New Year Ushers in a Treasure Trove of Public Domain Works
The dawn of 2026 brings with it a vast array of creative works that have now entered the public domain, providing artists and creators with a rich resource to explore and adapt without restrictions. This transition allows the public to freely use, adapt, and build upon these works, fostering innovation and creativity across various media.
As of January 1, 2026, a plethora of works originally copyrighted in 1930, along with sound recordings from 1925, have become publicly accessible. Notably, this includes the initial quartet of Nancy Drew novels, which were penned by ghostwriter Mildred Wirt Benson. Her contributions have been preserved and are available through the Iowa Women’s Archives. Additionally, literary enthusiasts can delve into Agatha Christie’s The Murder at the Vicarage and William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying.
For those in the realm of music, the Music Library now offers inspiration through compositions such as I Got Rhythm, Georgia on My Mind, and Dream a Little Dream of Me. Meanwhile, artists can access and incorporate works by creators like Piet Mondrian, Edward Steichen, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and José Clemente Orozco, available via the Art Library. Filmmakers, musicians, and illustrators can also explore a variety of films, sound recordings, characters, comics, and cartoons to inspire their new creations.
Discovering Newly Freely Available Creative Works
Understanding U.S. Copyright Law and Evaluating a Work’s Copyright Status
The Scholarly Impact Department offers support to faculty navigating intricate copyright dilemmas, including classroom material usage, author rights retention, and Creative Commons licensing applications. To arrange a consultation, reach out to Mahrya Burnett via email at mahrya-burnett@uiowa.edu. Additionally, the Libraries Copyright Guide offers foundational insights into copyright matters, including Fair Use, permission seeking, author rights, and licensing.
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