LibGuides: Finding Images: Images & Copyright

Definitions

What is PUBLIC DOMAIN?

Public domain refers to creative works that are not protected by intellectual property laws (copyright, trademark, or patent laws). The public owns these works, not an author or artist. These works may be used by anyone without obtaining permission.

What is COPYRIGHT?

Copyright refers to the legal protection of "original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression." These original works may be published or unpublished. "Works of authorship include literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture." Photographic images and artwork are protected by copyright laws. (U.S. Copyright Office. Copyright in General (FAQ). Retrieved from https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html, 19 December 2016).

What is CREATIVE COMMONS?

A creative commons license designates how creative works may be used by others. The creative commons license is entered into by the author or artist, who selects the protections to be applied to the creative work. The license offers flexibility in making works usable by others, including sharing, remixing, and editing. "About the Licenses" from Creative Commons provides a comprehensive discussion of how licenses are applied and how the creative works may be used.

Copyright in General
FAQs from the U.S. Copyright Office. Brief explanations of what constitutes copyright and the differences between forms of intellectual property protections.
Copyright Terms and the Public Domain in the United States
Very useful chart on copyright and public domain from Cornell University Copyright Information Center.
Creative Commons U.S.
Creative Commons is a form of licensing for intellectual property that provides differing level of use by others.
United States Copyright Office
The U.S. Copyright Office administers the U.S. laws and codes related to copyright.
Welcome to Public Domain
Comprehensive resource for understanding copyright and public domain.

Citing Images/Photographs

Images, diagrams and other artistic works used in assignments must be cited in APA style like any other source. Provide as much information as possible about the image or artistic work, including:

creator's name (author, artist, photographer, illustrator, etc.)
date of creation/publication
title of the work
place of publication
publisher
type of material (for photographs, charts, online images, etc.)
web address and date accessed
name of institution where work is located (for artwork and museum exhibits)
dimensions of the work (for artwork)

Formats

In-text citation:

(Artist's last name, year of publication)

References:

Artist Surname, First Initial. Second Initial. (Year). Title of the artwork [Format]. Retrieved from URL (address of web site)

Tips

Many images on the Internet will not include the artist, title, or year of creation/publication. Try to locate the missing information by clicking on the image. If the information cannot be located use:

[Subject and type of work]. Retrieved from URL (address of web site)