Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Americana

Americana is a research platform that allows users to read, annotate, and curate collaborative projects using rare materials from the John Carter Brown Library.

Content Creation

Any content created using Americana's digital platform, including projects, exhibitions, and annotations, must adhere to the following terms and conditions:

  1. To ensure that all content posted on Americana's platform is original and does not infringe upon any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights, users are required to submit content that is not identical or substantially similar to any existing content on the platform. Americana reserves the right to review content to ensure that all content meets this requirement and to enforce this policy.
  2. Users are encouraged to provide as much detail and context as possible when creating content to ensure that it is informative and engaging. They are also responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their content.
  3. Americana reserves the right to remove any content that violates these terms and conditions or is otherwise inappropriate or offensive. This includes, but is not limited to, content that is discriminatory, defamatory, or harmful to others. Americana takes its responsibility to maintain a safe and inclusive platform seriously and will take appropriate action against any user who violates these terms.
  4. Users retain ownership of their content, but by uploading it to Americana, they grant Americana a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display the content for any purpose related to Americana's mission. This license ensures that Americana can continue to promote and share user-generated content while respecting the ownership rights of individual users.
  5. While Americana may highlight user-generated projects and exhibitions on its website, it is not obligated to highlight any user-generated content. However, Americana values the contributions of its users and will continue to highlight exceptional projects and exhibitions as part of its ongoing commitment to promote and share scientific research on the history of the Americas.
  6. Americana's decision to feature a project or exhibition is final and may be based on criteria other than the scientific quality of the content. Factors such as the relevance of the content to Americana's mission, the potential impact of the content, and the overall quality of the content may also be considered.
  7. Americana reserves the right to modify or terminate its digital platform at any time, without notice. This may include changes to the features, functionality, or availability of the platform. However, Americana remains committed to providing a stable and reliable platform for users to share their work and collaborate with others.
  8. While Americana takes reasonable steps to ensure the security and reliability of its digital platform, it is not responsible for any loss or damage that may result from the use or inability to use the platform. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of data or damage to hardware or software. Users should take appropriate precautions to protect their work and data when using the platform.
  9. By using Americana's digital platform, users agree to these terms and conditions. Users should also review Americana's Privacy Policy, which outlines how Americana collects, uses, and protects user data. Americana values the privacy of its users and takes steps to ensure that user data is protected and used only in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

Downloading Digital Items

Americana provides access to a range of digital items, including books, maps, prints, and other digital objects. By downloading any of these digital items, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

  1. All digital items are protected under copyright law. By downloading any digital item, you agree that you will only use it for non-commercial purposes. If you wish to use a digital item for commercial purposes, you must obtain permission from the copyright holder. Americana is not responsible for obtaining such permission and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary rights to use any digital item for commercial purposes.
  2. All digital items are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution (CCBY) license. This means that you are free to share, copy, distribute, and transmit the digital item, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original source. You may not modify or adapt any digital item without permission from the copyright holder. If you modify or adapt any digital item, you must clearly indicate that changes were made to the original item.
  3. When downloading a digital item, you are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary software and hardware to access and view the item. Americana does not guarantee that all digital items will be compatible with all software and hardware, and it is your responsibility to verify that you have the necessary tools to access and view any digital item before downloading it.
  4. Americana makes no warranties or representations about the accuracy or completeness of any digital item. Digital items may contain errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, and it is your responsibility to verify the accuracy of any information contained in a digital item before using it. Americana is not responsible for any loss or damage that may result from the use or inability to use any digital item.
  5. By downloading any digital item, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Americana and its affiliates, officers, agents, and licensors from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or in connection with your use of any digital item.
  6. Americana reserves the right to modify or discontinue any digital item at any time, without notice. Americana is not responsible for any loss or damage that may result from the modification or discontinuation of any digital item.
  7. By downloading any digital item, you agree to these terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, you may not download any digital items from Americana.
  8. These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Rhode Island, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these terms and conditions shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
  9. If you have any questions or concerns about these terms and conditions, please contact us at americana@jcblibrary.org. We value your feedback and are committed to providing a safe, informative, and engaging platform for our users.