How to use the Archives

While RIM encourages maximum access to its collections, special terms and conditions apply, to make sure that the collections are adequately preserved for future generations.

The RIM’s archival collections are available to researchers and the general public from Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, by appointment only. Those wishing to consult the collections must complete an application form before access will be granted, including details of their research topic.

Materials are to be consulted in the Archives reading room only, under the supervision of staff. Where photocopies, microfilm/fiche, transcriptions, audio copies, video copies or digital copies of any archival material exists, these will be used in lieu of the original. Unless the use of material has been restricted by donor requirements or by legal agreements, or is fragile and vulnerable, photocopying of documents will be permitted.

In cases where users wish to publish, exhibit, broadcast or reproduce any parts of the archival collection, a separate permission request must be competed, and the necessary licensing contract signed. Standard licensing fees will be charged.

There are more than 20 printed catalogues relating to the historical papers, a fully indexed catalogue of the sound and oral history collections, and detailed computer databases for the film and photographic collections.

Call 27 (0)21 959-2935/54 or fax 27 (0)21 959-3411.

Postal address: The Collections Coordinator, UWC Robben Island Mayibuye Archives, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa.

Email: mayibuye@uwc.ac.za; websites: www.robben-island.org.za and www.mayibuye.org.

Donations or loans to the Archives are most welcome. Any historic document or artefact submitted to the archive is formally acknowledged with a letter of thanks. On the basis of the documentation provided with the paper or artefact, the archive drafts a formal donation, loan or transfer agreement (whichever is applicable), which is sent to the donor for consideration and signature.

The archive ensures that the item is formally registered on an accession register, according to RIM’s established procedures for the registration of archival material. The donation or loan is then managed according to international standards of preservation and access.