WHY IS COPYRIGHT IMPORTANT?

Creativity is essential for civilizations to thrive, and protecting the rights of creators provides a safer environment for developing and expressing new ideas. Copyright laws allow you to create freely and know that your work is automatically protected, from the moment it is created, against unauthorized use. [Learn more at the Library of Congress or download and read the Copyright Basics PDF link below.]

WHAT ABOUT FAIR USE?

The simplest way to know it is okay to use someone's work is to ask them for permission. However, there are times when you may use someone else's work without seeking their permission. Items you find on government websites and that are in the public domain are two common examples. In some circumstances you may also be able to legally use copyrighted material without the copyright holder's permission, as long as the way you use it meets fair use guidelines. However, many people misunderstand what constitutes fair use, so be careful. [See the links below for documents on best practices in fair use and to access an American Library Association online tool that helps you determine if a work is protected by copyright.]

HOW CAN CREATIVE COMMONS HELP YOU?

Sometimes creators want to allow other creative people like you to use their work without having to seek their permission. Creative Commons provides an easy way for creators to let others know how their work can be used. Learn more about how Creative Commons licenses work, read FAQs about Creative Commons, or search for images, music and videos with Creative Commons licenses by visiting its website and by watching the linked videos below. Be sure to follow the permitted uses as indicated by the Creative Commons license!

RESOURCES AND LINKS

VIDEO: Copyright Basics [6:20] 
This animated film produced by Copyright Clearance Center provides a crash course in U.S. copyright law with Jim T. Librarian, as he explains how to share copyrighted material while still respecting the rights of content creators.

VIDEO: Get Creative [6:37] This short film covers the basics of why Creative Commons was formed, what they do, and how they do it. 

 
VIDEO: Wanna Work Together [3:36]  This video explains in practical details how creators expose, share, and remix their works using Creative Commons' free public licenses.

VIDEO: Building on the Past [2:00]  The winner of Creative Commons' Moving Images Contest, Justin Cone created a short, succint "commercial" that demonstrates what Creative Commons is, and how it works.

VIDEO: Music Sampling Examples [2:53] This short video on YouTube illustrates what music sampling is by providing a few examples of old songs being sampled into new songs.

WEBSITE: Search for Photos, Videos & Music [Creative Commons Licenses]   IMPORTANT: Creative Commons does not guarantee that every result shown is licensed under CC. Make sure the item you select is appropriate for your use!

WEBSITE: Find Creative Commons Music on Jamendo
[NOTE: If you are using music in a video for television or the Internet a licensing fee may apply. Be sure to check the Creative Commons license for approved uses BEFORE including it in your project!]

WEBSITE: Creative Commons Licenses
[click on the image below to visit Creative Commons licenses webpage ]

WEBSITE: Excellent Overview of Copyright Basics from the Copyright Clearance Center
[click on the image below to visit webpage ]

DOCUMENT (educators): Creative Commons: A New Tool for Schools,   by Howard Pitler
[click on the image below to open or download a PDF] 

DOCUMENTS: Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Online Video,  Best Practices in Fair Use, and Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education
[click on the images below to open or download a PDF]

DOCUMENT: Copyright Basics
[click on the image below to open or download a PDF]

DOCUMENT: RETN's "The Five Ws of Copyright" Handout
[click on the image below to open or download a PDF]

WEBSITE: Is it Protected by Copyright? – Digital Slider Tool - CC Michael Brewer & ALA Office for Information Technology Policy
[click on the image below to go to ALA's Digital Slider Tool] 

WEBSITE: Fair Use Evaluator – CC Michael Brewer & ALA Office for Information Technology Policy
[click on the image below to go to ALA's Fair-Use Tool] 

WEBSITE: Purdue University Fair Use Guide
[click on the image below to go to a guide for fair use produced by Purdue University.] 

WEBSITE: Experts Share Top 5 Examples of Videos They Think Fall Under Fair Use
[click on the image below to go to the Center for Social Media's website.] 

WEBSITE: Copyright Infringement and Remedies
[click on the image below to go to the U.S. Government's Copyright website and read the remedies available to copyright holders.]