For open access works, it is common to add an open license like a Creative Commons License, which let users know how they can reuse works without asking permission. All licenses require attribution to the creator(s), but some have other requirements. There are six possible licenses that range from least restrictive to most restrictive in terms of what they allow users do: CC-BY, CC-BY-SA, CC-BY-NC, CC-BY-NC-SA, CC-BY-ND, or CC-BY-NC-ND.
CWRU and the CWRU Libraries do not recommend or require using a specific license but encourage authors to be as permissive/open as appropriate given the type of work and the information contained. Selecting one of the less restrictive licenses (especially CC-BY) makes your work more in alignment with the definition and spirit of open access - free to read and reuse. Additionally, if you want your work read and used as widely as possible, the less restrictive licenses like CC BY or CC BY-NC (limited to non-commercial use) help to achieve that.
However, there are situations when being more restrictive is the best option especially when dealing with sensitive topics or information. If you would like more control or say over how people adapt your work, selecting a more restrictive license may be the best choice. Even with a more restrictive license, you can still give permission to adapt your work to specific individuals if they reach out and ask for permission. Note though: if someone wants to misuse your work, they will probably do it whether it has a more permissive license or a more restrictive one.
Need additional guidance? Contact scholarlycomm@case.edu
