NIH Fellows Handbook

Visual Art Services

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The Medical Arts and Photography Branch (MAPB) is the mandatory NIH source for obtaining visual art services. The MAPB is a central service organization that provides a wide variety of visual communication services including consultation, collaboration and technical advice to the NIH community. The branch is centrally located in Building 10, Rooms B2L103 through B2L328. The MAPB products and services visually document scientific data, research programs, events and accomplishments for use in publications, exhibits and presentations to the worldwide scientific community.

The MAPB is divided into the Design, Medical Illustration, Photography, Video and Visual Arts Sections. MAPB staff consists of professional artists, photographers, and audio-visual specialists who combine their talent and expertise with the needs of scientists for graphic presentations, medical illustration, photography, and video productions.

Qualified staff members are available for consultation concerning client projects.

Services Offered

  • Design and production of publications
  • Preparation of slides, viewgraphs and other projected visual aids
  • Exhibit design and production.
  • Poster design
  • Statistical drafting
  • Display charts
  • Illustration prepared for printing or for conversion to color or black and white slides and overhead projectables
  • Video recording
  • Script writing
  • General graphic production, including:
    • Tables and formulae presentations
    • Medical illustrations
    • Specialized surgical, pathological, ophthalmologic, biological and dental illustrations photographic services

Step-By-Step Procedures for Obtaining Medical Arts and Photography Branch (MAPB) Services

  • Obtain SSFAS Number

    To use MAPB services a valid SSFAS number, i.e., either a one time use number or a universal "X" number, must be obtained from your administrative officer (AO). Be sure the appropriate service activities within MAPB have been approved. (Suggestion: It would be helpful, when trying to track funds for projects, that a different universal standing number be assigned for each project.)

  • Gather Materials

    Good communication between users and MAPB personnel can prevent delays and ensure high quality end products. Provide clean, neat copy along with all the information needed to complete your job. For all jobs on computer disks, please provide a paper print-out of the computer files, in addition, identify the software used, how many files are on the disk, etc. Keep copies of all submitted material in case questions arise later.

  • Tell the MAPB staff "everything" about your job. No information is trivial.

    Please make sure that whoever brings your job to MAPB, knows what you expect as the finished product. Specialists are available in each of the sections for assistance. The specialist will go over the job with you and provide advice on the best method of presentation or preparation. In addition, each area has specific samples on display. Estimates are provided upon request.

  • Work Progress

    MAPB hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. For your convenience, the Visual Arts Section opens at 8:00 a.m.

    To avoid paying rush charges, check with each section concerning turnaround time requirements. Also ask for ways on how you can get your end product, when you need it, at the lowest possible price.

  • Proofing

    When a due date is requested, it is highly recommended that time for proofing be allowed. In order that your job can be completed on time, always respond promptly to a proofing call or faxed request. Negatives are not automatically provided, if you need negatives you MUST request them. With today's new technologies, negatives are not always necessary to complete your photographic needs.

  • Changes

    If completed artwork is returned for changes -- either because changes were made after proofing or an inaccuracy was not found during proofing -- you will be charged for these changes.

  • Completion

    Completed work can be picked up between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. in the Photography, Design, and Video Sections. The Visual Arts Section is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

  • To request services or further information

    Contact the Medical Arts and Photography Branch (MAPB), Building 10, Room B2L316. 301-496-2868. Requests for all MAPB services must include SSFAS number. See your administrative officer for the number.




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Page last revised on September 8, 2008 (sva)