Archives digitisation access

The Library has revised its access policy in light of providing online access to digitised archive material. Making archive material available online has an impact on data protection and privacy considerations. While some records are judged non-sensitive and classed as open for consultation in the Library, they may acquire sensitivity if made available world-wide via online access. The Access to Archives policy [PDF 278KB] outlines the steps taken by the Library to balance the access needs of researchers with the Library’s duty of care to individuals mentioned in its archive collections.

The Library will only make archive material available online if it is classed as open, is over 10 years old, and has undergone a risk assessment. Readers wishing to consult digitised archive collections online that are classed as open and are over ten years old will be able to do so once they have completed an online registration procedure.

The access policy was drawn up in consultation with the Information Commissioner’s Office and an advisory panel consisting of staff from the Wellcome Trust and external bodies including The National Archives. This policy was formally adopted in November 2010 and will be reviewed annually.

Archives digitisation overview

Archives digitisation schedule

Archives digitisation content list

Archives digitisation FAQ

Digitising the archives: the Wellcome Library approach