Copyright

This resource guide has information on copyright, using images, and sharing articles.

Can I use images from library resources?

Each database, journal, or book publisher is likely to have its own terms and conditions for how their images can be used.

Sometimes, images may be used for research and/or educational purposes, provided permission is obtained from the copyright holder and credit is given as per copyright holder instructions.

If you have questions regarding the use of images from any Library resource (books, ebooks, journals, databases, etc.), please contact the Library for guidance or the publisher of the material in question for permission/instruction.

Where can I find free-to-use images?

  • Blue lightbulb in speech bubble icon."Free," in this context, means that there is no cost associated with use and/or that copyright either does not apply or has been waived. There may be specific license requirements that tell you how you must use and attribute a resource.
  • Not all "free" image sites are created equal. Some sites "borrow" from pay-for-use sites. If you have questions about whether a site is legitimate, find another source.
  • Carefully read licenses and terms of use.
  • Be wary of images of, or containing, trademarks (e.g. Coca Cola, Nike, Mcdonalds). Even if you find them on a free image site, usage may violate trademark laws.
  • Even when citing the source of an image is not required, it makes sense to do so. In addition to crediting the creator of the image, citation allows others to see where the image originated and that it was used legally.
  • Library Services cannot guarantee that all images on the websites we share on this page have been uploaded legally.
  • Responsibility for legal use lies with you.

Free to use

*Note* Library Services cannot guarantee that all images on these sites have been uploaded legally. 

Some restrictions apply

Free to use

Some restrictions apply

Free to use

Some restrictions apply

What about images found online?

Using Images. Images bring the content we create to life. If you are using images that you did not create or do not own, you must do so legally. Images you do not own. Myth: Images that you find on the internet are free to use. Fact: You must always investigate terms of use before using an image you find online. Images created and/or owned by someone other than you or your organization are known as 3rd-party images. Always assume that these images are protected by copyright law. You must find out IF or HOW the owner permits you to use an image, and you may need to ask for their explicit permission. Fair Dealing. Myth: ALL educational uses fall under fair dealing. Fact: You must always analyze your use, as a court of law would, to determine if the dealing is fair. Fair dealing is intentionally ambiguous and involves some risk. In Canada, you can sometimes apply fair dealing if you are using resources for research, private study, education, parody, satire, criticism, review, or news reporting. BUT you must consider factors such as the amount of the work being used and how it will be distributed. It might be considered ‘fair’ to use one image from a compilation of images or 10% of a whole image. It is likely more fair if the work is used on a secure, password protected system, with a limited audience. Creative Commons. Myth: Using the Creative Commons filter on Google Images or Bing means you can use those images any way you like. Fact: You must review each image and use it according to the terms of the CC license. Permission or fees may be required for uses beyond terms of the license. There are six Creative Commons licenses which allow copyright holders to set rules for how their work may be used. The least restrictive license only requires attribution. The most restrictive does not allow commercial use or derivatives. Find out more at https://creativecommons.org Public Domain. Myth: Royalty-free means the same as public domain. Fact: Royalty-free means that you have paid a one-time fee for a license to use a stock image multiple times, as specified by the terms of the license. If a work does not fit the criteria for copyright protection, or if copyright has expired, that work is in the public domain (PD). In Canada, images created after November 7, 2012 enter the PD 50 years after the death of the last surviving author. Rules for images created before then are more complicated. See the University of British Columbia’s handy guide: https://copyright.ubc.ca/public-domain Getting Permission. Myth: If you cannot find the owner of an image, it’s okay to go ahead and use it. Fact: If you have determined that permission is necessary, you must have it in order you legally use the image. If you can prove that you have tried unsuccessfully to find the owner, you can apply for an Unlocatable Copyright license. If and image does not have explicit terms permitting use, is not covered by a CC license, or is not in the public domain, you must obtain permission to use it. This means you must find and contact the copyright owner (who may not necessarily be the creator). It is best to get permission in writing and to leave yourself at least 6 weeks to do so. Library Services can help you with the permissions process. Things to Consider. Works, including images, do not need a copyright symbol in order to be Copyright protected. There are many websites which offer copyright free images. Carefully read their terms and conditions of use, as responsibility for legal use lies with you. Copyright rules also apply to social media. Linking to a legitimate copy of an image is usually safer than copying/pasting it. Use images legally! Be Copyright compliant! Contact us Copyright@nshealth.ca

Can I create my own images?

Blue camera icon.It can be difficult to find exactly the right image, particularly for clinical procedures or conditions. If you can't find an image that you are permitted to use, you may be able to create something yourself.

Suggestions:

  • Take your own photograph. Keep in mind that:
    • a signed release form may be necessary
    • copyright for photos taken for work purposes is held by your employer
  • Use photo editing software to edit a free-to-use image from sources such as Pixabay or Wikimedia Commons. Remember to read the license to ensure that modifications are permitted.