Practical guidelines for content creators

Please review the following guidelines before you create and publish content.

1. Image Use
   1. When identifying images found on the internet, be aware of the following:
      1. If you use Google images – make sure that on the top bar you click on tools – Go to usage rights – click on creative commons licenses
      2. Other resources for free or public domain use:
         1. New York public library (Public Domain Collection)
         2. Library of Congress
         3. Istock (free images)
         4. Shutterstock (royalty free image)
         5. Creative Commons Images (megapixel.com)  
         6. Flicker (creative commons)
         7. Openverse (openly licensed images)
      3. Premium subscription options
         1. Shutterstock
         2. iStock
         3. Canva
         4. Adobe
         5. Pexels
         6. Clipart
         7. Boardmaker
         8. Microsoft Suite (Word and PowerPoint Images)

1. Copyright and Trademark

1. Identifying Copyright for Resources
   1. It is important to determine if your content was created by you and is original or your content came from a subscription or came with a creative license permission.
2. MY Copyrights & Intellectual Property
   1. Once you create an original work, you own the copyright for that content.  However, there is an option to register you copyright to gain additional protections for your content.  For example, if it appears that someone has infringed on your copyrighted work, you may bring a lawsuit against them.
      1. Copyrights are registered through the U.S. copyright office. https://www.copyright.gov/
   2. Your intellectual property rights depends on the policy of your employer.  For example, universities, schools, private practices, and hospital policies vary widely according to institution, district, facilities, or system.   In fact, there maybe no policy in place, in which case intellectual property law would apply.  
      1. If you utilize the time, resources, or funding of your employer to create content, the institutions may claim ownership.  Alternatively, if you create resources utilizing your own time, resources, and money outside of work, it is reasonable to assume ownership.  
3. Copyrights for Multiple Authors
   1. More than one author or content creator can own copyrights to content.  Therefore, it is critical that co-authors discuss and agree upon the circumstances for posting content to be shared, reproduced, or sold.  
4. Hyperlinks
   1. Citation of supplemental content is generally acceptable and encouraged to support your research.  Be sure to check the site for validity of content and ownership of content as well as to determine if there is a “no link” policy.  
5. QR Codes & Additional Media Content
   1. Ensure validity and accessibility of content.   Be sure to determine if there is a “no link” policy in place and cite accurately.
      1. APA citation for media resources recommended.