10 years is what I have generally understood as well, Robin. I would suggest that, though there is no absolute rule.

Mike Polk

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 14, 2017, at 12:38 PM, Mills, Robin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Friends,
> 
> I find myself in a position to allow or grant "exclusive use" to an
> existing collection in a federally-recognized museum repository. The folks
> in question were allowed a 5 year period of "exclusive use" which is about
> to expire. They are requesting another 5 years.
> 
> The collection in question was wholly gathered by the researchers making
> the request, at great expense (federally supported) and effort on their
> part. The collection derives exclusively from federally managed lands.
> 
> I feel they have a right to work exclusively on "their" collection, but for
> how long?
> 
> The SAA website's "Principles of Archaeological Ethics" (Principle No. 5,
> Intellectual Property), indicates that "If there is a compelling reason,
> and no legal restrictions or strong countervailing interests, a researcher
> may have primary access to original materials and documents for a limited
> and reasonable time, after which these materials and documents must be made
> available to others."
> 
> The SHA's Ethics Principles webpage is silent on this issue.
> 
> So, the question is, How long is a "limited and reasonable time"? I seem to
> remember reading somewhere that someone suggested a timeframe not to exceed
> 10 years, but I can't find that again.
> 
> I'm inclined to grant the additional 5 years (for 10 years total), as the
> researchers actually are performing analyses and writing, and not just
> apparently "sitting" on the data.
> 
> Your thoughts?
> 
> 
> Best,
> 
> Robin Mills
> 
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