Copyright resources

A Creative Commons (CC) license is a flexible type of copyright license that facilitates free, accessible, and proactive reuse and remixing of otherwise copyrighted works. Using CC licenses empowers authors to freely distribute their work as they see fit. Works with CC licenses empower information consumers to use, share, and build upon existing works without the hassle of tracking down copyright permission or paying copyright usage fees. Visit the Creative Commons website to learn more about Creative Commons and explore each type of license.

	Attribution: You can alter, transform, or build upon this work. You can distribute the resulting work under any license, and may even use it for commercial purposes.
	Attribution-NoDerivs: You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
	Attribution-ShareAlike: If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may distribute the resulting work only under the same or similar license to this one.
	Attribution-NonCommercial: You may not use this work for commercial purposes.
	Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs: You may not use this work for commercial purposes; you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.
	Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike: You may not use this work for commercial purposes; if you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may distribute the resulting work only under the same or similar license to this one.

Learn how to attribute works you reuse under a Creative Commons license with New Media Right's best practices guide.

An image posted on the Internet is free to use, no citation or attribution needed, right? Not so fast! Images are copyrighted works, and to be an ethical information consumer you need to cite your information (image) source. Depending on the purpose of your use of the image, you may also need to secure permission before using the image. (If you're creating an OER, for example.) To avoid the messy world of online images and copyright, consider using an image with a Creative Commons license. 

Select the image above (Source: Comosa Connect) to access an interactive graphic that provides you with a wealth of links to Creative Commons-friendly sources. Additional sources that curate Creative Commons images include:

Royalty-free, public domain, Creative Commons - they're not the same, but what are the differences? And can you legally use these images when you publish something?

• Royalty-free: Each website has a different content usage license; be sure to use the images according to the license.
• Public domain: These images have no copyright restrictions. Use, adapt, and share with no restrictions.
• Creative Commons: Images are free to use within the stated restrictions (e.g., non-commercial, attribution required).