Use Policies
Use of Archive Data
CISER Archive data are intended for use by the Cornell community for the purpose of academic research only. Other use or any redistribution is a violation of Cornell's Campus Code of Conduct and Policy Regarding Abuse of Computers and Network Systems. Using Archive datasets means that you understand and acknowledge these University policies.
Some distributors from which we obtain datasets have policies regarding file use and redistribution. Such policies are provided on this page or accompany dataset documentation in the Archive or on the CISER file server.
In some cases, use of specific data files is restricted. Permission to use a restricted file must be obtained from its producer or the principal investigator. The bibliographic records for restricted data indicate the agency that you must contact. Archive staff can assist you with this process, but you are responsible for obtaining the requisite permissions.
Use of Archive Documentation
Our policy on printed documentation use and borrowing is designed to insure that this material is available when you need it. Some documentation is consulted frequently and can be used only in the Archive or signed out for a short time period. Other print materials held by Archive such as reports, compendia, and reference tools, are also owned by one or more Cornell University Library locations. If you need access to documentation for an extended period of time or need assistance locating related publications, ask Archive staff for assistance.
Use of Archive CD-ROMS and DVDs
Many datasets on CD and DVD media are in the public domain and may be used and copied freely. Others contain proprietary data or retrieval software that can be used only in the Archive on a public-use workstation. Use restrictions, if any, are usually provided with the media or in accompanying documentation. Please consult Archive staff for additional information.
If allowed by the producer, most CD-ROMs and DVDs may be signed out for use outside the Archive for brief periods (generally no more than one week) by those affiliated with Cornell University. You are responsible for installing or acquiring any product-specific software needed to utilize these data.
Roper Center Policy
Cornell has the following contractual obligations regarding datasets obtained from the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.
1. You may not redisseminate Roper material in any form - including the Internet - to any other institution or individual not affiliated with Cornell University without written approval of the Roper Center.
2. You should appropriately cite Roper archive resources in your research, including the original survey, any accompanying material, and the fact that the data were acquired from the Roper Center. See the section under Bibliographic Citation on this page.
Failure to follow the guidelines could result in the loss of the Roper membership by Cornell. CISER considers any redistribution of data and other materials acquired from the Roper Center to be a violation of the campus code of conduct.
Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR)
Data obtained from ICPSR, whether from the CISER file server or ICPSR Direct service, may be used to support research by Cornell University faculty, students and staff only. As a member of ICPSR, the Data Archive adheres to the following policies governing use and distribution of ICPSR material:
Members will not distribute data or other materials supplied by ICPSR to other members, organizations, or individuals at other institutions, without the written agreement of ICPSR.
Member institutions agree that data and other materials provided by ICPSR are to be used solely for statistical analysis and reporting of aggregated information, and not for investigation of specific individuals or organizations, except when identification is authorized in writing by ICPSR. Each member institution gives assurance that such uses of statistical data will conform to widely accepted standards of practice and legal restrictions that are intended to protect the confidentiality of research subjects.
Books, articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, and other publications or reports that employ data or other resources provided by ICPSR should cite both original data collectors and ICPSR as the source, in accord with recommended citation procedures for computer files in the social sciences.
Source: ICPSR Bylaws, Article I, Section 2]