Copyright and Privacy
Appalachian State University Library’s Digital Collections are provided free for educational use under Fair Use as outlined by current U.S. Copyright law and accompanying guidelines. Individuals may reproduce Digital Collection materials (print, download or make copies) without prior permission research, teaching and private study. However, written permission from Appalachian State University’s Belk Library or the rights holder must be obtained and given to the appropriate Belk Library representative before using an item for publishing or commercial purposes. Requests for permission should be addressed to Appalachian State Digital Collections, Special Collections or University Archives. In some instances, Belk Library does not have complete information about authors, publishers, or other persons associated with the materials in their collection. The Special Collections and University Archives appreciates hearing from anyone who may have additional information about any of the items in the collection and from those who may wish to donate Appalachian resources to Appalachian State University.
Digital collections hosted by Appalachian State University are intended to provide accurate and complete representations of information to advance the private study and research of students, faculty, and the general public. In preparing these Appalachian State University Digital Collections, the university takes steps to identify and remediate sensitive information that could threaten the privacy and security of individuals, organizations, or other entities represented in the collection(s).
Despite these efforts, sensitive or private information may inadvertently be included in digital collections. In such cases, living individuals whose private information is exposed (or who are acting on behalf of a minor child or an incapacitated parent, spouse, domestic partner or adult child) are welcome to submit a takedown request. All such requests will be reviewed by relevant Appalachian State University stakeholders, who may ask for additional information to better understand the issue and its consequences.
Given our commitment to preserving the authenticity and integrity of the scholarly and historical record, we are unable to correct errors or inaccuracies present in original items; redact digital content or indices; or otherwise remove access to materials except in cases where there are legal concerns (for example, the presence of HIPAA or FERPA protected information), significant risks to privacy (for example, exposed Social Security numbers), or documented evidence of a clear and imminent threat to personal safety and well-being.
Submitting a Takedown or Redaction Request
You may submit a request for redaction or removal that falls under one of the exceptions above. When submitting a request for removal of published content, please specify the following:
- how it meets the criteria for takedown or redaction
- the exact URL of content, and
- your relationship to the materials (the item(s) were created by you, they describe you, etc.).
Requests for redactions or removals can be made to the department from which the materials originate:
Special Collections Research Center
spcoll@appstate.edu
828-262-4041
