How to Find Public Domain Materials

Last Updated: February 24, 2023

Public domain materials are those rare works that are not copyrighted and thus not restricted in use in any way. These public domain works can be incorporated into other publications such as wikiHow or Wikipedia. Here is a few sources one might find a public domain resource.

Steps

1
Be aware of the sources of most public domain documents. Some typical sources include old published materials, US Government publications, and materials explicitly donated to the public domain.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Look for materials published in the USA before 1923. Some good examples of public domain books that could be turned into how-to articles:
- - The Household Cyclopedia - a how-to manual from 1881!
  - The Boy Mechanic: 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics - illustrations and all in PDF.
  - Things to Make by Archibald Williams - projects in carpentry, machinery, kites, and more.
  - Archive.org search for "how-to - check before copying to wikiHow because not all of the information is in the public domain.
  - The Jewish Encyclopedia (1901-1906)
  - The Nuttall Enyclopedia
Advertisement
3
Research books that were published between 1923 and Jan 1, 1964. 90% of books during this period are not copyrighted, since their copyright holders failed to extend their copyright. Review the copyright renewal database for details.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Obtain US Federal Government published documents that are usually public domain unless marked otherwise. Some good examples which contain some how-to related info:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- - Space Educators' Handbook
  - US Forest Service Fire Effects Database - contains photos and facts on many species.
  - NIST Dictionary of Algorithms, Data Structures, and Problems -
  - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  - U.S. Navy - contains good information on knots.
  - U.S. Department of Defense - some military training books contain good how-tos on a variety of subjects.
  - Federal Emergency Management Agency - contains good information on preparing for natural disasters.
  - National Transportation Safety Board
  - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  - U.S. Geological Survey
5
Look through some of the more popular websites containing public domain resources. Note that not all material on these sites are public domain:^{[4]
X
Research source}
- ibiblio.org
- Project Gutenberg
- Wikipedia list of public domain text resources - many options listed. Great source.
- Wikipedia list of public domain image resources