Attribute Public Domain and Creative Commons Works
Provide an attribution
If you share or use a Creative Commons (CC) licensed work, you must provide an attribution to adhere to the licence terms.
- What to include in an attribution
- Attribution for works in the Public Domain
- Example attributions for CC licensed works
- Attributing adaptions or remixes
- Other important considerations
What to include in an attribution
When adding an attribution, it may be helpful to follow the TASL approach:
- T = Title of the work
- A = Author or creator of the work (their name)
- S = Source (link to the work)
- L = Licence (link to the CC licence deed)[1]
Attribution for works in the Public Domain
Attribution is not a legal obligation under dedication or Public Domain Mark licensing terms[2].
However, it is recommend that you consider providing attribution to the source for public domain materials when it is reasonable to do so. This empowers users to easily locate the original source.
Example of a Public Domain attribution under CC0
“Cat on a Cushion“ by John Crookshanks King. The National Gallery of Art collection. The images are dedicated to the public domain under CC0.
Example attributions for CC licensed works
Example of an open textbook attribution
“The Language of Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples” by Tracey Bunda, Lynnell Angus, Sybilla Wilson, Mia Strasek-Barker, Kealey Griffiths, Lucas Schober, Thomas Scanlan, Keiko Mishiro, Vanessa Eagles and Laura Deane, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
The attribution explained:
- Title = The Language of Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Authors = Tracey Bunda, Lynnell Angus, Sybilla Wilson, Mia Strasek-Barker, Kealey Griffiths, Lucas Schober, Thomas Scanlan, Keiko Mishiro, Vanessa Eagles and Laura Deane
- Source = Linked in the title
- Licence = CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (links to the CC licence deed)
Example of a CC image attribution
We are able to include this BY-NC-ND licensed work as:
- we are adhering to the licence requirements for attribution
- we are not making any alterations to the original version
- our overall collection is licensed CC BY-NC and will not be used to make a profit.
Note: CC version 4.0 does not require you to include the title in the attribution statement but it is best practice to include the full TASL information even when not required.
The Detailed attribution comparison chart explains what is required for different versions of CC.
Attributing adaptions or remixes of CC works
If you create a new work that is based on or derived from one or more pre-existing CC works, you should:
- indicate that you have modified the work and how it was modified
- provide an attribution to the original work, including a link to the work and the CC licence
- Provide the title and CC licence of your new work and your name.[3]
Make it easy for others to know who is the creator of the CC work you have reused.
Example of an attribution for a CC remix
We are able to use the two original CC-licensed works to create a remix as:
- we are adhering to the licence requirements for attribution
- both works have CC-licences that allow derivatives
- we have given our new work an NC licence, as one of the original works used in the remix has an NC licence.
Best practices for attribution has examples of good attributions for different types of works.
Other important considerations
- Do not imply that the creator of the work you are using endorses you or your use of the work.
- A creator can request that you remove their name if they no longer wish to be associated with your use of the work.
- A creator can ask for your use of the work to be revoked if you violate the licence terms.[4]
Icons:
Creative Commons license elements logos. Trademark: Creative Commons.
- “4.1 Choosing and Applying a CC License” by Creative Commons, CC BY 4.0 ↵
- https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/best_practices_for_attribution#Attributing_public_domain_materials ↵
- "4.4 Remixing CC-Licensed Work" by Creative Commons. CC BY 4.0 ↵
- “Frequently Asked Questions” by Creative Commons, CC BY 4.0 ↵