CDR Access Restrictions

The Carolina Digital Repository (CDR) supports and encourages open access to scholarly content and supports restricted access needs. In general, content in the CDR should be made available to the public to support the free exchange of scholarship. Content that is intended to be permanently restricted should not be deposited. However, there are circumstances under which access to content may be temporarily restricted.

What access settings are available in the CDR?

Information about the deposited content, such as title, author, and abstract, will always be available to the public. The following settings are available to restrict access to the deposited file:

  • Public Public visibility label in the CDR: The file can be accessed by anyone. This is the default setting for CDR content.
  • UNC Only : The file is restricted to users with an Onyen.
  • Embargo embargo visibility label in the CDR: The file is restricted to repository administrators for a specified time, then becomes available to the public.
  • Metadata only The private or metadata only visibility label in the CDR: The file is restricted to repository administrators indefinitely.

Access settings for several CDR collections are determined by collection managers, and affect the options available to the depositor.  These collections include:

  • Dissertations and Theses
  • Master’s Papers
  • Open Access Articles
  • Undergraduate Honors Theses

The CDR honors embargoes on dissertations and theses from ProQuest.  Requests to modify the embargo period will be referred to the Graduate School.

How can I set restrictions on my CDR content?

Access restrictions can be set for the entire work during the initial deposit process.  After the item is deposited, access restrictions can be adjusted on a per-file basis.  The available options will depend on the collection’s settings.  Requests to modify access to an item in a managed collection will be referred to the collection manager.

How can I give access to restricted content to my team members?

The CDR supports several methods whereby depositors can give access to restricted content to specific individuals or groups.  During the deposit process, depositors can share the work with a group and/or individual with an Onyen.  The depositor can specify whether the shared user can view or edit the work.  After deposit, CDR staff (by request) or the depositor can set or modify sharing permissions to a work by request.  Depositors are responsible for informing CDR staff of modifications to sharing permissions.
The CDR also supports single-use links which provide time-limited access to a single file.  This sharing method can be utilized by users outside of UNC.