Allowing Use of My Images, but Still Retaining Some Control and Rights

[ntrexel]

I've recently been hired to create a library of images for use in a university's music department. They'd like to be able to use the images however they want, with the focus being brochures, web sites and attractive posters. I want to keep full ownership of my images (I do know they are mine by default) as I will likely use them later in promotion/sales. Is there a legal way to do this? Can I allow them to use the images and not alter them in any way? Should I be digitally watermarking them? Is there a way for me to keep full rights/ownership while still letting them use the images within certain parameters?

I don't know the proper questions to ask, except, how should I proceed? What terms should I know? What should I make sure they know? I live in Nebraska, if that is relevant. I just want to know where I start in accomplishing this. I am a photographer, not a lawyer - and I haven't done this before.

Thanks a million for any tips or guidelines anyone can provide. I was advised to speak with a lawyer, and...I don't know any lawyers, and sure as heck don't have money to pay any!

[Mr. Knowitall]

You need a licensing agreement that spells out what rights you're assigning and what rights you're retaining. Try to find some websites that do things similar to what you intend to do, and check out their terms of service. You may be able to figure out from that how to draw up a contract.