Library Copyright Guidance: Special Collections Material
Copying restrictions apply to items in the custody of the Library's Special Collections department, because of their rarity and for conservation reasons. For copying purposes, Special Collections material falls into the following categories:
- Items on open access in the Special Collections Reading Room and some SOAS theses may normally be copied by users using the Library's self-service photocopiers, under fair dealing for private study or research, SOAS's CLA licence (see Photocopying Library material), or the provisions in copyright law which allow the Reproduction of Library materials, as appropriate. Permission must be obtained from a member of staff before removing any item from the Special Collections Reading Room.
- Archives, manuscripts and rare books cannot be photocopied by users. The Special Collections department does not currently offer a copying service: see Special Collections' web pages for further information.
At the discretion of staff, users may be permitted to photograph items which they are consulting in the Special Collections Reading Room, after completing a form and a copyright declaration. This allows users to copy items themselves under "fair dealing" (or other copyright provisions). Users are responsible for ensuring that their photography complies with copyright law. Images made in this way are subject to the restrictions in the copyright declaration: in particular, the user must not have previously received a copy of the item; must not supply a copy of the image to any other person; and must not use the image other than for non-commercial private study or research.
The copying or publication of items in Special Collections may also be subject to restrictions and charges imposed by the depositor of the material, even where the item is out of copyright.
Enquiries relating to the copying and publication of Special Collections material should be directed to the Special Collections team. See Special Collections' web pages for contact details.
Last updated February 2008
