Library Databases and Fair Use
The library provides access to a wide range of texts, images, and videos, including those in databases like JStor. Many of these resources are high resolution and freely available to library users, however, use of these materials are subject to license terms and conditions that limit how you may reuse the material. While you are free to view images and other media in these databases and often even able download them for your own study, you are not permitted to post them to public websites, including those created as part of a course assignment or scholarly research.
If you wish to use works you find in library databases in your own work, you will need to obtain permission from the database to republish them.
Digital Pedagogy Librarian
Finding Media Resources
There are many places where you can find videos, audio, images, and other content useful for digital storytelling. The resources below include tools available at Roesch Library, repositories on the web, and more.
- Open Text, Images, Videos, and AudioA guide from University of Washington with resources for finding public domain and Creative Commons licensed media.
- Creative Commons & Public Domain MediaA resource from Butler University with links to sources of media intended for reuse.
- Images & Video for Digital StorytellingA guide from Penn State University with a list of freely available media to use in digital storytelling.
- Finding Primary ResourcesRoesch Library's guide to locating primary resources, including digital media.
- Finding and Using Image ResourcesRoesch Library's guide to finding and using image resources.
- Finding Streaming VideoRoesch Library's guide to finding streaming video - pay special attention to the copyright section.
- Citing SourcesGuide to citing sources of all kinds.
All media used in digital storytelling should be properly cited, however, citations do not mitigate liability for copyright infringement. It is important to determine ownership and consider fair use for any media used in digital storytelling.
Copyright and Fair Use
It is best practice to start with the assumption that all work created after 1925 is protected by copyright. Before deciding to include content in a digital storytelling project, be sure to evaluate whether it is acceptable to use. The resources here provide information about copyright, fair use, and seeking permission to use content.
- Copyright and Digital ProjectsAn article with information about copyright and fair use for media used in digital assignments and digital projects.
- Using Copyright-Protected WorksA step-by-step guide to assessing copyright, licensing, and use.
- Fair Use EvaluatorA tool for evaluating fair use of all types of publications and media resources.
- Owning and Using Scholarship: An IP Handbook for Teachers and ResearchersA comprehensive discussion of copyright in scholarship, including use of copyrighted works in scholarship.
- Asking for PermissionA short overview and templates for requesting permission to use a copyrighted work.
