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Open educational resources (OER)

Find, create and evaluate OER materials, available to legally and freely copy, such as ebooks, images, audio, video and software. Understand copyright and Creative Commons (CC) licences.

Copyright and open educational resources

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

When using images, copyright may restrict: Copyright symbol

  • reproduction
  • publication
  • adaptation

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

Using copyright materials in courses

You can use copyright materials for teaching and study as long as you adhere to the licence conditions.

Closed licences

Many materials used at UQ are purchased under closed licences.  These licences permit the use of these materials when teaching to UQ staff and students.  Such materials include: Library subscription online journals and books, chapters of hardcopy books and articles, TV and radio programs, and many resources from the web. 

Creative Commons licences

Works under Creative Commons licence 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.