Primary sources that have been donated to an archival repository are generally available for research. University records are public records, and public records in the Commonwelath of Massachusetts are not restricted for access, unless exempt under privacy law. Primary sources are original letters, documents, diaries, notebooks, photographs, and sometimes newspapers. The identification and analysis of primary sources and other sources contemporary with the events are essential parts of historical research. Some primary sources are, of course, only available in the library or archival collection that owns the documents. Most archival repositories are working towards providing full text access to their holdings via the Internet.
For access to university records collections, see the ArchivesSpace finding aids
According to provisions of the Copyright Law of the United States, under certain conditions, libraries and archives may provide photocopies or other reproductions of materials to individuals for research and private study. Duplication in no way transfers either copyright or property rights, nor does it constitute permission to publish, display or rebroadcast in excess of "Fair Use."
The Archives reserves the right to deny certain requests for duplication if doing so would put the material at risk for damage, would violate restrictions placed by the donor, or would violate privacy statutes.
Copyright ownership of University records, regardless of format, are generally retained by UMass Dartmouth and educational use by students and faculty constitutes fair use and is allowable by law. Regardless of the use on or off campus,we request that attribution to the the Archives and Special Collectionsbe included.
