LibGuides: Digital Public Library of America: Images

Using Images Ethically

Finding images that you are permitted to use for your work is actually pretty easy. Many photographers and artists make their images available under a Creative Commons license and allow them to be used freely. There are different kinds of Creative Commons licenses, so remember:

Make sure that the image is licensed for the type of use you intend
Always give attribution, even if the image is in the public doman (a slide at the end of a presentation or an entry in the References list of a written work is usually sufficient)

For more information on what the different usage rights designations mean, consult the link below:

Creative Commons - About the Licenses
An explanation of standard Creative Commons license designations (scroll to the bottom of the page where it says "The Licenses").

Citing images

In APA style, a References list entry for an image found on the web looks like this:

Artist Lastname, First Initial. Second Initial. (Year). Title of the artwork [Format]. Retrieved from URL.

As usual, if some of this information is missing, do your best with the information at hand. For example:

@Doug88888. (2008). Apple fruit [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug88888/2780642603/

Finding Images with Creative Commons Licenses

Pixabay
Over 400,000 (and counting!) high-quality images. The website says "you can use any Pixabay image without attribution in digital and printed form," but do remember to give attribution so as not to unintentionally plagiarize. Shutterstock photos (identifiable by a large watermark) also show up in the results, and those require purchase.
Google Images
Allows you to search for images on the Web using keywords or uploaded images. From the results page, click on Tools and then click on Usage Rights. This will allow you to filter results based on permitted usage.
Wikimedia Commons
A database of media files made available for free use-- images, sounds, and videos.
Flickr: Advanced Search
Look for the "Any License" drop-down menu above the search bar. Select the type of license you need and do your search. Each image's page will have the specific license information in the bottom right-hand corner.
Creative Commons Search
This search portal will direct you to several different sites that allow you to search for items with Creative Commons licenses. Always make sure that you have the appropriate search limiters set on each site to ensure that you are in fact seeing results that have CC licenses.
Internet Archive: Moving Image Archive
Streaming video library containing public domain digital movies uploaded by Archive users, ranging from classic full-length films to daily alternative news. Many are licensed with Creative Content licenses. Make sure to check the permissions for each item that you intend to use, since what is allowed will vary.

Finding Images Tutorial

Legal Disclaimer

Reeves Memorial Library maintains this guide to enhance access to information about fair use under copyright. Our goal is to keep this information timely and accurate. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them.

However the Library accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the information on this site.

This information is:

of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity;
not necessarily comprehensive, complete, accurate or up to date;
sometimes linked to external sites over which the Library no control and for which the Library assumes no responsibility;
not legal advice (if you need specific advice, you should always consult a qualified professional).