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Google Images is an effective tool for locating the perfect image to use in presentations, documents and on social media. But before you use images found through Google, you must consider copyright law. Scroll below to download our tip sheet 6 Copyright Tips for Legally Using Google Images. Have You Found the Perfect Image on Google?How many times have you used Google or another search engine and found the perfect image, illustration or photograph? Or perhaps a map, table or infographic? As tempting as it is to copy and paste that image or photograph onto your website, into your electronic book, or elsewhere — and perhaps even adapt and edit it for your purposes — you need to first consider copyright law. Google ...
Once you find that perfect image or photo, you must treat it (from a copyright perspective) like any other content you find online. This means doing a copyright analysis before using the image. You may find it difficult to convince others in your workplace that finding an image through a Google search doesn't necessarily mean it's free to use in any circumstance without obtaining copyright permission. Our eTutorial 21 Virtual Ways to Build Copyright Awareness in Your Library or Organization can help you creatively and practically teach others how to legally use Google images. Google's New Initiatives Re: Copyright InformationIn recent years Google has implemented initiatives that make it easier for you to find credit, creator and copyright information, as well as to identify licensable images in your image searches. Such information is available where the publisher or creator provides it in the image metadata. For more information, see Image Rights Metadata in Google Images and the IPTC article Google's 'Licensable Images' Feature is Now Live. Assume that Online Content is Protected by CopyrightTo ensure you're legally using Google images, you should assume that all online images are protected by copyright. Then do your research. Start with these two steps:
If you're lucky, the copyright owner's name will be on the image with a link to contact them to ask for permission. And hopefully the copyright owner will promptly reply. But this best case scenario won't always be your scenario. It may take time, effort and creativity in your research to determine and investigate the copyright status of a work. In some circumstances, your research will reveal that your use of the image doesn't require permission. For example, images and photographs in the public domain don't require permission. Terms and Conditions Applying to the Use of ImagesIs there a Creative Commons (CC) license attached to the image or photograph you want to use? If so, you need to be aware that:
Another thing to look for is any specific terms of use written on the site where you find the work. The terms may be specific and you need to follow them. As an example, the terms may state that you may use the image for noncommercial or educational purposes. (Unfortunately, the terms usually won't define noncommercial or educational purposes, so you'll need to make that judgment call.) When you're using images you find online (or elsewhere), below are key points for legally using Google Images:
6 Best Practices for Legally Using Google Images1. Always Assume the Image is Protected by CopyrightNever use an image, illustration or photograph without first doing research to determine its copyright status. Not everyone realizes that online content is protected by copyright. 2. LinkingCopyright-wise, it's always less risky to link to a photo or other image than it is to copy and paste it onto your website or social media platform. And, it's best not to embed that link, but rather to set out a URL. A February 2018 U.S. court case raised the risk of embedding images. 3. Use Your Own Photos and ImagesWhen possible, use photos and other images that you've taken yourself, but note the following:
4. Use Creative Commons-Licensed ImagesUse images that have a Creative Commons (CC) license. However, be aware that a CC license is just that: a license. You need to read its terms and conditions and see what it allows or not. Not all CC licenses allow the same uses. A CC license may allow use as-is, in a remix, or as part of a new work. All CC licenses require attribution of the copyright owner. 5. Use Images From Stock Photo AgenciesPurchase images from stock photo agencies and follow the license terms. Remember, you're not outright buying an image from a stock agency, but are paying for certain uses of it. Read the specific terms and conditions (to which you have agreed). For example, you may be able to post the image on your blog but require additional permission to use it on the cover of your e-book. 6. Confirm Who Owns the Copyright in the ImageAlways verify that the image's creator has the rights to permit you to use it. They may have assigned their rights to someone else and no longer own copyright in the image. Or, they may have created the photograph or other image as part of their employment duties, and their employer owns the copyright in the image. Ask the image's creator to provide you with a warranty or guarantee that they're the image creator, still own the rights in the image, and have the right to provide you with permission to use it. Need to learn more? See our online copyright course calendar. Learn more about the Copyright Leadership Certificate. When inserting an online picture what happens when you point at a picture in the search results window?When inserting an online picture, what happens when you point at a picture in the search results window? Picture properties appear (such as where the picture is located and who may own the picture).
Why would you add alternative text information to a picture in your document?Alt Text helps people with visual impairments understand pictures and other graphical content. When someone uses a screen reader to view documents, they will hear Alt Text; without Alt Text, they will only know they've reached a picture without knowing what the picture shows.
Which key can you use to size a picture proportionally?To maintain an object's proportions while resizing it, press and hold the SHIFT key while you drag a corner sizing handle.
Which tool should you use to cut away certain portions of a selected picture?Select the lasso tool from Photoshop's toolbox menu. When you click the lasso, you'll have the option to choose the regular lasso, the polygonal lasso or the magnetic lasso – each one works a little differently, but they all let you outline a shape.
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