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Tutkijasalin asiakaspöytiä, kortistolaatikoita ja etualalla runonlaulajan patsas.

Rules of use

The SKS is a nonprofit organization. The highest decision-making body of the SKS convenes at its annual meeting, and the society’s activities are supervised by a board of directors elected by delegates. The board approves the rules of use for the Archives’ operations.

Rules of use for the SKS Archives

1. The SKS Archives is open to everyone. The archive materials are primarily freely available, but some have restrictions on their use.

2. The archive materials may only be used in the reading room of the Archives.

3. The archive materials are available upon written request. When signing an order for archive materials, the customer undertakes not to use the content to the detriment or disparagement of the person to whom the materials relate or to the detriment or disparagement of their close relatives. In addition, the applicant must comply with the following:

  • Laws and regulations on data protection and copyright
  • The rules of use for the SKS Archives
  • Reading room instructions and other separate instructions
  • Contractual terms of the materials as well as (other) restrictions on use.

4. Restrictions on the use of materials are in accordance with contractual terms, legislation, or the condition of the materials, among others. The use of restricted materials requires an application to be submitted and the purpose of use to be reported. The director of archives grants permission in accordance with the terms and conditions of the restrictions on use. Permits cover only the specified purposes of use.

5. Copies of material (digital or microfilm) should be used when available. Customers may request separate permits for original materials only when the use of digital or microfilm materials is not possible. Separate permits are granted on a case-by-case basis.

6. The archive materials must be handled without causing them harm. The concerned party is liable to pay damages, as specified by the SKS.

7. The publication, public presentation, and further dissemination of the materials are subject to authorization and are partially limited by data protection and copyright legislation.

  • Publication and presentation permits are granted by the director of archives.
  • In the case of materials being subject to copyright, the publisher is responsible for clarifying the copyright terms and obtaining consent from the rights holders. Approval is required to grant permits for publishing and presentations.
  • The publisher must account for any ethical questions and instructions related to publication, dissemination, and/or presentation, such as the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity’s instructions for scientific research.
  • When publishing materials, the SKS Archives must be mentioned as the place of storage.

8. The director of archives may refuse access to the Archives to any person who violates the rules governing their use or the instructions governing the use of materials. Appeals of decisions should be sent in writing to the secretary general of the SKS.

Approved at the board meeting on 13 May 2019.

Photo: Emma Suominen, SKS.