Digital Asset Use, Rights, and Permissions Policy

In support of its mission to advance research, teaching, and learning at Johns Hopkins University and around the world, the Sheridan Libraries make digital copies of its collections available to researchers, educators, and the general public. The Sheridan Libraries believe that increased access to high-quality digital copies of its collections fuels discovery, knowledge, innovation, and personal enrichment, and is a natural extension of its’ commitment to Open Access.

For Personal, Educational, and Research Uses

The digital copies found on the Sheridan Libraries website, digital repositories, and social media are intended for personal, educational, research, and/or non-commercial purposes, unless otherwise noted. They may be used freely for private study, educational presentations, and non-commercial websites, blogs, and social media.

Conditions for Use

  1. Materials in the Sheridan Libraries’ collections may be protected by copyright law. Materials that are protected by copyright law may be used only with permission from the copyright owner, or within the limits of fair use and other statutory exceptions. The Sheridan Libraries cannot give legal advice and make no representation about the copyright or other legal status of the materials. It is the responsibility of the user to investigate such rights and obtain the necessary permissions from the copyright holder.
  2. The materials are displayed “as is” and without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including any warranties of title, non-infringement of copyright or other rights.
  3. Regardless of whether the Sheridan Libraries are the copyright holder, all published materials from its collections should contain the following credit: Courtesy [Collection Title], The Sheridan Libraries, Johns Hopkins University.
  4. Users may not suggest or imply that the Sheridan Libraries or Johns Hopkins University endorses, approves, or has participated in any projects utilizing digital copies of materials obtained from the Libraries.
  5. The Sheridan Libraries ask that any users aware of any rights information associated with a digital copy to contact us with this information.
  6. If you claim copyright ownership of any of the materials in the Sheridan Libraries’ digital collections and believe that your materials have been made inappropriately accessible on our website, please see our Digital Collections Statement of Use and Takedown Policy.
  7. If a digital copy of a collection item is not currently available, it may be for one or more of the following reasons:
    • Privacy or publicity issues exist
    • The item is not fully owned by the Sheridan Libraries
    • Contractual restrictions specified by the creator or donor preclude access
    • The item/collection has not yet been converted into digital form, or the quality of the existing digital copy does not meet the Libraries’ current digital copy standards

To request digital copies of collection materials not available on our website, please contact us. All requests for digitization are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Upon approval, additional fees may apply. Payment in advance is required before delivery. The Sheridan Libraries reserve the right to deny any request at its sole discretion.

Permission to Publish and Commercial Use

For those who intend to publish, reproduce, and/or use digital copies that are still under or presumed to be under copyright for editorial use, commercial projects, and other purposes, and for large-scale initiatives, prior permission must be obtained. To request permission, please complete and submit the form below.

Getty Images acts as the Sheridan Libraries’ primary partner for the worldwide fulfillment of licensing requests. Getty Images can provide (when possible) digital copies made by Sheridan Libraries staff. A fee will be charged depending on the nature and type of the proposed use and the availability of photography of the materials requested.

Select Sheridan Libraries materials can also be found at SheetMusicPlus and Alamy.

Rights and Permissions by Material Type

For works where the Sheridan Libraries own the copyright

The Sheridan Libraries do not charge any fees for personal, non-commercial use of digital assets; there may be fees for ordering new digitization and publication-quality image files. The Libraries do not authorize any use or reproduction for commercial purposes without written permission.

 For works with known copyright owners or for which the copyright is uncertain (orphan works) or where the Sheridan Libraries do not own the copyright

The Sheridan Libraries do not charge any fees for personal, non-commercial use of digital assets; there may be fees for ordering new digitization and publication-quality image files. Patrons who use or copy materials for commercial purposes must seek permission from the copyright holder.

For works no longer subject to copyright, including works presumed in the public domain

The Sheridan Libraries do not charge any fees for personal, non-commercial use of digital copies; there may be fees for ordering new digitization and publication-quality images. Patrons may use or copy materials no longer subject to copyright for personal, non-commercial and commercial use.

Questions?

Contact specialcollections@lists.jhu.edu