Content

• Steps

Works in the public domain are those works that are not protected by copyright, so they can be used in any way without restriction. Public domain works may be incorporated into other works, such as those posted on wikiHow or Wikipedia. Here are several ways in which you can find sources of works that have entered the public domain.

Steps

1. 1 Understand the main sources of public domain material. Primary sources include older publications, materials published by the US government, and works released by authors (copyright holders) into the public domain. The timing and procedure for the transfer of a work to the public domain differs slightly in different countries. A work in the public domain in Russia may be subject to copyright in the United States, and vice versa. In most European countries, the transition to the public domain is provided for 70 years after the death of the author or 70 years after the publication of the work.
2. 2 Search for works published in the United States prior to 1923. Here are some examples of public domain books that can be used to create tutorial articles (for example, for WikiHow):
   • • The Household Cyclopedia - A Guide From The Years Ago 1881!
     • Boy Mechanics: 700 Things a Boy Can Make from Popular Mechanics - Illustrated, PDF version available.
     • Miscellaneous Crafts from the author Archibald Williams - a collection of projects on carpentry, mechanisms, kites and more
     • search Archive.org for the keyword "how-to - be careful before creating articles for wikiHow based on your results, as not all work is in the public domain."
     • Jewish Encyclopedia (1901-1906)
     • Nutalla Encyclopedia
3. 3 Browse books published between 1923. and January 1, 1964, 90% of books published in the United States during this period are not copyrighted because their copyright holders have not renewed their copyright. Check the copyright renewal database for more information.
4. 4 Use documents published by the US federal government, which are generally in the public domain, unless otherwise noted. Here are some decent examples of sources containing information that can be used to create wiki guides:
   • • Space Educators' Handbook
     • US Forest Service Fire Impact Database - contains photographs and facts on many species.
     • US National Institute of Standards and Technology Dictionary of Algorithms, Data Structure and Problems
     • Center for Disease Control
     • USDA Nutrition Lab
     • US Navy - Contains a lot of useful node information.
     • US Department of Defense - Several military manuals contain a wealth of useful information on a variety of topics.
     • Federal Emergency Management Agency - Contains a lot of information on how to prepare for natural disasters.
     • National Transportation Safety Board
     • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
     • United States Geological Survey
5. 5 Check popular websites for public domain content. Please note that not all content is in the public domain:
   • ibiblio.org
   • Project gutenberg
   • list of public domain sources Wikipedia - many search options. Great source.
   • list of public domain Wikipedia images