What are Creative Commons Licenses, and how should they be applied to datasets?

RCCreative Commons (CC) licenses The Creative Commons license was created to make it easier for work to be shared catalog entrydirect link RC Creative Commons (CC) licenses are a set of standardized legal tools that allow creators to specify how others may use, share, and build upon their work, including research datasets. These licenses are especially useful for data sharing because they provide clear, machine-readable terms of use, supporting the goals of transparency, reuse, and attribution. At Indiana University, researchers depositing data into repositories such as RCDataCORE Provides access & preservation services for digital research data catalog entrydirect link RC DataCORE or RCDataWorks Repository for preserving and sharing IUI digital research data catalog entrydirect link RC DataWorks are encouraged to choose an appropriate Creative Commons license to communicate the intended level of openness and control.

RCIU’s data librarians Contact information for IU Research Data Services Librarians catalog entrydirect link RC IU’s data librarians can assist researchers in selecting and applying the correct license when depositing data. During the submission process, the repository interface typically offers license options with plain-language descriptions to assist in making an informed decision. Applying a CC license not only supports the RCFAIR principles Guiding principles for scientific data management and stewardship catalog entrydirect link RC FAIR principles (especially Reusability) but also strengthens the visibility and impact of research by making rights and permissions explicit.