The terms "open content" and "open educational resources" describe any copyrightable work that is either (1) in the public domain or (2) licensed in a manner that provides users with free and perpetual permission to engage in the 5R activities:
For more information, head to http://opencontent.org/definition/
CreativeCommons AotearoaNZ CC-BY
Image Source: Fotor.com. The Ultimate Image Guide. CC-BY-SA 3.0
Materials taken directly from the library resources have copyright restrictions in place and so the best practice would be to link to an educational resource rather than putting it directly into your course. Many other online OER materials will have Creative Commons licenses, which will give you varying rights to use and modify an item. Be sure to read these restrictions carefully and ask if you have questions about whether or not you can use a resource in your course.
For information and/or questions about copyright and fair use, please visit the college's websites on this topic:
Or consult with Mark Swails , Associate Professor/Copyright Librarian.