Creative Commons

Often when creating works with (and for) our students we may decide to publish them on sites such as tar heel reader or as an ebook on the iPad. When selecting images for any books we create it is important to select images that are licenced under creative commons to make sure that we are not breaking copyright. But what exactly is creative commons? how do you find photos that are licensed in this way? and what are the differences between each of the licences?



What is a creative commons licence?

Creative Commons licences are simple copyright licences that allow creators of content to decide which rights they reserve and which rights they waive for the benefit of other users. Creative Commons licences don't replace copyright, but they do mean that you may have more flexibility when working with and republishing specific pieces of content.



How do I find works licenced under creative commons?

If you go to 'advanced search' within flickr you are able to specify that you only want to search for images that are licensed under creative commons. Many other photo sharing websites also do the same thing, you just need to look around. Unfortunately  google images doesn't specify the licensing of the images they find.



What do the different creative commons licences mean?

 You can do anything with the photos, but you must credit the original author.

  You can copy, edit and distribute the photos as long as you do not make money from them in any way. 

  You can copy the photos to use in your own works, but you cannot edit them in any way.

  You may copy and edit the photos however you like, as long as your new images are then  also liscenced under the same type of creative commons liscence. 

   You can copy the photos to put in your own work, but you must not edit them or make any money from them.