What are Creative Commons Licenses, and how should they be applied to datasets?
NewRCCreative Commons (CC) licensesThe Creative Commons license was created to make it easier for work to be shared RC Creative Commons (CC) licenses The Creative Commons license was created to make it easier for work to be sharedCreative 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 RCDataCOREProvides access & preservation services for digital research data RC DataCORE Provides access & preservation services for digital research dataDataCORE or RCDataWorksRepository for preserving and sharing IUI digital research data RC DataWorks Repository for preserving and sharing IUI digital research dataDataWorks are encouraged to choose an appropriate Creative Commons license to communicate the intended level of openness and control.
RCIU’s data librariansContact information for IU Research Data Services Librarians RC IU’s data librarians Contact information for IU Research Data Services LibrariansIU’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 principlesGuiding principles for scientific data management and stewardship RC FAIR principles Guiding principles for scientific data management and stewardshipFAIR principles (especially Reusability) but also strengthens the visibility and impact of research by making rights and permissions explicit.