This section includes information about using copyright-protected images, from print and online sources, in your work at Centennial.
Canadian copyright laws protect artistic works, a term which “includes paintings, drawings, maps, charts, plans, photographs, engravings, sculptures, works of artistic craftmanship, architectural works, and compilations of artistic works” (Copyright Act, 2).
Images are artistic works, whether they come from print or online sources.
The fair dealing exemption in the Canadian Copyright Act states that you may reproduce or display images for the purposes of education or training, as long as the audience primarily consists of students at Centennial, without infringing copyright. The exemption also covers several other activities: research, private study, criticism and review, news reporting, parody, and satire.
However, copying substantial portions of works without permission is not permitted (Copyright Act, 3.1). The table below should help you evaluate whether you can use a copyright-protected image.
Always remember to cite the source.
See Fair Dealing Explained and the Centennial College Fair Dealing Policy for Copyright-Protected Work for further information. If you have further questions, please contact us.
| Source | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Library databases |
The use of database content is governed by the licenses Centennial signs with database vendors. You should check CLEAR for usage restrictions before using images from our databases. Where possible, we recommend creating stable links rather than copying images. You can quickly access licensed images by clicking on Images under the "E-Resources & E-Books" section of the library website. |
|
The Centennial College Fair Dealing Policy for Copyright-Protected Work permits you to copy and share one image from a copyright-protected work with many images, such as a book or journal article. You should only make one copy per student. Share images with your students by:
Check for clearly visible notices that prohibit educational use. Copying beyond the fair dealing limits requires permission from copyright holders—contact us to arrange clearance. |
|
| Online—most work |
Most online works are copyright-protected, including artistic works such as photos, charts, and tables. The Centennial College Fair Dealing Policy for Copyright-Protected Work permits you to copy and share one image from a copyright-protected work with many images, such as a website. You should only make one copy per student. Share images with your students by:
You should also ensure that any images you share are:
Where possible, we recommend linking to online images rather than copying them. Check for clearly visible notices that prohibit educational use. Copying more than one image per work, even when the excerpts represent less than 10% of the work, may require permission from copyright holders—contact us to arrange clearance. |
| Online—open access |
You can freely share many online images with your students, including works:
You should always double-check image rights before use, especially when modifying them. You should only distribute one copy per student. Share images with your students by:
Please consult Finding Free Images for more information about finding shareable images online. |
| Microsoft Office—clipart |
You can share clipart from Microsoft Office with your students, but you must include the following citation: “Used with permission from Microsoft.” |
Canadian copyright laws allow you to create user-generated content (“mash-ups”) for your class using copyrighted materials, including images, without infringing copyright (Copyright Act, 29.21 (1)). Examples of instructional mash-ups include:
You must also ensure that each use meets the following criteria:
Some images belong in the public domain, meaning that you can use, share, and adapt public them free of charge, without written permission from the author or copyright holder. Works may have entered the public domain for several reasons, including:
When a fixed amount of time has passed, images and other works automatically enter the public domain.