revisions, please contact the NGPC photo library.
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