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Copyright Guide for Students

Where to Find Copyright & Licensing Infomation

Users are not often aware of the copyright and permitted uses for a given piece of work. It can sometimes be difficult to locate this information. Most online journals, web sites and databases have their copyright and licensing information somewhere on their main page. Look for links titled 'Copyright' or 'Terms of Use'.

Screenshot of ABI/INFORM Global database hosted by ProQuest. Terms and Conditions are circled and have an arrow pointing to it.

You can also now search Google by 'usage rights'. This will be a huge help to faculty, staff and students in finding content that can be used in a variety of ways. Google has helped users find 'open' content that can be 'shared' freely for a variety of purposes.

All you have to do is:

  • Go to www.google.ca
  • Click on the 'gear' icon on the right hand side of the page
  • Select the type of 'Usage Rights' you would like to search by, and go!Screenshot of Google search page. The gear icon is circled in red and has a large red arrowing pointing at it.
  • Screenshot of Google advanced search page. The usage search features are circled in red.