When searching for images, the Internet is undoubtably the first and sometimes only research resource.  But many open-access digital image collections are part of the deep Web, keeping important visual content out of a search engine's reach.  In recent years, U.S. libraries, archives, and historical societies have created rich online visual resource collections that include a wealth of subjects and media formats.  These vast digital collections created have consequently expanded the definition of a visual resources collection.

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) - Through the IMLS Digital Collections and Content database it is also possible to carry out federated searching across the hundreds of digital collections that received support from IMLS.  http://www.imlsdcc.grainger.uiuc.edu/

Alaska Digital Archives.  Initiated by the Rasmussen Library at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and now joined by many other Alaskan institutions, the Alaska Digital Archives presents more than 5,000 quality digital images of Alaska's heritage in a searchable online database.  http://www.vilda.alaska.edu/index.php/

Calisphere.  Developed by the University of California, Calisphere is a free online collection of more than 150,000 digitized primary materials from all over California. You may search for content by keyword, by browsing the alphabetized subject list and exploring theme collections, such as the Gold Rush Era and World War II.  http://www.calisphere.universityofcalifornia.edu/

A different kind of image system centered on tattoos and scars, known as an "automatic image retrieval system" has recently been developed by a  Michigan State University researcher, Anil Jain, to aid in law enforcement.

Since about 20% of American adults have at least one tattoo -- and this per centage is higher among deliquents - tattoos have been catalogued and entered into a software-based database.  Each tattoo image is liked to the criminal history records of all suspects and convicts who have a tattoo.  Many gangs have a unique membership tattoo and since tattooss are imbedded into the skin, they do not disappear easily, even with a severe burn or decomposition of the body. Though the tattoo alone cannot identify a person, it can help law enforcement narrow down the list. 

Research Helpline is produced monthly by Halpern Info Services.  For more information contact richard@halperninfoservices or fill out the new reply form at "Contact" at www.halperninfoservices.com.