The Internet is not the Public Domain!

CiTi Library Media Center

No, the Internet is not the Public Domain!

The Library Media Center has heard it all and the latest is patrons saying that the internet is the public domain.  I had to do a double take on that one.  Yes, items that are in the public domain are online but so are copyrighted materials.

How do you find artwork/images that you can use in your projects.

The CiTi Library Media Center (LMC) recommends using Google Image Search.  The Google Image Search offers a filter based on usage rights.   This filter will allow you to filter out copyrighted material from your search results.  This does not mean you can use everything that is in your results.  Use common sense because human error occurs online.  That means that someone can re-post an image without marking it as copyrighted.  You must still evaluate the image yourself before using it.  When it is obvious the item is copyrighted don't use it, look for another image to use.  See this video for a demonstration on how to use the filter.

How to find if someone is using your copyrighted artwork:

Yes as soon as your artwork is created and in a fixed format you have a  copyright.  You have posted your artwork online and want to know if someone else is using your work.  You can search through Google Images to find this out.  See the next video on how to do this.

An artists point of view on how to protect your artwork

Copyright is complicated and it confuses a lot of people.  Don't hesitate to ask for other's opinions, but you are responsible for your own choices.  The Google Image Search is there to be used and will make things easier for you when it comes to copyright and images.  Remember it is not just about other people's copyrights but is also about your own copyrights.