Research Guides: Copyright: Public Domain

Public Domain

Works fall out of copyright over time and into the public domain, where they may be used freely for any purpose. In most cases, age determines whether or not a work is in the public domain.

Copyright Slider (American Library Association)
Interactive online tools that helps determine if a resource is under copyright. Only works for items first published in the United States.
Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States (Cornell Copyright Information Center)
Also includes copyright information on works first published outside the U.S.