Policies/Procedures
Contents:
Because of the rare nature of much of the material, it may be used only in the archives reading room in 315 Andersen Library.
Persons who are unable to come to the Twin Cities are welcome to call or correspond to inquire about identifying specific materials that might be photocopied, or they may be put in touch with local researchers with whom they may arrange to have materials copied.
Permission to Examine Archival Materials
Permission to use archival materials normally will be granted to any qualified researcher upon completion of the reader registration form and agreement to abide by the following rules governing use.
Use of materials is freely granted to all responsible researchers, subject to the following regulations and procedures to ensure that the materials are protected from deterioration, mutilation, or loss.
Access Restrictions
Access to most collections is open to all. Consult with the curator for clarification of any restrictions. The unit reserves the right to limit or prohibit access to any materials if potential for misuse is evident.
Access to some collections is subject to special restrictions administered by the Archives at the request of the donor. Once admitted to restricted collections, the researcher assumes full responsibility for fulfilling the terms of the restrictions.
You are required to present at least one form of identification (preferably with a photograph) prior to use of collections.
Conditions of Use
Most materials do not circulate; that is, they must be used on the premises in the reading room. Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the reading room. Food facilities are located in nearby buildings. Except for guide dogs for the visually impaired, animals may not be brought in the building/reading room.
You may bring paper, pencils, laptop computers, and needed valuables into the reading room. Purses, briefcases, book bags, other totes, and outerwear must be left in a locker. You may have access to your secured belongings at any time outside the reading room.
Information about holdings is available in the finding aids prepared by the Archives staff. Many of these are available in the Holdings section of this website, much information still exists only in paper finding aids located in the unit. Consult with the staff for assistance.
To obtain items for research, complete request forms. fill out separate forms for each book, serial, newspaper, manuscript, box/folder, photograph, etc., you wish to see. Staff members will retrieve the materials for you.
A staff member will instruct you in use of equipment for microform or video/sound recordings. Time limitations may be placed on the use of equipment to permit other researchers access to the machines.
Please handle all items with care. Materials must not be marked on, fastened together, or mutilated in any other way. Retain the original order of file folders and items within folders of manuscript collections. We welcome reports of items that appear to have been misfiled or dated incorrectly. If you encounter problems with the physical condition or arrangement of materials, bring them to the attention of the curator.
Pencils must be used for note-taking.
When you have completed use of materials, place them in the box or on the cart indicated for their return. Inform a staff member when you are ready to depart.
Permission to Publish
Permission to publish from unpublished manuscripts or published works under copyright must first be obtained from the holder of the copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure that permission. The Archives staff will assist in identifying the holder of copyright. In cases where the Social Welfare History Archives holds copyright, it will ordinarily grant the usual publication rights to applicants.
The researcher accepts full responsibility for observing the laws of libel and invasion of privacy as well as the copyright law.
Permission to use materials does not convey permission to publish them. This privilege must be acquired separately and is the responsibility of the user. The unit can grant permission to publish only those materials for which it holds the literary rights. In giving such permission, the unit does not surrender its own right to publish the same materials nor its right to permit others to do so.
Any publication that results from use of a unit's primary sources should include citation(s) of the collections(s) used (see "Recommended Style for Citing Social Welfare History Archives Holdings"). Should the unit prove to be a significant resource for a publication, the unit would appreciate receiving a copy.
Copying
The Archives will provide photocopies of material when such duplication can be done without injury to the material and does not violate copyright restrictions or restrictions imposed by agreement with the donor. The copies are provided for the researcher's personal use only and are not to be transferred to another individual or institution without the permission of the Archives. Provision of the copies does not constitute permission to publish.
To request photocopying or other duplication services, complete the "copy request" form and contact unit staff for procedures and cost. Both traditional photo reproduction and digital reproduction (scanning) are available.
Microfilm or other photographic reproduction can be arranged, although the Archives does not have its own photographic facilities.
Cameras and digital cameras may only be used with permission of the Archives. Use of personal scanners (either hand held or desktop) is not allowed.
» Link to more details for photocopying policies and fees.
» Link to Digital Collections Unit scanning services.
Limits on Research Service provided by Archives' staff
You are welcome and encouraged to consult with curatorial staff members about your research needs and for clarification of procedures. Staff will help identify sources of information relevant to your interests but cannot undertake extensive research projects.