Images and Copyright
Images are frequently used in a variety of presentations, websites, and other resources. The internet makes finding and using images easy, but just because an image is easy to find does not mean you have permission to use it.
Pictures are considered the property of the person who took the picture. Likewise, any drawn or created image is the property of the person who created it.
The best rule to follow regarding images is that unless you took the picture yourself or created the image, you need permission to use it. To use any image without permission is copyright infringement.
This guide explains where and how to find images that may be utilized because they are considered Public Domain or are Creative Commons licensed. Information on how to properly attribute or cite images is also provided.
The following links provide additional information regarding the use of images.
- Photo Copyright 101
- Visual Resources Association: Statement on the Fair Use of Images for Teaching, Research and Study
Finding Images
EBSCO Databases
According to EBSCO, these images come from a variety of collections such as Getty, AP, UPI, and others. These images are copyrighted by the publishers. Images may be printed for personal, non-commercial use, or included in non-profit educational presentations. Images may not be posted on websites or printed commercially without permission.
Google Image Search
Google provides many useful tools within Image Search to help you find pictures and images that you have permission to use.
When searching Google, limit your search results to “Labeled for reuse” as shown below.
Google Advanced Image Search provides numerous options for limiting searches as well.
Creative Commons
- Creative Commons Search
Search specifically for images with a Creative Commons license that can be re-used.
Note: It is up to the user to verify images have a creative commons license. - Flickr Creative Commons
Pictures uploaded by Flickr users. Most have a Creative Commons License. - Wikimedia Commons
Search for content uploaded by users. Most has a Creative Commons License. - Creative Commons Licenses
This resource provides a great overview of CC Licenses and how to attribute and cite these items.
Attribute or Credit Images
All images need to have an attribution directly beneath the image.
Ideally, all attributions should contain the title of the image, the source where the image is found, who created the image, and the image license. Attributions should be listed in the following format:
“Title of image” (Hyperlinked to source) by “Image Creator” (hyperlinked to a profile page) is licensed under “CC license” (hyperlinked to information about license type).
The link below provides examples and information on how to properly attribute images. Keep in mind specific style manuals or disciplines may have additional requirements.
Citing Images
Images must be included in a bibliography, reference list, or works cited list just like other resources you use.
Basic recommendations for citing images are to include the following elements.
- Creator’s name.
- Title of work.
- Date created.
- Current location of image (museum, repository, etc.)
- City and/or country of origin.
- Type of work or medium
- Dimensions.
For sources found online, include the URL and date accessed.
For sources found in a book or article, include the publication information regarding the book or article as well.
As always, check the preferred citation manual for your discipline or check with your professor for additional instructions.
This page features material by Leslie Starasta.