Different kinds of pictorial databases are described with respect to aims, user groups, search possibilities, storage, and distribution. Some specific examples are given for databases used for the following purposes: (1) labor markets for artists; (2) document management; (3) telling a story; (4) preservation (archives and museums); (5) research; (6) spreading general information; (7) spreading topical information; (8) spreading specialized information; (9) document handling; (10) providing information on products and services; (11) information on museums and exhibits; (12) remote communication; (13) personnel files; (14) presentations; (15) producing documents; (16) producing educational materials; (17) multimedia production; (18) print media production; (19) television production; (20) creating personalized products; (21) use by students; (22) sales; (23) control of publication rights; and (24) videotext information. One figure provides an example of information stored. (SLD)