The 1956 Institute has been operating an Internet photo database since 1998, making it possible for outside users to access and order digitalized photographs from its own and other collections. This development is the third in the database’s history. Initially only the details of the photographs were found. Then the photos themselves appeared and it became possible to research them.

This development involves installing a new framework system in the portal serving the database and introducing a new design. The database has become interactive: comments may be attached to images and the buying process now uses the cart system familiar from elsewhere. Unfortunately full automation has yet to be achieved due to the complicated legal situation with photographs. The price for using them varies by region of utilization, method, and rights situation. Often the terms of use must be negotiated with the rights holder each time. However, the wide range of use for photographs and rapid spread of internet trading in them will hopefully change this situation rapidly and make it possible to download and pay directly.

The old photo-database service will remain accessible for a few months, but it should be remembered that this will no longer provide access to the full database, as new images will not be added to the earlier database based on the old data structure.

Please submit your comments and requests. Such reactions are needed if we are to make the photobase as user-friendly and easily handled as possible.

Budapest, January 6, 2010

Zoltán Lux and Réka Sárközy

The new database can be found at http://www.rev.hu/fotodb