Original art work & its public display by owner on a web site

[clarkjc@xxxxxxx]

Colleagues,

Another library colleague is at a small, private college that 
owns a handful of original paintings. Some are by deceased 
artists, the others by living ones that either do or do not 
still exhibit on their own. None are difficult to contact.

The college wants to display images of these paintings they 
own, on a web site related to their special library 
collections.

At this point, my colleague's inclination is to contact the 
painters, explaining the situation and formally asking 
permission to use their paintings in this way. 

I'm not sure of the legal issue involved that makes this the 
correct move--beyond courtesy--or suggests that the college 
library could go ahead and act without permission if they 
wanted to. 

Your advice would be welcome. I'm sure I'll learn something 
(or be reminded of something I should know!) myself....

Jeff

===========
Jeff Clark
Director
Media Resources MSC 1701
James Madison University
Harrisonburg VA 22807
clarkjc@xxxxxxx (email)
540-568-6770 (phone)
540-568-7037 (fax)