Information Access versus Document Supply: The International Visual Arts Information Network Project

Image content opens up exciting possibilities for stand‐alone media,distributed networks, on‐line networks and on‐site publishing from information systems for use by the general public, for research,collection management, education and distance learning. These developments coincide and overlap with widespread new questioning and thinking as to the role of museums in relation to their diverse publics and also have many parallels in the library world. They raise difficult questions about intellectual property rights – copyright protection, fair remuneration and complex questions concerning moral rights. Clearly international co‐operation, working partnerships and consortia are going to gain further importance and significance.