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Library strategies, policies and standards

Library services policies and regulations

Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015

The Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 (RPSI) enables the re-use of public sector information for a purpose other than the initial public task it was originally produced for. 

RPSI applies to public sector bodies including local government and the cultural sector to include libraries, museums and archives.  The University of West London (UWL) Library Services is therefore subject to the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 (PSI Regulations).

Unlike other public sector bodies, libraries and other cultural institutions are not obliged to allow re-use but may permit re-use.

The RPSI applies to public sector information only. UWL Library Services is unable to provide access to recorded information where the intellectual property rights (copyright or database right) belongs to a third party.   

In addition, RPSI does not apply to information that would be exempt from disclosure under information access legislation i.e. the General Data Protection Regulation, Freedom of Information Act, or the Environmental Information Regulations.

  • Statement of Public Task

    The public task of UWL Library Services, under the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations, consists of the principal activities below as articulated in its current Mission Statement and Purpose:

    Library Services aspires to be at the heart of the student and academic experience at UWL, offering relevant, up-to-date learning, teaching and research resources, study spaces and support services at the point and time of need in a collaborative, effective and efficient manner.

  • What is the department's purpose?

    The Department’s purpose is to:

    Support the UWL student’s educational journey from pre-registration applicant to alumnus via:
    Provision of relevant, up-to-date print and electronic learning resources integrated into the curriculum and the associated technologies
    Provision of flexible study environments for different modes of learning
    Delivery of responsive support services and integrated digital literacy training in collaboration with the various UWL Schools
    Support the creation and dissemination of University knowledge externally and help foster a research environment and culture.
    This statement is reviewed on an annual basis.

  • Applications for re-use of information

    If you wish to apply for access to our information under the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015, please email your request addressed to the Head of Resources & Technology using library@uwl.ac.uk.

    All requests will be responded to within 20 days and will include any indication of likely costs or an explanation if a longer delay is anticipated.

  • Right to refuse

    UWL Library Services reserves the right to refuse requests for re-use of information under the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 where valid exceptions apply. These may include copyright, commercial confidentiality and protection of personal data. Should refusal occur, the reason for refusal will be clearly explained, along with details on how to appeal.

  • Complaints procedure

    1. If you believe that the Statement of Public Task for Library Services is inaccurate or incomplete, or if you consider that our response to a re-use request does not comply with the PSI regulations, you may make a formal complaint in writing to the Director of Library Services in the first instance.
       
    2. If you are still not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled you may then escalate it by writing to the University Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer.
       
    3. The final escalation point in the complaints process would then be to forward details to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office.

List of information assets

Under the Regulations, cultural public sector organisations are required to publish a list of their information assets which includes both published and unpublished information.

N.B. Information may not be available for re-use due to its nature (third-party copyright, personal information or information that is exempt under access legislation). Each request will therefore be assessed individually.

  • How are the Library's information assets categorised?

    The Library's information assets are categorised as follows:

    Items listed in the Library's Publication Scheme - See UWL’s Freedom of Information web page

    Information relating to the governance and management of Library Services is available on request - including: 

    • Corporate documents: Strategic documents will be made available on the Library website when approved. Other documents will be available on request.
       
    • Contractual information: Policies available on request but commercially sensitive information is likely to be protected under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 s43 exemption.
       
    • Human resources: Policies available on request but information relating to individuals is likely to be protected under the Data Protection Act 1998.
       
    • Finance and fundraising: Policies available on request but commercially sensitive information is likely to be protected under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 s43
       
    • Customer services: available via the Library website.
       
    • Health and safety: available on request
       
    • Press and PR: contact communications@uwl.ac.uk

    Information relating to Library buildings and their maintenance is available on request.

    Information relating to the Library’s collections is available on request - including: 

    • physical collections: available on request
       
    • digital collections    All of our current digital collections are from 3rd party suppliers, with the exception of research outputs below.
       
    • library collection details and metadata. Available via LibSearch (Summon) and Koha. Metadata is licensed from 3rd party providers.       
    • research outputs (including e-theses)    Open Access research outputs are already publicly available via the UWL Repository. Reuse may be restricted according to 3rd party publisher agreements.

    Information relating to the delivery of externally funded projects is available on request and also via the relevant external funders' websites.

Get in touch

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In-person: Visit the Help Zone, ground floor at our Ealing & Reading sites. Find out the library opening hours.

Email us: library@uwl.ac.uk

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Telephone:  Ealing: 020 8231 2405  /  Reading: 020 8209 4434  (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

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