Repository Policy

The Metadata Policy for information describing items in the repository states that anyone may access the metadata free of charge. The metadata may be reused in any medium without prior permission for not-for-profit purposes, provided the OAI Identifier or a link to the original metadata record is given. However, the metadata must not be reused in any medium for commercial purposes without formal permission. The Data Policy for full-text and other full data items allows anyone to access full items free of charge. Single copies of full items can be reproduced, displayed, or performed in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge. Full items must not be sold commercially in any format or medium without formal permission from the copyright holders. The Content Policy for document types and datasets indicates that this is either an institutional or departmental repository, or a multi-institution subject-based repository. The repository holds all types of items, or it only permits specific item types as listed. All items are individually tagged with their peer-review status and publication status. The Submission Policy concerning depositors, quality, and copyright stipulates that items may only be deposited by accredited members of the organization or their delegated agents. Authors may only submit their own work for archiving. The administrator vets items solely to exclude spam. The validity and authenticity of the content of submissions is the sole responsibility of the depositor. Items may not be deposited until any publishers' or funders' embargo period has expired. Any copyright violations are entirely the responsibility of the authors/depositors. If the repository receives proof of copyright violation, the relevant item will be removed immediately. The Preservation Policy states that items will be retained indefinitely, with the repository trying to ensure continued readability and accessibility. The repository regularly backs up its files according to current best practices. Items may not normally be removed from the repository, with acceptable reasons for withdrawal including proven copyright violation or plagiarism, legal requirements and proven violations, national security, and falsified research. Withdrawn items are not deleted per se but are removed from public view. Withdrawn items' identifiers/URLs are retained indefinitely, and URLs will continue to point to 'tombstone' citations to avoid broken links and retain item histories. Changes to deposited items are not permitted, but if necessary, an updated version may be deposited. In the event of the repository being closed down, the database will be transferred to another appropriate archive.