Accessing Archival Material
The University Archives holds historical university records and private records acquired by the university to support research and teaching activities.
We make records open and available to the public as much as possible. At the same time, we have obligations to honour donation agreements, safeguard privacy, and ensure the long-term preservation of our collections. Please contact archives@dal.ca for more details.
University Records
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP) gives members of the public a right to access university records subject to limited exceptions.
University publications, Board and Senate minutes, and historical records are open for research. Some records may contain personal or confidential information. Access to these records may be restricted as required by law.
An archivist must review university records in the University Archives prior to release, and the review may result in access restrictions.
Private Records
After individuals or organizations donate records, the University Archives sets conditions for access. Most private records are open for research, but some private records have time-limited restrictions negotiated by the donor. Archivists may also suggest access restrictions to protect sensitive information and to protect fragile items.
More information: