Policies Governing Use

Privacy

Manuscript collections and archival records that include twentieth and twenty-first century materials may contain sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal and state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under civil law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual’s private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person).

Pickler Memorial Library assumes no responsibility for claims or complaints that result from a researcher’s use of the collections.

Culturally Sensitive Content

The Special Collections and Museums Department holds materials that contain culturally sensitive content. This term is defined in different ways by members of individual communities, nations, tribes, ethnic groups, and religious denominations; it may include materials that relate to traditional knowledge and practices, or be information collected during particular historic periods or movements.

Such materials may a) be considered the private domain of specific individuals, clans, cults or societies; b) require an appropriate level of knowledge to view and understand; c) threaten the privacy and well-being of a community or individual when exposed or disclosed to outsiders; and/or d) give offense if inappropriately used or displayed, or when appropriated or exploited for commercial purposes.

Some collections within the department may contain culturally sensitive materials that have not been identified as such. We ask that researchers respect the sensitive nature of these materials and bring them to our attention. Researchers are also encouraged to inform the relevant community or individual of their research.

General Use

The library reserves the right to restrict access to its collections. Researchers agree to abide by any restrictions placed by the library on its collection.

The library reserves the right to refuse copy services for materials subject to copyright or other restrictions.

Researchers further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Truman State University, Pickler Memorial Library, and their offices, employees, and agents from and against all suits, claims, actions, and expenses arising out of use of collections held by the library.

adopted from the National Anthropological Archives)

Updated August 5, 2021