Guidelines to Using Images

Obtaining & Using Photos

• Use images licensed by PNWU. You can use photos licensed by PNWU, but be aware that images in our subscribed databases (such as UpToDate) are governed by contract law. Contract law supersedes copyright law, and what may be considered fair use under copyright law may not be allowed by license agreements. You can see more on our licensing agreements in the section Image Terms of Use below. 
• Use images with a Creative Commons license. 
• Use images in the public domain. Use photos that are in the public domain; e.g. published before January 1925, federal government works (except works for hire), and cases where the copyright owner granted public domain license. See the Images and Video section of the library website for image collections, some of which are in the public domain.
• Rely on fair use. Do a fair use analysis of copyrighted images. See our Copyright Resources page for more on fair use.
• Request permission to use an image. When in doubt, you can always request permission from the copyright holder in writing, either through email or mail. You can use the CCC to request permission for books or journals, although if you are on a deadline, you may want to contact the publisher directly. Be aware that the publisher does not always own the rights to photos or illustrations, and that sometimes the creator retains the copyright. You can read more about requesting permissions here. 

Be sure to include a citation or attribution for any image you use. This handout from the University of Michigan has examples. Check with the source of the image for specific requirements for citing or attributing the work.