Terms & Conditions of Use

These Terms and Conditions set out the contractual terms on which the Archives Card is issued and is used. They apply from 01/09/2019

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

“ARA” means ARA Commercial Limited (Co number 8249971) the issuer of the Card;

“Card” means the Archives Card issued by ARA pursuant to these Terms and Conditions;

“Cardholder” means the person holding and named on a valid Card as issued by ARA;

“Participating Archive” means any archive or library or collection which from time to time forms part of and participates in the Scheme; and,

“Scheme” means the Archives Card scheme as operated by ARA allowing Cardholders to access and use the Participating Archives

2. The Scheme

2.1 The Card is issued free of charge to applicants approved by ARA and is not transferable. It is issued on the basis of these Terms and Conditions, as amended from time to time. The Cardholder’s name must be printed clearly on the signature strip on the reverse of the Card in order for the Card to be valid. The Card will permit the Cardholder to have access to the Participating Archives during the opening times decided by them.

2.2 Upon application, applicants for Cards must provide ARA with proof of identity as required by ARA and a passport-style photograph of the applicant for storage and use in connection with the Scheme.

2.3 The Card will be valid for five years from the date of issue and the Cardholder may apply for renewal at the end of the five year period by supplying such information as ARA may at that time require.

3. The Card

3.1 The Card will remain the property of ARA at all times and must be surrendered on request.

3.2 Cardholders must take all reasonable precautions to avoid loss of or damage to their Card and must notify ARA of any loss or theft of the Card held by them. Cardholders must not part with possession of their Card to third parties or permit any other person to use the Card for any purpose.

3.3 ARA will be entitled to cancel any Card and terminate the relevant Cardholder’s right to use the Card with immediate effect if the Cardholder is in breach of any of the terms of use. The Card will immediately cease to have effect on the death of a holder.

3.4 ARA reserves the right to make a charge for the issue of a replacement Card if a replacement is requested by the Cardholder.

4. Use of Participating Archives

4.1 Cardholders should check the opening times of any Participating Archive before visiting it and any other requirements for access to a specific collection or collections, such as ordering in advance. ARA makes no guarantee or commitment that any Participating Archive will be open to the public on any specific date as part of the Scheme or that a specific collection will be available for research.

4.2 Cardholders must produce their Card on request when using or visiting a Participating Archive and provide other evidence of identity if so requested. They will also be required to comply with any signing-in procedures used or required by any Participating Archive. In default, the Cardholder will be refused access to the Participating Archive concerned.

4.3 Whilst attending any Participating Archive, Cardholders must observe any rules or requirements about use of the premises, conduct in the searchroom, photography and other copying and must not remove or damage any property belonging to it. ARA will not have any liability or responsibility for any act or default on the part of a Participating Archive nor for any loss or injury suffered by a Cardholder whilst using any Participating Archive. Cardholders may be required to surrender their Card to a member of staff of a Participating Archive during their attendance there.

4.4 The Card does not exempt the Cardholder from any charges made by a Participating Archive for any services or items supplied.

5. Personal Data

5.1 All personal information supplied by a Cardholder or obtained by ARA from any source will be used by ARA in connection with the promotion, administration and operation of the Scheme.

5.2 Cardholders are requested to read carefully ARA’s Privacy Notice relating to the Scheme.

6. General

6.1 ARA will have no liability to any Cardholder arising from these Terms and Conditions or related to the use of his or her Card, which is free of charge, except that ARA does not hereby limit or restrict its liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence.

6.2 These Terms and Conditions are governed by English Law and the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction for all purposes connected with them.

6.3 No third parties other than ARA and Cardholders are intended to have any rights to rely on or enforce any of these Terms and Conditions.

6.4 These Terms and Conditions may be varied or amended from time to time by ARA and any changes or amendments will be notified to Cardholders by direct communication or by notice on ARA’s website.