commons.org/), which is a tool that lets you search twelve major repositories of CC content online. Creative Commons is currently working on a project to improve the search tools it offers to help people discover works in the commons. Check out the prototype of a new version of CC Search at (https://ccsearch.creativecommons.org/), which lets you create and save lists of works you like and includes a tool that enables you to give attribution with a single click.
These search tools only scratch the surface of what is in the commons. Many platforms that enable the CC licensing of works shared on their sites also have their own search filters to find CC content, like OER Commons.
If there is a particular type of content you’re looking for, you may be able to narrow down particular sources to explore. Wikipedia offers a fairly comprehensive listing (licensed CC BY-SA 3.0) of many major sources of CC material across various domains at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_major_Creative_Commons_licensed_works.
You can also search for works under a particular CC license. Take a look at the Creative Commons overview of each license that includes examples of projects and people using those licenses:
- You can find examples of use organized by CC license at https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/licensing-types-examples/licensing-examples/.
- You can find examples of works placed into the public domain using CC0 at https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/.
REUSING CC CONTENT
When you find a CC work you want to reuse, the single most important thing to know is how to provide attribution. All CC licenses require that attribution be given to the creator. (Remember that unlike the CC licenses, CC0 is not a license but a Public Domain Dedication tool, so it does not require attribution in its terms. Nevertheless, giving credit or citing the source is typically considered best practice even when not legally required.)
The elements of attribution are simple, though generally speaking, the more information you can provide, the better. People like to understand where CC-licensed works come from, and creators like to know that their names will remain attached to their works. If an author has provided extensive information in their attribution notice, you should retain it where possible.
