What is Copyright?
Copyright is the set of rights assigned to the author or creator of a work. These rights include the right to determine if and how the work can be copied, distributed, and/or adapted.
In Canada copyright exists automatically: when a work is created it is automatically protected by copyright. The creator of a work may choose to register it so that proof of ownership is documented, but registration is not required.
In Canada, a creative work is automatically protected by copyright during the lifetime of the creator and for another fifty years after the creator’s death.
Works that are no longer protected by copyright are considered to be in the “public domain” or “copyright-free” works. Works that may be used with permission, but without a fee are known as “copyright friendly”.
To understand the basics of copyright in Canada please follow the link here to the Creative Commons open course on copyright.
Why does copyright matter?
Copyright protects the moral rights of the author or creator because creators have the right to the integrity of their work. Under copyright law it protects the creators from being distorted and having their work associated without their permission.
Who does copyright protect?
The copyright protects not only the creator by the user's right to access and use the copyrighted material.
Within the Canadian Copyright law there is a fair dealing provision that provides us guidelines for the use of copyrighted materials for the purpose of research, private study, criticism, review, news reporting, education, satire and parody.
For staff and students wanting to know if their item is protected under fair dealing provision,
please check out the The Fair Dealing Decision Tool that helps to decide whether "fair dealing" permits classroom use of print materials, artistic works, or audiovisual materials without first getting copyright permission." (Fair Dealing Decision Tool, n.d)
What is Creative Commons or CC?
Creative commons is an alternative form of licensing where creators who want to share their work can but will also retain their moral rights to the work. Think of it as a standardized way to grant public permission to use their creative work under copyright law.
Copyright Friendly Sources:
The following sources can be used without infringing on copyright. Please check out some links below for your next assignment:
Internet Archives:
Non profit organization that offers copyright friendly products by having resources of archived books, websites, and more to be used for educational purpose (About IA, n.d)
FlickrL The Commons: A collection of historical photos mostly in the public domain. Policy follows the agreement that you will hyperlink directly to the site and that items cannot be used for commercial use and hyperlinks must not misrepresent the Flicker items.
(The Commons, n.d.)
Flickr: Creative Commons: This website is particularly helpful as on the side there is a legend that makes it easier to understand what photos are usable for which purposes. Each individual photo has their own agreement that should be reviewed on how you will cite the info. (Creative Commons, n.d)
Pixabay: a great resource that allows for distribution of photos under the Creative Commons licensing that is released to the public domain.
Incompetech Music: The following website allows for royalty free music that is perfect for students who are creating videos, podcasts and other multi media formats for projects. This website is free to use and allows for download. There is also a credit pre-created for students so there is not worry about having to figure out how to source as it provides an acknowledgment of source available.
SoundBible: Free sound effects that can be great to make podcasts or videos.