Communicating Astronomy with the Public 2005
Ian Robson, Lars Lindberg Christensen (eds.)
Pages
252-257
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Life after Press: The Role of the Picture Library in Communicating Astronomy to the Public
Abstract:
Science communication is increasingly led by the image, providing opportunities for 'visual' disciplines such as astronomy to receive greater public exposure. In consequence, there is a huge demand for good and exciting images within the publishing media. The picture library is a conduit linking image makers of all kinds to image buyers of all kinds. The image maker benefits from the exposure of their pictures to the people who want to use them, with minimal time investment, and with the safeguards of effective rights management. The image buyer benefits from a wide choice of images available from a single point of contact, stored in a database that offers a choice between subject-based and conceptual searches. By forming this link between astronomer, professional or amateur, and the publishing media, the picture library helps to make the wonders of astronomy visible to a wider public audience.