UC Open Access Policy
Permissions, Licensing and Access
What do we mean by "using" images?
If you include images in work that you will be publishing or otherwise sharing beyond a classroom context, you may need to obtain use permission from the image license holders. Here are some resources to guide you through that process.
- Can I Use That Picture? The Terms, Laws, and Ethics for Using Copyrighted ImagesA simplified flow chart.
Also see discussion at: The Visual Communication Guide - Obtaining Permissions (UC Copyright Web Site)Links to examples of model permission letters from other universities that can be modified.
Explore the other tabs in this box to learn more about the kinds of licenses and permissions that usually apply to images.
Copyright
Per copyright.gov, "Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression."
Resources for further exploration:
- Copyright for CreatorsA starting place for faculty, students, and staff interested in gaining a greater understanding of copyright and its impact upon our creative work in higher education and beyond.
UCLA faculty, staff, and students with specific copyright-related questions may contact UCLA Library staff at: copyright@library.ucla.edu.
Fair Use
Per copyright.gov, "Fair use is a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances."
Resources for further exploration:
- Statement on the Fair Use of Images for Teaching, Research, and StudyReleased by the Visual Resources Association
- Measuring Fair Use: The Four Factors Fair Use four factors guidelines from Stanford University
Creative Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that provides creators with alternatives to copyright. There are six types of CC licenses that allow creators more granular control over how users can share and interact with their work.
More information about Creative Commons:
Searching for images under a Creative Commons license:
Images and other works in the public domain are not subject to any intellectual property restrictions, and may be freely used and adapted without obtaining permission. Such works should still be cited, however!
Some examples of public domain image collections:
- The British Library Flickr Commons These images were taken from the pages of 17th, 18th and 19th century books and are for anyone to use, remix and repurpose. The images cover a mix of subjects: maps, geological diagrams, illustrations, comical satire, illuminated and decorative letters, colourful illustrations, landscapes, wall-paintings and so much more.
- National Archives (NARA) Photographs on Flickr For more information, see: https://www.archives.gov/social-media/flickr-faqs.html
- Public Domain Project Includes select images, footage, and audio available in the public domain.
- The Public Domain Review Explore out-of-copyright media (imges, books, film, and audio) that is free to download, share, and build upon without restriction.