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Section of Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone, 1888
Understanding Image Licenses
The next step after you find an image will vary depending on the license of the image. Here are common categories of image licenses, and what you can do:
- You need to seek permission from the creator of the image to use it, unless your purpose meets the criteria for Fair Use.
- Fair Use
- Fair Use is a user's right that allows you to use copyrighted materials without permission or payment under certain conditions. See: Downloading Images from the Internet box.
- Public Domain
- You are free to use the image for any purpose without permission
- Creative Commons
- More and more materials in popular websites such as Flickr and YouTube are licensed under Creative Commons guidelines. See: Creative Commons
Creative Commons & Public Domain
Public Domain and Creative Commons
A guide (like this one) covering the basics of how to use copyrighted material with a Creative Commons license, and how to use Public Domain materials with no copyright. From Tammy Ravas at University of Montana.
Creative Commons Search
Find images, videos, music, and other media that you can use, modify, and share.
Public Domain Photos
Photos and clip art in the public domain (meaning no copyright - and yes, you still have to cite your source, even those in the public domain).
US Government Photos and Images
Search images from the US Government, which are typically in the Public Domain.
Windward Community College Library