When creating open books, understanding copyright and licensing is essential to ensure your work is accessible, legal, and aligned with your objectives. This guidance outlines key principles to help you navigate the process:
Using Third-Party Content
Always ensure you have the rights to include third-party materials in your work. Use openly licensed, public domain content, or seek explicit permission when required.
Public Domain and Openly Licensed Materials
Content in the public domain or with open licenses (like Creative Commons) can be freely used and adapted. However, it is essential to confirm the terms of use before incorporating such materials into your open book.
Choosing the Right License
Selecting a license for your work helps others understand how they can use it. For open books, Creative Commons licenses are recommended for promoting sharing and reuse while maintaining control over specific uses.
By carefully managing copyright and licensing, you can ensure your open book is legally compliant, widely accessible, and contributes to the global open education community.