Image Copyright for Faculty

Writing Samples for Level

Can I Use This Image?

Web users can find a wide variety of images online, but finding an image isn't the same as having permission to use it on your course site.

Many images you see online have copyright protection. Using them without permission can harm artists and photographers financially. If you use copyrighted pictures without permission, it could put our college at risk of being sued.

Fortunately, many image creators will let you use their images for free under a Creative Commons license. Many other images are in the public domain, which means the copyright has run out or the public can use the image freely.

The kind of permission or license you need depends on how you plan to use the image.

I want to use the image as is.

You can use the image as is, if you get the following type of permission.

Any public domain image (image made in or before 1929).
Any Creative Commons image.
Any image you have permission to use.

I want to crop an image.

Cropping seems like an easy change, but you need permission to change the image (not just to use it).

Any public domain image (image made in or before 1929).
Any Creative Commons licensed image (unless the image specifies "No Alterations").
Any image you have permission to modify.

I want to change the colors of an image.

Like cropping, changing the exposure or color of image needs permission.

Any public domain image (image made in or before 1929).
Any Creative Commons licensed image (unless the image specifies "No Alterations").
Any image you have permission to modify.

I want to make a drawing based on an image.

Some faculty think this creates a new image, but to prevent lawsuits, the college expects instructors to have clear permission or a license.

Any public domain image (image made in or before 1929).
Any Creative Commons licensed image (unless the image specifies "No Alterations").
Any image you have permission to modify.

Photograph and tracing by Richard Ruane

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