Terms of use


Terms of Use regarding Usage Permission



  1. Archive Status: The mz:R Media Archive is a – generally – publicly accessible private archive of the Medienzentrum Ruhr e.V. Access is governed by these Terms of Use.


  2. Permitted Uses: Provided a legitimate interest is substantiated, the archive may be used for scientific and local history research, for educational and teaching purposes, as well as for journalistic and private purposes.


  3. Permission Requirement: Usage requires permission from the owner or an authorized person or institution.


  4. Written Agreement: A written usage agreement must be concluded between the user and the owner (or their authorized representative). The user must state the following in the usage agreement:

    • Surname, first name, and address of the user,

    • Surname, first name, and address of the client, if usage is on behalf of a third party,

    • Subject of work and purpose of usage,

    • Intent to publish.



  5. Identification Requirement: Upon request, the user must provide identification. School and university students must additionally name their supervising teacher and submit a letter of recommendation from them upon request.


  6. Scope of Permission: Permission for usage applies only to the topic and purpose specified by the user. The owner may attach conditions, particularly regarding the publication of research results.


  7. No Legal Entitlement: There is no legal claim to usage permission.


  8. Grounds for Refusal: Usage permission may be restricted or denied, in particular if:

    • it occurs in the context of a legal dispute involving the interests of the archive owner or their relatives,

    • other significant interests of the archive owner or their relatives, or legitimate interests of third parties, oppose it,

    • legal regulations preclude usage of the archival material,

    • the condition or organization of the archival material does not permit usage,

    • it would entail unreasonable effort,

    • the purpose of usage can be sufficiently achieved by viewing generally accessible reproductions of the archival material.



  9. Revocation: Usage permission may be revoked at any time without notice if reasons become known that would have led to its restriction or denial, or if the user violates these Terms of Use.

Fillable User Agreement PDF for attachment to the email to info@mz-ruhr.de
By sending the email, you confirm that you have read and agreed to the Terms of Use regarding Usage Permission.