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| Finding Creative Commons Materials |
What is Copyright?
Copyright is the legal protection given to authors/creators by the government. It means that original works (including written works, music, images, and videos) cannot be copied, distributed, performed, displayed or modified without the the creators permission.
What is Fair Use?
Fair Use is a series of provisions that allow a small part or significantly modified version of a copyrighted to be legally used, under certain circumstances. This is a gray area and a changing legal landscape. It's also complicated, so whenever possible it is easier to use works in the creative commons or public domain.
If you are interested in learning more about fair use, check out the Fair Use Checklist, from Cornell University's Copyright Information Center.
What is the Creative Commons?
The Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that promotes creative reuse by allowing creators to KEEP some copyright rights and GIVE AWAY other copyright protections.
What does this mean for students looking for use other's images in their class projects? It means you can go to the Creative Commons to find works that you can use or adapt without prior permission from the copyright holder.
What is the Public Domain?
The Public Domain is where works go when they are no longer covered by copyright. Generally, this includes things that are very old (think before 1923). Figuring out which old things are in the public domain is complicated--ask a librarian for help if you have a question on this. If you're interested in learning more, check out this resource on the Public Domain from Cornell University's Copyright Information Office.
What's HitRECord?
hitRECord is an online remixing community where you can reuse other artist's works (with attribution), and others can modify and adapt your works. Find inspiration and a variety of media forms.
Free images to use, simply make sure to give credit to the photographer.
Free stock photos.