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ENG101: First-Year Composition

This research guide is meant to help users navigate resources for English 101 students and to guide them through beginning research.

When Can I Use Images?

Different rules apply if you are using an image as part of a class assignment versus creating something you plan to publish.

  • For Class: make sure you cite any image you use (see the Citation Guide for format). Most of GCC Library's Databases provide citations in correct format if you find the image in the database. Plagiarism and copyright infringement are not the same. Copyright infringement is illegal and has potentially legal and monetary consequences; plagiarism in academic terms can result in academic consequences (failing grade, referral to administration, academic probation.)
  • For Publication: Assume all images you find online are copyrighted. Look for an explanation of how the image can be used. The safest designation is one that is in "public domain." These are open for any use. Others may indicate you can use the image with proper attribution, which is the guideline for Creative Commons licenses. When in doubt, contact the creator and ask for permission or don't use!

 

 

Go to TheVisualCommunicationGuy's website for a larger view of Can I Use that Picture? infographic

Recommended Places to Find Images

Google Searches:

Images on a general Google search are likely copyright protected, but there is a way to narrow down the results to usable pictures and graphics.

  1. When performing a search, click on "settings," then "advanced settings."
  2. Then (under "usage rights") choose "free to use or share" or "free to use, share, or modify." 
  3. For high-resolution images, click on "tools," then (under "size") "large."

Streaming Video Databases

You can also go directly into individual streaming databases and browse through the selections available. If you're accessing a database from off campus you will need to enter your MEID and password. Look for the "citation" feature on the Films on Demand database for information relevant to your MLA citations.

Video- Kanopy Public Library Access

Glendale Public Library:

The Digital Library is open 24/7. Read eBooks and magazines, listen to audiobooks and music, and watch streaming videos.  

To access digital library content, you will need your library card barcode (the number on the back of your library card) and PIN number. Your PIN is the last four numbers of your phone number, unless you requested a different four-digit number when you received your card.

Don't have a library card? Fill out an application and get an eCard here.

KanopyWatch over 30,000 documentaries, classics and indie films with Kanopy. Available on desktop, mobile and Roku for students, professors, and library patrons. Visit the Kanopy help site for details on streaming to Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku devices. *Limited to 10- films per month.

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Phoenix Public Library E-card access, click here.

 Kanopy​
The Kanopy collection offers a broad selection of more than 30,000 feature films, documentaries, foreign language, and training videos, including: the Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, the Frontline series, and international films.

*Limited to 15 films per month.

Learn more about getting started with Kanopy or go directly to the collection.

 

Find Video and Audio

Documentaries films are a valuable resource for papers. Did you know you can cite films just as you can cite books, articles, and essays? Like books, films require both an in-text and a Works Cited citation. See the Citation Assistance section for more information. In the meantime, use the library's search box to find films relevant to your topic.

Use the search box below to find films by title, keyword, subject, or actor. Experiment with using the limiters to limit your searches to streaming video or to DVDs if you prefer one format over another.

 

If you need help finding a video on the shelf or online...  Ask a Librarian!

Search for Videos

       

                      

Image Collections for Research/ Education

"Open access" availability does not mean that the images in these collections are in the public domain--rather, it refers to their accessibility for research and educational purposes. For copyright and use restrictions, locate and read the image use policy for each collection.

Creative Commons Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share-Alike License Tag

All guides are available under the CC-BY-NC-SA license.