Policies & Procedures
Re-use of public sector information regulations 2015
Statement of public task
The Library is required to comply with the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015. This regulates how information it creates or holds is made available for re-use.
This statement sets out the functions carried out by Newcastle University Library that are within the Library’s public task under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015. This statement is regularly reviewed and is due to be reviewed again no later than 31 December 2018.
The purpose of the University Library is to develop and deliver high quality and innovative information services, resources and environments to support the research, learning and teaching of the University and to benefit the wider community.
The public task of the library is further articulated in its current strategic plan.
The Library undertakes digitisation and facilitates re-use for the it holds wherever copyright law, data protection, and the condition of the material will permit this. The Library does not have a dedicated budget for digitisation, so is reliant on charging fees for making digital copies in order to meet its costs.
Please note, where a collection has been digitised by a 3rd party, they are permitted to set their own charging arrangements and may also charge for re-use. At present re-use of the following collections is administered under the following special arrangements:
- The Cowen Tracts have been digitised as part of the British Pamphlets Online project by JSTOR.
Requests for re-use of information
If you wish to apply for access and re-use of our under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations please see our pages.
The Public Sector Information Regulations only govern the re-use of information. To obtain copies of personal information, or other information held by Newcastle University, please make a Subject Access Request or a Freedom of Information Request.
If you have any query about this public task statement, or wish to lodge a complaint about a decision made in relation to the Regulations, please contact us via .
Lost property
To ensure property found in the , , and libraries is dealt with consistently and in accordance with our service standards and procedures.
Applicability and Scope
The policy should be used when any lost property is found at the above locations.
Definition
Lost property means any unattended, misplaced or forgotten item, found within the boundaries of the University Library buildings.
Risk
The Library cannot be held responsible for any items deemed to be lost property. No items should be left in the Library; any that are left are done so at the owner's risk.
Our Responsibilities
Library staff will try to identify and contact the owner of high value property or official hard copy documents containing personal data. Staff will use any accessible contact details on the lost item or from Newcastle University internal systems.
Items of value can include
Passport, visa, birth certificate, driving licence, cash or secure container (purse or wallet) likely to contain valuables, cheque book, credit or debit card, bank statements, electrical equipment, and high value jewellery.
Lost items of value will be retained for 30 days. Low value items will be retained for 14 days (excluding food or food containers and water bottles).
The following actions will then be taken
- Passports, visas, birth certificates and driving licences will be returned to their respective issuing offices.
- Cash will be donated to the Student Hardship Fund, full details of the donation will be recorded and a receipt obtained.
- Credit or debit cards, cheque books and bank statements will be disposed of as advised by respective bank.
- Electrical equipment including mobile phones, will be collected through the University’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Scheme. SIM cards will be shredded.
- High value personal possessions, not otherwise specified, for example jewellery, will be handed to University Security for secure storage.
- Low value items will be donated to charity, recycled or disposed of.