LibGuides: Copyright: Using Images, the Internet, and More

Using Digital Media

Unfortunately, searching for content on Google and then copying and pasting images doesn't work! Since an image is an entire work, fair use doesn't apply. Sandra Paetkau (2019) has created a helpful video that explains the ins and outs of using digital media in the video below.

Paetkau, S. (2019, June 17). Digital Media Copyright Compliance [Video]. YouTube.

Best Practice: Linking

Creating an OER or presentation for class? Looking to use a youtube video in a presentation that doesn't have an open licence but not sure if Fair Dealing will apply? The safest way to minimize inadvertent copyright infringement is to link to the content you want to use.

Finding Open Licences

Pixabay
Pixabay.com is a website for sharing photos, illustrations, vector graphics, film footage and music, exclusively under the custom Pixabay license, which generally allows the free use of the material with some restrictions.
Creative Commons
Creative Commons is an American non-profit organization and international network devoted to educational access and expanding the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally and to share.
FreeSound
Freesound is a collaborative repository of CC licensed audio samples, and non-profit organisation, with more than 500,000 sounds and effects, and 8 million registered users.
Library of Congress
This page features items from the Library's digital collections that are free to use and reuse. The Library believes that this content is either in the public domain, has no known copyright, or has been cleared by the copyright owner for public use.
ccMixter
ccMixter is a produsage community music site that promotes remix culture and makes samples, remixes, and a cappella tracks licensed under Creative Commons available for download and re-use in creative works.
Unsplash
Unsplash grants you an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide copyright license to download, copy, modify, distribute, perform, and use photos from Unsplash for free, including for commercial purposes, without permission from or attributing the photographer or Unsplash.

For open access and open educational resources, see our "Open Access resources" guide!

Opening Up Copyright. (2019, October 9). Finding Open and Creative Content [Video]. YouTube.