Re-use of content from open access journals

Re-use of content from open access journals is becoming more common, with a growing number allowing their published content to be modified and distributed by others so long as the original authors and source are appropriately cited. For example, the PLOS journals allow for content reuse under a CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons license.  

While the use of plagiarised content is universally unacceptable on Radiopaedia.org, the re-use of content from open access publications is permissible under specific situations:

1. The content cannot otherwise be easily sourced via original user contributions to the site. 
2. The content serves a clear educational purpose and assists in the dissemination of knowledge.
3. The original author and source are appropriately cited, and the use on Radiopaedia.org adheres to the terms of the original Creative Commons license applicable to the content. A link to the applicable Creative Commons license page should be given. 
4. Any modification to the content is described. 

Note: Contributors to Radiopaedia.org should be aware that the majority of scientific journals are NOT open access and re-use of their content would constitute plagiarism and copyright violation. Contributors should think carefully before directly re-using content from any publication and contact [email protected] for clarification if required.  

Appropriate examples

The following articles and cases are examples of appropriate re-use of open access journal content:

• swallow tail sign: images re-used from an open-access publication

Inappropriate examples

The following hypothetical examples would not be deemed as appropriate. 

• copying images from articles of conditions where other equally good examples are already present on Radiopaedia. 
• copy-pasting text in article or case discussions; this need to be original at all times as there is no reason for this not to be the case.