9th March 2007, 12:00 AM
Original manuscript maps like paintings are not covered by 50 year rule anad museums/libraries etc also claim copyright over reproductions. However, I really wouldn't worry about using maps in grey literature just cite the record office as source - showing willing counts. No local government legal dept is going to sue you and its better not to ask record office so they don't actually have a clear policy. They might ban their use just to cover themselves and get back at you for creating extra work. Publishing is an entirely different matter but I have found most record offices waive fees for academic aricles including nationals though i had to pay Belgian national library recently- cost me more transferring the money than the actual fee!! Strictly speaking one should not cite grey literature reports without written permission but what unit director wants to spend their life answering these enquiries all day long. Again with regard to publication it is now wise to get permission for copying illustations even if substantially redrawn or at least show you asked.[8D]