Using and Adapting Slides

Frequently Asked Questions

When using or adapting materials drawn from other sources, including Internet sources, it is important to cite the source of the materials. Yet, questions about how to credit diverse sources of information are common within and outside the AETC network. We assume that most presenters want to do the right thing, but often they do not know the standards of the field. We hope that this page will help to clarify the issue.

A basic rule of thumb is that the standard for what is appropriate for materials developed for broad distribution (eg, a large lecture, a handout, a publication) is probably stronger and less flexible than that for materials or presentations developed for a small group or one-time use.

	When do I need to request permission to use slides created by someone else?
	May I apply my own template to someone else's slides?
	How do I cite another source in single slides?
	Do I need permission to use charts, graphs, or images from journals or other publications?
	What if I want to adapt or modify the chart or graph?
	Do I need permission to use images or graphics from the Internet?
	Do I need to include citations for materials in the public domain?
	What if I use the whole slide set?
	What is the appropriate format for citing slides from the AETC website?

When do I need to request permission to use slides created by someone else?

You should always ask permission unless the slide set or source includes information about appropriate use. Examples of specific directives: The CDC has the following request on its HIV slide download page: While the content is in the public domain and no copyright restriction applies, we do ask that users preserve the slides in their current format and cite CDC as the source. The AETC National Resource Center's slides include this statement on the second slide of each file: It is intended that these slides be used as prepared, without changes in either content or attribution. Users are asked to honor this intent. Clinical Care Options uses similar language, but also addresses the issue of republication: Users are encouraged to use these slides in their own presentations, but we ask that content and attribution not be changed. Users are asked to honor this intent. These slides may not be published or posted online without permission from Clinical Care Options.

May I apply my own template to someone else's slides?

	It depends. The CDC, in its request (above), asks that you retain the original formatting, but acknowledges that it cannot enforce the issue. The other two statements do not address this issue. Here is an example of an appropriate citation of a slide taken from the NRC website:

How do I cite another source in single slides?

Do I need permission to use charts, graphs, or images from journals or other publications?

	Yes. The rule for presentations is the same as the rule for publications.

What if I want to adapt or modify the chart or graph?

	The rule for presentations is the same as the rule for publications.

Do I need permission to use images or graphics from the Internet?

	It depends on where you got them. If they are part of a free clip-art library or if you purchased them from a stock photo company, you usually do not need to obtain permission or credit the source. If they are from a newspaper, journal, poster, or other publication, you must cite the source, and in many cases, request permission to reprint or republish the image.

Do I need to include citations for materials in the public domain?

	If you include unchanged text, images, or tables from a source in the public domain (such as the DHHS guidelines), cite the source.

What if I use the whole slide set?

	Acknowledgement of the presentation's author should in the presentation.

What is the appropriate format for citing slides from the AETC website?

	Coffey S. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents: Initiation of Therapy [PowerPoint]. AIDS Education and Training Centers, National Resource Center; November 2008. Available at http://aidsetc.org/aidsetc?page=etres-display&resource=etres-6. Accessed December 15, 2008.
	Behrens C, Kindrick A, Harrington R. Antiretroviral Resistance Testing in the Management of HIV-Infected Patients [PowerPoint]. Northwest AIDS Education and Training Center; July 2006. Available at http://aidsetc.org/aidsetc?page=etres-display&resource=etres-9. Accessed December 15, 2008.