Visual resources
Discover, access, and use high-quality images in a variety of academic and creative contexts. Use the resources below to explore SCAD's vast collection of imagery and learn how to evaluate and apply images effectively in your work.
Find visual materials
Visual resources A-Z database list
Browse the complete list of image, video, and multimedia databases available through the SCAD Libraries.
SCAD Libraries digital collections
Access digitized rare materials, artist books, archival collections, special collections, and student theses in an interactive viewer.
SCAD digital image database
Search more than 180,000 images from the SCAD Libraries collection. Browse by category, period, medium, and more.
Learn to evaluate and interpret visual media
Build skills in evaluating and interpreting visual media through workshops and detailed library guides.
Watch: Visual literacy workshops
These workshop recordings break down key visual literacy concepts including how images communicate, how meaning is shaped by context, and how to analyze visuals with intention. These workshops are a practical starting point for anyone working with visual material in teaching, research, or creative practice.
Apply and expand your skills
Use these library guides to put visual literacy into practice. These resources expand the concepts introduced in our workshops and offer step-by-step guidance for conducting research, navigating copyright and intellectual property, and teaching with visual media.
Research support
Finding and using images
Learn how to locate high-quality images, understand usage rights, and properly attribute visual sources in academic and creative work.
Research for design assignments
Explore research methods tailored to creative and design disciplines, with an emphasis on visual sources, precedent research, and inspiration versus appropriation.
Research for academic assignments
See a step-by-step introduction to academic research, from developing a research question to finding, evaluating, and citing sources.
Intellectual property for creative careers
Find information about copyright, image rights, and intellectual property considerations for creative professionals.
Teaching support
What is visual literacy?
Explore foundational visual literacy concepts, vocabulary, and learning frameworks to help you define and teach visual analysis skills across disciplines.
Explore visual literacy resources
Copyright and the classroom
View guidance on fair use, licensing, and best practices for sharing visual media in teaching, course materials, and presentations.
Teaching with visual media
Find practical strategies for incorporating images, film, and visual materials into coursework, including assignment ideas and discussion prompts.
Book visual literacy instruction
Faculty may request instruction sessions in visual literacy for their classes. Sessions are an opportunity for students to learn more about finding high-quality images, understanding usage rights, and properly attributing visual sources in their work.
Schedule a research consultation
Schedule a personal, in-depth research consultation with a librarian to get additional help with visual media and more. Consultations are available to all current SCAD students, staff, faculty, and alumni.