Copyright, Fair Use, Public Domain, and Creative Commons
“Copyright Icon.” Pixabay.com, Openicons, pixabay.com/en/copyright-icon-license-intellectual-98570/CC0
When creating your research reports and projects, there may be images, audio, videos, and information that you find that you want to use in your work. In order to be digitally responsible citizens, you will need to make sure that you reproduce images and information properly. Copyrighted material is protected by law. It is someone's created work, whether in film, print, or music, and it is up to the creator to decide who may or may not use it and how they may do so. Watch and read the tabs below to find out more about copyright, fair use, public domain, and creative commons.
“What Is Copyright.” Copyrightkids.org, The Copyright Society of the U.S.A., www.copyrightkids.org/whatcopyframes.htm.
“Copyright Basics.” Copyrightkids.org, The Copyright Society of the U.S.A., www.copyrightkids.org/whatcopyframes.htm.
Copyright and Fair Use
Copyrighted material is protected and you must ask for permission to use it. Fair use allows use of some copyrighted material, but only under certain, strict conditions:
Watch the video below to learn more about copyright and fair use.
“Copyright and Fair Use Animation.” YouTube, Common Sense Education, 5 Sept. 2014, youtu.be/suMza6Q8J08.
- school/education
- news reporting
- criticizing or commenting
- comedy or parody
Watch the video below to learn more about copyright and fair use.
“Copyright and Fair Use Animation.” YouTube, Common Sense Education, 5 Sept. 2014, youtu.be/suMza6Q8J08.
“Copyright and Fair Use Animation.” YouTube, Common Sense Education, 5 Sept. 2014, youtu.be/suMza6Q8J08.
Creative Commons (CC)and Public Domain(PD)
If work is labeled as Public Domain it can be freely used by anyone. Works that were published before 1923 fall under the heading of Public Domain. Public Domain works are indicated by the letters PD.
Creative Commons material is more current work that the creator has given permission for others to use. When searching for images, music, or information, try typing in Creative Commons or Public Domain and what you are looking for in the search bar to look for things that are not off limits with a copyright. There are sometimes certain restrictions with creative commons licenses, like the author may want you to give them credit, so read carefully to make sure you use the work as the creator has intended.
Watch the video below for more details on creative commons and public domain.
Creative Commons material is more current work that the creator has given permission for others to use. When searching for images, music, or information, try typing in Creative Commons or Public Domain and what you are looking for in the search bar to look for things that are not off limits with a copyright. There are sometimes certain restrictions with creative commons licenses, like the author may want you to give them credit, so read carefully to make sure you use the work as the creator has intended.
Watch the video below for more details on creative commons and public domain.
“C3, Help! I Need Something Finding Creative Work with Almost No Restrictions Public Domain.” YouTube, I Keep Safe, 7 Apr. 2016, youtu.be/-2mtXzxJ3gc.
If something you want to use is not public domain, creative commons, or available under fair use, you can reach out to the creator using the permission request form below and ask them to allow you to use their work.
Use the organizer below to help you keep track of things you may need to use in your research project.
One-Stop Shopping for Creative Commons Resources
By clicking on the button below, you can search for all sorts of media that is free for you to use. Click on what you plan to use the resources for (commercial use, or modify, use, and build on) and what sort of media you are looking for. Type what you are looking for into the search box and Creative Commons will bring up resources that you are free to use for your project.
Creative Commons and Public Domain Resources
If you are looking for pictures to add to your report, here are some kid-friendly websites. Use the search bar to look for images that are licensed by Creative Commons for public use that you need for your project. Click on the button marked Creative Commons to search for all types of media that is not copyrighted. Make sure to check the labels, as some creators will have certain restrictions like giving them credit or not altering the original work etc.