Swansea University Libraries' public task, as defined under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations (2015) consists of its functions to support the aims of the University as laid out in the University's Supplemental Charter of 2007, wherein the objects of the University shall be to:
advance learning and knowledge by teaching and research, and to engage in activities to promote and contribute to cultural, social and economic development within Wales and beyond.
Swansea University Libraries holds and uses information and documents for the following purposes within its public task:
- The strategic and related development and aims of our services
- The promotion and provision of access to our library resources
- The production of learning and research resources related to our collections including information guides, subject guides and a range of related material in print and electronic form
Information about Swansea University Libraries' general activities in carrying out its public task will be found on our main website.
Swansea University Libraries permits the re-use of certain documents created for its public task. Further information on the range of available documents, can be found through our main website.
Questions about Swansea University Libraries public task statement and/or complaints about any decisions made under the Regulations may be submitted through the Compliance Office at the address below.
This statement of public task will be reviewed regularly and is due to be considered again in January 2024 (latest review 2023).
Requesting re-use
All requests for re-use must be made in writing either via email or letter and must include the following to be a valid request under the ROPSI 2015 Regulations-
- State name of applicant and an address for correspondence
- Specify the document requested
- State the purpose for which the document is to re-used
Contact details for requesting re-use:-
The University Compliance Officer (FOI/DP)
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP
Email: foi@swansea.ac.uk
Responding to Requests
The University has 20 working days to respond to requests, although there are some circumstances where this may be extended, for example if the information is extensive or if the request raises complex issues. If the information has not previously been disclosed into the public domain then the first stage of the request will be to deal with it under access to information legislation e.g. Freedom of Information and Data Protection and then to deal with the request for re-use.
The University will respond to access and request for re-use within 20 working days although when dealing with the Freedom of Information Act there are also some circumstances where this may be extended.
Charges
The regulations allow the University to charge for permitting re-use (to include the costs of reproducing, providing and disseminating the information). Please see below for further details in relation to our charges.
Licenses
The University may impose conditions on re-use. The University may make some information available for re-use under Open Government Licence or Creative Commons licences free of any charge or restriction. However, other licenses may be more appropriate particularly where there is a charge for re-use.
Complaints Procedure
If, upon receiving a response to a request for re-use, you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you are entitled to appeal against the decision reached. All appeals must be made in writing to:
The University Compliance Officer (FOI/DP)
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP
Or by email - foi@swansea.ac.uk
In order to progress your appeal as quickly as possible, please quote your request reference number and the date of your original request, as well as details of why you are making the appeal.
Please include full contact details including a phone number where possible, in case we need to contact you during the appeal process. Receipt of your appeal will be acknowledged in writing. Following the review, you will be provided with a report containing
the outcome and subsequent actions taken by Swansea University.
If you are not content with the outcome of the appeal, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner’s Office,
Wycliffe House,
Water Lane,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire,
SK9 5AF