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About This Page
This page highlights some of the Library's image databases and other sources for finding images.
Image Sources
- ARTstorThis digital image library contains over 2.5 million images with viewing tools (such as side by side comparison) and searchable descriptive data. Users are invited to register to enable ability to build personal work folders.
Images in these sources can be used for viewing or including in course assignments.
- National Gallery of CanadaThis public database contains artwork images and provenance research for items held within the collection.
- Library and Archives Canada: ArtThis resource offers links to databases, electronic collections, research aids, and virtual exhibitions for Canadian documentary art.
- Library and Archives Canada: PhotographyThis resource offers links to databases, electronic collections, reference site, research aids, and virtual exhibitions for Canadian Photography.
- Virtual MuseumManaged by the Canadian Museum of History, the Virtual Museum showcases digital exhibits by Canadian cultural institutions. Includes images of museum artifacts, photographs, and artworks.
- ArtcyclopediaIndex to images from over 2,100 museum Web sites and online image archives.
- EuropeanaInternational database of books, music and artworks from thousands of European archives, libraries and museums.
- Hirshhorn Artist DiariesA living archive of contemporary international artists recording their art-making practices and views during the pandemic
- Flickr - The British LibraryOver a million public domain illustrations and other images that can be reused, remixed or repurposed.
Online Image Collection Course
Online Image Collection Course
Learn how to search for images and use online image collections like ARTstor from the Library's Online Image Collection course.
Introduction to ARTstor
- Artstor research guideIn this research guide, participants will find out how to use ARTstor images in instruction, handouts, presentations, publications and other educational and scholarly activities.
Local Historical Images
- Waterloo Digital LibraryThe Waterloo Digital Library is an online repository used to share select records from Special Collections & Archives at the University of Waterloo Library. A number of local, historical images can be found on this repository. Check "Usage Rights" for information about Copyright.
Sources for Images in the Public Domain or with Creative Commons Permissions
- Flickr CommonsPhotograph collections with "no known copyright restrictions"
- PexelsPublic domain stock photos and videos shared by creators.
- Work can be modified and used for commercial purposes.
- Attribution is not required, but always appreciated.
- Identifiable people may not appear in a bad light or way that is offensive.
- Unaltered copies may not be sold.