GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HOLDINGS
The New Westminster Public Library’s collection of more than 3200 black and white photographs spans aspects of life in the Royal City since 1858. A wide variety of topics are covered including buildings, houses, fishing, portraits, social life and customs, views from the Fraser River and the waterfront.
SOURCES OF THE PHOTOGRAPHSOur dynamic photograph collection has grown through donations from individuals and businesses including newspapers and photography studios. New donations are always welcome. As an alternative to donation, we can borrow a photograph, copy it and return it to the owner. We also acquire photographs from other institutions such as museums, archives and libraries.
USE OF THE COLLECTION
The photograph collection serves a wide audience. It is a rich academic resource for students, writers, researchers, historians and educators. Our photographs have been used in motion pictures, television shows, print advertisements, commercial calendars, works of art and many other creative endeavours. Any use of our photographs whether in electronic or print format should always include a proper credit (e.g. Photograph courtesy of the New Westminster Public Library). The credit should also include the photographer’s name.
ACCESS TO THE COLLECTION
Heritage Web Site
The photographs, for which we own copyright, are on the Library’s Heritage Web Site. The search tool for the photo database allows you to search by subject. Check off the images box for thumbnail images. Click on thumbnails for larger images. Images are scanned at a high resolution and may be captured from the Web Site. All these digitized on-line photographs may be freely copied with the proviso that proper credit is given to the New Westminster Public Library. Photographs for which we do not own copyright are not online but may be looked at in the Library.In-House
Although the majority of our photographs are available online, to access the entire Historical Photograph Collection users must come into the Library. The in-house search tool is a card catalogue system that is searchable by accession number, subject, date (chronological), name, and photographer.Copyright Issues
Copyrighted materials from such sources as the Vancouver City Archives, Vancouver Public Library, Notman Photographic Archives and the British Columbia Provincial Archives may be looked at in the Library but not copied. The original source must be contacted for reproduction or permission to use the image. The name and accession number of the original source is on the back of the photograph and should be noted for future reference.
OBTAINING COPIES OF NEW WESTMINSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY’S HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS
The Library can arrange to have a photograph copied where no copyright restrictions exist. Have the librarian check the photograph’s source for verification of whether or not it can be copied. When ordering a print specify size (8x10, 5X7) and finish (glossy or matte). Please check with the librarian regarding current cost for prints. The prints are not done in-house and we charge our cost only plus any mailing and postage charges for out-of-town orders. Permission fees are waived. The prices are subject to change.
To order and purchase copies of the photographs, please contact:
New Westminster Public Library
Reference Department,
716 Sixth Avenue,
New Westminster, British Columbia
Canada
V3M 2B3
Telephone: 604-527-4665
E-mail: reference@nwpl.ca
