This post was created originally for the “Rise of Graphic Archives” first-year research seminar that I teach…
To explore how images communicate differently and how they operate in a research context, you will contribute an image that you create for each digital reflection. As described in the digital reflection assignment sheet, you will post this image in your reflection and set it as a featured image, so it will appear in our shared visual archive. With each image, you will need to ensure that you have the rights to post the image, as we’ll discuss throughout the class. Consult the following documents about fair use generally, in relation to images, and in relation to archival images:
- NYU Fales Library & Special Collections, policies on image reproductions. Note: most archives will have their own policies about photographing and reproducing materials. They often will allow you to take photos for your own personal research, but you cannot distribute these more widely without further permission.
- Visual Resources Association, “Statement On The Fair Use Of Images For Teaching, Research, And Study.” A detailed and lengthy primer that provides legal background and context.
- “Fair Use Frequently Asked Questions” from Teaching Copyright. A good general primer.
- Fair Use Evaluator from Copyright Advisory Network. An interactive resource to help you determine fair use.
- Nicole Martinez, “Posting an Internet Meme? You May Receive a Getty Letter” from Art Law Journal
These resources may be helpful not only for this assignment, but also for your research project in general. If you come across additional resources to share on this topic, let me know.
Some ideas and resources for image creation
The following is far from an exhaustive list, but is meant to illustrate a range of engaged visual responses that you might create that will allow you to conceptualize your ideas in different media. The following visual examples are all my own creations. Feel free to share ideas, examples, and resources for this list.
1. A screenshot or photo of your annotations of a particular text. Or your notes from a particular archival encounter.
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- Marginalia on Kate Eichhorn’s The Archival Turn in Feminism (2013)
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- Notes from a talk by Brewster Kahle of the Internet Archive, 4/20/15
2. A screenshot or photo of your research process or of items associated with your research.
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- Alison Bechdel’s semi-processed papers, Smith College
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- Collection of queer and women’s comics
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- Periodicals room, Lesbian Herstory Archives
3. A multimedia interpretation through the use of tools like Pixlr Express, Bitstrips, online meme generators, etc.
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- Meme riffing on Pat Benatar’s “Love Is a Battlefield” (1983)
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- Bitstrips take on Jacques Derrida’s Archive Fever (1994)
