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Open educational resources (OERs)

Copyright and OERs

Copyright protects the right of creators of works to determine how their works can be used.

Copyright may restrict:

  • reproduction
  • publication
  • adaptation.

When sharing or modifying resources it is important not to infringe copyright.

Licences
Many materials used at the ANU are purchased under licence. These licences permit the use of these materials by ANU students and staff. These include: library subscriptions to online journals and books; scanned chapters of hardcopy books and articles; TV and radio programs.

Creative Commons licence
Works under Creative Commons licences allow you to copy, display and edit work for commercial or non-commercial purposes, as long as you attribute the creator and link to the source. Check that the resource has an appropriate Creative Commons licence (or similar) before using it.

Using resources with permission
You will need to get written permission to use material if it doesn't have a suitable Creative Commons or similar licence.

Approach the copyright author/publisher and negotiate permission for non-commercial (or commercial) reuse of the material

  • Ensure you have permission to use it online.
  • Keep a record of all communications.

Alternative options
If it isn't possible to obtain permissions, or it is too costly or will take too long, consider:

  • linking to Creative Commons licensed or openly available content, rather than copying
  • creating or using original material where copyright is owned by you.

Page Contact: ANU Library Communication Team