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ELC1011 - Practical English for University Studies

Resources beyond the Library

While preparing the Digital Documentary, you may need to use images, videos, or music. These are all creative works protected by copyright. 

To avoid any copyright infringement issues, you may either seek permission to reuse the copyrighted content or consider using open-source resources in your work.

This page introduces you to some open-source and Creative Commons (CC) resources.

 


The Creative Commons (CC) Licenses

CC licenses are a set of public copyright licenses. In general, CC resources can be freely reused on conditions of creators' choice and should be properly attributed

It means that:

  • You do not need to ask permission to reuse these creative works.
  • You just need to follow the CC license terms and conditions and assure that the source is properly acknowledged.
  • All CC licenses (except the Public Domain materials) require attribution.

Creative Commons Symbols

Content Creators attach their CC licenses to their works. These terms and symbols describe permitted uses:

BY -
Attribution

NC -
Noncommercial uses

SA -
Share alike

ND -
No derivative uses
CC0 -
Public Domain
Credit (Attribution) must be given to the creator Only non-commercial uses of the work are permitted Adaptations (modified version) must be shared under the same license as the original No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted Reuse in any medium or format, with no conditions

Creative Commons License Types

There are types of CC licenses the content creators can attach to their works with a spectrum of choices between retaining all rights and relinquishing all rights (public domain).
 

Below is a brief introduction to six CC license types:

  Credit (Attribution) must be given to the creator

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

  Credit (Attribution) must be given must be given to the creator

  Adaptations (modified version) must be shared under the same license as the original

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ 

  Credit (Attribution) must be given must be given to the creator

  Only non-commercial uses of the work are permitted

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ 

  Credit (Attribution) must be given must be given to the creator

  Only non-commercial uses of the work are permitted

  Adaptations (modified version) must be shared under the same license as the original

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ 

  Credit (Attribution) must be given must be given to the creator

  No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ 

  Credit (Attribution) must be given must be given to the creator

  Only non-commercial uses of the work are permitted

  No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 

The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication 

CC0 (aka CC Zero) is a public dedication tool, which allows others to reuse in any medium or format, with no conditions.

 

Remarks:

You can click HERE to check out the official CC website for more information about CC licenses.


Library Tips for giving attribution to CC images

All CC licenses except public domain materials require giving credit (attribution) to the creator.

 

A good attribution includes the following information:

  1. Title: "U.S. Consulate-General Celebrates Same-sex Marriage Legalization Pride"
  2. Creator: "Can Pac Swire" -  with a link to their profile page (If any)
  3. Source: "U.S. Consulate-General Celebrates Same-sex Marriage Legalization Pride" - with a link to the original content page (If any)
  4. License: "CC BY-NC 2.0" -with link to the license deed
     
Here is an example of the figure note for a CC BY-NC image in APA style
(with all attribution information required by CC Licence)
:

Note. From U.S. Consulate-General Celebrates Same-sex Marriage Legalization Pride [Photograph], by Can Pac Swire, 2015, Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18378305@N00/19022913698). CC BY-NC 2.0.

 

Library Tips for Images Searching

Royalty Free (RF) image generally requests for a one-time fee that enables you to reuse the images for unlimited times. Some RF materials may be used without the need to pay.

So, you need to check the license terms carefully.

You can find CC images on Google and many other image platforms. Some platforms will provide more detailed license information. Here is an example.

Google Image Other Images Platforms, e.g. Openverse
Largest and most popular image search Less sources
Quick and Easy More unique functions

A relatively brief image and license information

E.g. Usage Rights Filter on Google Image:
All/ Creative Commons licenses/ Commercial & other licenses

A more comprehensive image and license information

E.g. License or Public Domain filters on Openverse:
CC0/ Public Domain Mark/ BY/ BY-SA/ BY-NC/ BY-ND/ BY-NC-SA/ BY-NC-ND


Open Sources & Creative Commons Resources

The below platforms are the good places to find open sources & CC images, videos, music & audios materials for your assignment. Try them now!