University Archives Use Policy

I.       Use

The Archivist shall make available to authorized persons, at reasonable times, all obtainable archival materials relating to the operation and history of the University of Southern Mississippi.   "Authorized persons" are defined as official representatives of the department whose records are being requested, their supervisors, or individuals given permission for access by such officials. 

Access to University Archives materials must be arranged in advance and an appointment made to view the materials.  Users will be permitted to inspect, examine, abstract, or copy University Archives material in the Cleanth Brooks Reading Room of McCain Library & Archives, under the supervision of the Archivist or other authorized person.   Such access will be provided during the regular operating hours of the Reading Room. 

In some rare instances, materials may be borrowed from the archives by the originating department or higher authority.  In such cases, approval must be received from the Archivist and all established check-out procedures and policies must be followed. 

II.          Restrictions to Use

The University Archives makes university archival materials available for use as soon as possible. At the same time, it has an obligation to guard against invasion of privacy and to protect the confidentiality in its records in accordance with law. Therefore, some materials may not be available for use until a specific period of time has passed or until certain conditions are met.   

In general, anything less than 5 years old can only be accessed by someone from the originating department or someone with permission from that department. 

Last revision: June 24, 2010