Visual Resources Library
Visual Resource FAQ
How do I get started?
Visual Resources Library Location The BAC Visual Resources Library is located at 320 Newbury Street on the fifth floor, Room 511. It is open to faculty and students for use in class and for research. We have an institutional collection which consists of an online digital images collection and a 35mm slide collection.
Borrowing privileges (for 35mm slides) are granted after you have received an orientation. Call me at 617.585.0257 to schedule a brief orientation if you wish to use 35mm slides.
Hours for the Visual Resources Librarian:
M: 8:30-4:30, T: 10-6, Wed: 2-10, Thurs: 12:30 - 8:30, F: 9 – 5:00
However you can email or leave a voice mail 24/7 at any time.
Email: sheri.rosenzweig@the-bac.edu, Voice:617.585.0257.
Digital Images: How do I access and use the digital images collection?
Set your web browser to allow for pop-ups. You need your BAC webID to login to the database. The entry to the BAC Digital Images Collection is available online at: http://research.the-bac.edu/imagecoll/.
You can also locate it within a list of databases at http://www.the-bac.edu/x884.xml. You don’t need to contact the Visual Resources Librarian in order to search or download images from the database. However you must read the online fair use agreement (this information can be read before you click on Enter to access the database). If you do have problems or questions, please call the Visual Resources Library at 617.585.0257.
We can also supply you with either a pdf or a paper printout which consists of small thumbnails arranged by the artist’s last name alphabetically, of all the images that are available in the digital collection if you would like to browse the collection before accessing the database.
What can I do if the Visual Resources Library doesn't have the digital images I need?
If you are teaching a course such as Architecture and Design History, Design Principles, and/or Freehand Drawing, we can create or license digital images for upcoming lectures (bear in mind that your request needs to be received at least two weeks before you need material). If you are teaching a course and will be using PowerPoint presentations or Blackboard, contact me. If you are willing to discuss your needs for the upcoming semester, we would be more than happy to speak with you at length.
Use agreement: Under what conditions may the online digital collection be used?
These digital images are provided for educational purposes only. When you enter the collection, you agree to the following: These images may be downloaded and inserted into PowerPoint presentations, Blackboard, and research papers relevant to face-to-face instruction, distance education, research, and theses within the BAC community. These images may not be used for any commercial enterprise (such as brochures, published articles, or web sites) without written, prior permission and consent from the copyright holder.
If you need to take a CD from 320 Newbury Street to use at 100 Massachusetts Ave., we do have a locker at 100 Massachusetts Avenue where you can leave visual resources material. Contact me through sheri.rosenzweig@the-bac.edu for the locker number and the combination of the lock.
35 mm Slides How long can I keep slides? How do I return them?
Ideally, slides should leave the Visual Resources Library only for the length of a class. However, the Library closes at 10 PM, 320 Newbury Street is usually locked at 10:00 as well and some classes run later. If you are teaching at 320 Newbury Street, put the slides in a closed box and put them through the Library’s book drop on the 6th floor.
If you need to take the slides or a CD from 320 Newbury Street to use at 100 Massachusetts Ave., we do have a locker at 100 Massachusetts Avenue where you can leave either a box of slides or a CD. Contact the Visual Resources Librarian, sheri.rosenzweig@the-bac.edu for the locker number and the combination of the lock.
Do I have to select my slides immediately before class?
No. Though we ask you to pick up your slides just before class, you may select them and set them aside at any time. This process will be explained more fully during your orientation to the Visual Resources Library.
Are there forms that I need to fill out?
There is a circulation policy form that must be signed by faculty using any resources which indicates that they have had an orientation. In addition, there is a brief form that is filled out every time slides are borrowed.
Does the Visual Resources Library provide slide carousels and projectors?
Media Services (617.585.0185) supplies slide carousels and projectors (lcd and slide). To borrow and return them, go to the Media Services office on the 4th floor.
What can I do if the Visual Resources Library doesn't have the images I need?
If you are teaching a course such as Architecture and Design History, Design Principles, and/or Freehand Drawing, contact us and we will create or license digital images for upcoming lectures. If you are having difficulty finding 35mm slides in the collection, please leave me a message so I can do a thorough search to determine whether or not we have the images.
When else should I go to Media Services?
Media Services has a copy stand and camera for shooting slides for personal use. You must sign up for a time slot, supply your own film, and arrange and pay for processing. However, these slides are yours and do not become part of the Visual Resources Library.