This guide is intended for the researcher who needs to locate visual materials-- from reproductions of artworks to photographic images of just about anything imaginable. The Library has tens of millions of images of artwork, people, non-human beings and life-forms (microbes, plants, animals, extraterrestrials, etc.) events, and phenomena spanning all periods, styles, and cultures. These images can be found in books, exhibition catalogs, periodicals, and other print materials in addition to electronic resources and the Internet. 

Before you begin your search, make sure you have a good idea of exactly what you're looking for. For example, must the picture be in color? If so, newer is better! All color reproductions change rather rapidly with age. It is uncommon to find an image in a book published as recently as the 1970s that has not undergone some fading or mutation.