Open Educational Resources

Creative Commons is "an alternative to traditional copyright, developed by a nonprofit organization of the same name. By default, most original works are protected by copyright, which confers specific rights regarding use and distribution. Creative Commons allows copyright owners to release some of those rights while retaining others, with the goal of increasing access to and sharing of intellectual property."  

Source: Seven Things You Should Know About Creative Commons

• 7 Things You Should Know about Creative Commons (PDF)
• Creative Commons Platforms
• Frequently Asked Questions about Creative Commons
• Open Content - A Practical Guide to Using Creative Commons Licences

• About the Licenses
• CC License FAQs
• Choose a License Tool
• Considerations for Licensors and Licensees

Like all intellectual property, open educational resources are subject to the laws of copyright.  However, some creators would rather share their work instead of reserving all of their rights for themselves.  Using copyright tools created by Creative Commons, creators can copyright and license their work within the framework of copyright laws. Creative Commons licenses are legal licenses that enable creators to retain copyright while allowing others to copy, distribute, and/or repurpose their work.

Open educational resources may be used if the resource meets the following copyright criteria:

• Public Domain
• Fair Use

For more information on copyright, see the library's Copyright Center.  If you have questions, please contact the Library.

Library resources can also be used as open educational resources if instructors are able to direct their students to a library resource instead of having to buy it.