Reusability FAQ

Finding content you can use on Europeana

On this page you can learn about how to filter works by reuse possibilities and where to find information on how content in Europeana Collections can be used. Have a look at the FAQ below, and if you still have questions, contact info@europeana.eu.

How does the reuse filter work?

The reuse filter helps you find content you can use, in the way that you want. So if you are looking for open content to use in your classroom, we have a filter for you! You can choose from three options: yes; yes, with conditions; and maybe, seek permission. To help you get a better understanding of what you’ll find under each of these, we break them down below.

The Yes option

Here you’ll find objects that you can reuse freely. For any purpose. And without permission. Content in this category is labelled with the Public Domain Mark, the Public Domain Dedication (CC0), and the CC BY & CC BY-SA licenses. This means that for some objects, attribution will be mandatory, and for some others you will have to pass on the same conditions when you share it.

The Yes, with conditions option

Here you’ll find objects that you can reuse without seeking any further permission. However, reuse will come with some conditions or restrictions that you will need to follow. In this category, you’ll find objects labelled with the CC BY-NC, CC BY-ND, CC BY-NC-ND, CC BY-NC-SA licenses and the No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only, In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted, No Copyright - Other Known Legal Restrictions rights statements. This means that you may be required to use the content for non-commercial purposes only, or to not create change or remix the work. Check out each rights statements’ page for more details.

The Maybe, seek permission option

Here you’ll find objects that you can access but cannot use unless you obtain express permission. That is because the institution that has provided this item has either chosen to restrict its use or cannot authorise it. In this category you’ll find objects labelled with the Copyright Not Evaluated and In Copyright rights statements. Prior to any use, seek permission by reaching out to the providing institution. If you have found an incredible book, or striking image that you want to use, take a minute to check the rights statement so that you understand how you can use it. Because each object we publish is labelled with a standardised rights statement, you can quickly check if or how you can reuse an object.

Can I filter by specific statement, rather than general category?

Yes, and you will soon be able to do it directly through the filter options on our portal, but for now, you can find all works under one specific rights statement by clicking to the corresponding one below:

Do I need to credit the source?

We care about good practice and we want to underline the work of authors and institutions that make our collections. That is why when you use an object from Europeana collections, we encourage you to credit the source, no matter what the rights statement indicates.

Where do I find information about the extent to which I can use an object?

Information on how to use an object is available through a rights statement under the object. To learn more about what the corresponding statement means, click on the statement and the full text will appear on a separate page. Reuse-toolbar

What do I do if I have a specific query about using an object?

If you have a question about using the object, and the rights statement is useful, you can contact the institution that provided the object, as they are the ones choosing to what extent the object can be used. For all other queries please contact info@europeana.eu.

What about the metadata?

You can use all the metadata (information about the digital object) on our collections freely, for any purpose, and with no permission. All metadata is labelled under CC0, the Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication.

Can I download content even if it is marked as In Copyright?

Possibly - it’s something that needs to be checked on a case-by-case basis. Most European countries have exceptions or limitations to copyright that allow you to make copies for personal uses. Under such an exception, you can for instance download an item that is in copyright. Please check whether the legislation applicable to your case allows you to do that. This map may help you out, although we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

Can I use a work in your collections based on copyright exceptions and limitations in my country?

There might be exceptions or limitations to copyright in your legislation that allow you, for instance, to make copies for private use, display works in educational settings, or other, that go beyond what the rights statement allows you to do. Please consult the copyright law applicable to your case for more details. The copyrightexceptions.eu page can provide some guidance, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all the information it provides.

For more information on how to use the content in our portal, have a look at our Terms and Policies.