Trinity College Archives’ Access and Restrictions Policy

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Trinity College Archives’ Access and Restrictions Policy

This policy governs access to records that are in the possession of the Trinity College Archives, and that were created by Trinity faculty, staff and students in the conduct of college business. This policy does not pertain to records that are still in the possession of administrative offices and academic departments. Researchers wishing to access such records should contact the appropriate offices directly.

This policy governs access to records that are in the possession of the Trinity College Archives, and that were created by Trinity faculty, staff and students in the conduct of college business. This policy does not pertain to records that are still in the possession of administrative offices and academic departments. Researchers wishing to access such records should contact the appropriate offices directly.

Records in the Trinity College Archives collections are open to researchers with the following exceptions:
  • Records of the Board of Trustees are sealed for a period of 50 years from the date of creation.
  • Personnel records are sealed for a period of 100 years from the date of creation.
  • Faculty Meeting minutes for regular monthly meetings (through 2003) are open to research immediately. However, minutes from Special Faculty meetings will be sealed for a period of 25 years from the date of creation.
  • Other college administrative records (e.g., committee reports, records of the Office of the President, etc.) are closed for a period of 25 years from the date of creation.
Sealed records are available to faculty and staff members working in the offices of their origin, to the President of the College and her or his designees, and to the full-time staff of the Watkinson Library, as designated by the Director of Special Collections or the College Archivist and Manuscript Librarian.
Widely distributed records and published records are available to all researchers, without restriction, upon their creation. This includes records distributed to the college community via email and records that are posted on the college website.
Un-cataloged and/or un-processed records may be restricted at the discretion of the Director of Special Collections or College Archivist and Manuscript Librarian in the Watkinson Library.
Researchers wishing access to sealed records may apply in writing to the College Archivist and Manuscript Librarian. Access may be granted only with the permission of the current officer in charge of the office of origin.
Effective November 15, 2017, this policy is subject to review. Revised 11.01.2019.