Copyright and Usage

The items (photos, videos, documents, images, or audio files) in the Digital Media Library (DML) at library.byways.org have been acquired from many sources. Sometimes the source retained the copyright on the item; sometimes they released it to the public domain. You must determine the copyright status of every item you wish to download from the DML.

Except for one request (see below), public domain items are not restricted in any way, and you may download and use them as you wish. Copyrighted items, however, may have terms and conditions that you must satisfy in order to use the item without violating copyright law.

To acquire a particular item from the DML, please review the following guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact the customer help line (helpdesk@byways.org.)

Public Domain Materials

By definition, your use of items marked “public domain” in our library is not restricted in any way. However, we do request two things: that you retain the photo credits in perpetuity wherever you use or distribute the image, and that you indicate that you acquired the item from the DML.

The following shows a sample credit line to display for a public domain photo from the DML:

“Photo by John Smith, courtesy of National Scenic Byways Online (www.byways.org).”

Copyrighted Materials

In order to use copyrighted items without violating copyright law, you must satisfy the item’s terms and conditions, which are viewable on each item’s page.

NOTE: Many older items have detailed Terms & Conditions. This is an artifact from previous library asset requirements. New acquisitions specify Terms & Conditions differently.

Sometimes Terms & Conditions are not specified for a copyrighted item, or require that you obtain special permission to use or distribute the item. If this is the case:

• Permission must be obtained from the copyright holder or the original source of the item. Some copyrighted items, such as the National Scenic Byways Program logos, may require that you fill out and submit a request form for permission to obtain the item.

• Contact information may be provided on the item’s page. We make no guarantee that the contact information is valid or up-to-date.

• Even if contact information is not listed, you must still attempt to reach the specified person or organization to obtain permission. You cannot use or distribute the item without permission.

Assistance

If you need help, please submit a request via email to helpdesk@byways.org. Please allow at least a week for a reply. Your request must contain the following information:

• The URL of the item’s page. You may include other information to help us identify the item, such as the type of item (photo, document, etc.,) the item's library ID number, and its title or caption, but the URL is sufficient.
• Your name and contact information.
• Details on how you plan to use the item.
• How you wish us to help you.