From a question to a usable result

Find and reuse a heritage document

Move from an image or title to an identified record, edition, file and rights statement.

Published 1 October 2026Illustrative examples

Editorial responsibility : Alexis R.

Prepare the task

Discovery and reuse are separate stages. A search title does not replace the holding institution’s item record.

1
Search variants
Try known names and spellings, then period or place. Preserve uncertainty instead of assigning an unsupported date.
2
Read the record
Compare author, edition, institution and reference code. Reproductions of one object can have different files or descriptions.
3
Prepare reuse
Read the rights for the particular object and file. Keep attribution, record link and conditions, and choose resolution appropriate to the task.

An example to adapt

An engraving appears in two books: cite the reproduction actually examined and separate the artwork date from the edition date.

The directory records identify publishers and link to their official services. Choose by task; inclusion does not guarantee an outcome.

Task, resource and verification
Task	Resource	Check
Find a digitised edition	Gallica	Read the record and edition date.
Explore contributing institutions	Europeana	Return to the holding record and rights.
Find a collection and reference code	Archives nationales	Check provenance and access conditions.

Use these fields in your own notes. This page does not collect your documents or personal details.

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Before drawing a conclusion

If file rights remain unclear, ask the institution before a reuse that requires permission.

Is a downloadable image free to reuse?

Technical download availability does not establish reuse rights.

Which date should I cite?

Separate creation, edition and digitisation according to the reference being described.