COPYRIGHT and REPRINT
INFORMATION
Thank you for your
interest in obtaining copyright and re-print
information! As you know, many of the items
displayed in the Virtual Museum are "on
loan", just as in a physical museum. As
such, the owners of these photographs, stories, newspaper
articles, and other items you have enjoyed here,
have a legal and vested interest in their use and
propagation.
We all face a personal
ethical challenge every time we sign on to the
internet. When we admire things, we may face the
temptation to use the information and photos that are
freely shared in many venues. Some give in at
the wrong times and works are "freely
taken" - that is to say, without permission.
What we wish and need to make clear is the view of the
NEMSMF Virtual Museum staff that such actions are
unethical and attempts to do so will not be taken
lightly.
In some cases, the
National EMS Museum owns these artifacts outright.
In others, many of the owners of these items have
generously agreed to allow re-prints and limited
educational use via written permission. Some may ask for a fee, others
may not. Whatever their preference, these
artisans and corporations have the right to request
our assistance when they donate their works for our
visitors pleasure.
Our contracts with these
parties requires the staff of the Virtual Museum to
do all it can to protect the artisans displayed works.
To that end, we have employed security measures
intended to protect those interests and anyone violating
this trust will be logged. In that case, we will assist the
owners of these works in pursuing civil
penalties, as well as any potential criminal charges
that may be deemed appropriate, at their request.
A pretty harsh statement,
some would say. BUT, ask yourself this: "If
it were MY work, how would *I* feel having it taken
and used without permission or attribution?"
Gaining permission for the
use of these works is not hard. Really!
If there is something here you wish to employ in your
classroom, quote, use in your advertising, or simply
have for personal use, ASK US. Contact Bob
Loftus or Dawn Poetter directly at the addresses
listed below and we will put you in touch with the
owner. It's that simple! And thanks
for your honesty!
Bob Loftus, President
robert.loftus(at sign)mchsi.com
T. D. Bartlett
Interim Virtual Museum Director haztac(at
sign)comcast.net
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