Help

• Who may use the IOM Image Library?
• How can I search the Image Library?
• What is a lightbox?
• How do I create/ select a lightbox?
• How do I use a lightbox?
• How can I request an Image?

Who may use the IOM Image Library?

The Image Library is open to all who support IOM's policy,and adhere to its terms and conditions. In particular, IOM encourages the use of its images by the media, government, international and non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions.

How can I search the Image Library?

IOM's images have been divided into two catalogues. The Historical Archive contains all images taken prior to 1989. The Modern Catalogue contains all images from 1989 to today.

Please select the desired catalogue by clicking one of the labeled buttons situated on the Welcome Page. This will take you to the corresponding Search Page where images maybe searched with different criteria.

The IOM Image Library can be searched by Category, Country, Region, Year, Programme/Operation, Destination Country, Image Number, Photographer and Keyword.

You can refine a search by selecting more than one criterion. For example, selecting "Angola" and "1997" will only display images taken in Angola during that year.

Only countries and years with existing data are listed in the drop down menus.

A maximum number of two categories may be selected at one time.

Image(s) that match the search criteria will be displayed as thumbnails on a search results page. Image(s) may then either be stored directly to a lightbox by clicking "Add to lightbox" or viewed more closely by clicking on the thumbnail to link to a larger, low-resolution copy.

Clicking the "Details" button under each thumbnail will also link to a larger, low-resolution copy of an image and its relevant details.

What is a lightbox?

A lightbox is a storage container that remembers selected images. As a user, you can add image(s) to a lightbox, remove them, and request authorization for the use of the whole lightbox content from the IOM Image Library.

A lightbox is designed to help you keep track of the image(s) you would like to obtain. When an image is found, you can save it to one or more lightboxe(s), and continue searching.

How do I create/select a lightbox?

First you must create a light box. To do so,  click the "Lightboxes"  (A) section on the Main Top Menu and either select an existing lightbox or create a new one.

Another way to create or select a light box, is to go to the bottom of the Results Page (B) and chose to create or select a lightbox.
If you chose to create one, a pop-up window appears in which you input the name of your new lightbox.

How do I use a lightbox?

Simply click the "Add to Lightbox" option situated under each thumbnail result. Note that you must first select a lightbox. A lightbox is automatically saved for 90 days and will be accessible the next time a user logs on to the IOM Image Library if the browser supports cookies. A maximum of 10 images may be stored in each lightbox, yet the number of lightboxes a user can create is limitless.

How can I request an image?

After the images have been selected in a lightbox, you must click on the "Request" button, which will bring up a form which you have to complete.
Make sure that you complete all fields in clear and comprehensive manner. This saves you and us time as we don't have to seek clarification. When completed press "Send Request." This will send your request to the Image Library. A copy is also sent to your e-mail address.

For additional queries please contact the IOM Image Library