What is Open Access?

Open Access refers to publications that are free to anyone with an internet connection. This includes the rights to view, read, download and build upon the work being read. The most common type of open access include journals that provide access to readers but which receive sponsorship or support through charges to authors instead. 

Three Types of Licenses

1. Public Domain : Free from intellectual property laws. There are not restrictions for individuals to use these works, nor are permissions necessary. Includes many government documents, and items that have fallen out of copyright.
2. Open License/Creative Commons License : Gives everyone from individual creators to large institutions a standardized way to grant the public permission to use their creative work under copyright law. These are licenses assigned to an item by the creator.
3. All Rights Reserved Copyright : Creator or owner retains all rights provided by copyright law.  Another person cannot reproduce, distribute and or adapt any part of the work without permission.