This document discusses using images in academic work. It notes that images can add appeal, emotional impact, communicate information concisely, and illustrate concepts. Sources of images discussed include libraries, open access sites like Wikimedia Commons, and image databases. Issues of image quality, copyright, and proper citation are also covered.

1. Using Images in Academic Work
LBRY 3020
3/7/13
Jennifer Mayer

2. Overview
• Why use images in your work?
• Sources for images
• Issues and challenges of image use
• Different ways to use images

3. Why use images in your work?
• People are increasingly visual
• Research: picture superiority effect (Paivio, 1990;
Kosslyn, 1981; Nelson, 1979)
• Text + images = learning. Pick your theory:
– Dual code processing
– Left brain/right brain
– Multiple intelligences
– Preferred learning styles
– Cognitive load theory

4. Images may be used to . . .
• Add appeal
• Add emotional impact
• Communicate information concisely
• Illustrate a concept
• Promote critical thinking

5. Adding visual appeal
vs.

6. Adding emotion
President Clinton pauses at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington, Monday, May 31, 1993, after giving a Memorial Day
Speech at the Wall. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

7. Condense Information

8. http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Wyoming/Publications/
Livestock,_Dairy,_Poultry/late-sheep.pdf

9. Source: Wyoming Agriculture Statistics, 2006

11. Communicate information concisely
• Flowcharts
• Illustrations
• Maps
Information design:
Tufte (1983, 1991, 1997, 2006)

12. Text as a “picture”
Robinson, D.H., Robinson, S.L., & Katayama, A.D. (1999). When words
are represented in memory like pictures: evidence for spatial
encoding of study materials. Contemporary Educational
Psychology, 24, 38-54.

13. Illustrate a concept
Dorito Polyhedron, Tim Hawkinson, 1991, ARTstor

14. Other ways to illustrate concepts:
• Flow charts
• Diagrams
• Charts
• Animations
• Photographs

15. ENIAC computer 1/1/46, University of Pennsylvania, AP
Images

16. Media Literacy
BMW magazine advertisement, 2008-2009

17. Artistic or Creative Images
Greek, Pair of Eyes, 5th Century B.C., Bronze, marble, frit, quartz, obsidian.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, ARTstor.

18. Sources for Images

19. http://www-lib.uwyo.edu
Subject listImages

20. UW Libraries Image
Databases
• AP Images
• ARTstor
• Ebsco Images

21. Open access sites
• Wikimedia
Commonshttp://commons.wikimedia.org
• Flickrhttp://www.flickr.com/creativecommo
ns/
• Digital collections, Wyoming-related
http://digital.uwyo.edu/
• Boston U. Library images on the web:
http://www.bu.edu/library/instruction/findi
mages/

22. Issues and Challenges
• Quality, features
• Copyright
http://www.bu.edu/library/instruction/findimag
es/copyright.html
• Citing images
http://www.libraries.uc.edu/libraries/daap/reso
urces/visualresources/how_to/cite_image.html

23. References
• Lohr, Linda L. Creating Graphics for Learning and
Performance, 2003.
• Mayer, Jennifer and Cheryl Goldenstein. “Academic
Libraries Supporting Visual Culture: A Survey of Image
Access and Use.” Art Documentation 28.1 (Spring 2009):
16-28.
• Tufte, Edward R. Beautiful Evidence. Cheshire, Conn:
Graphics Press, 2006. Print.