Title
Resolution to Authorize Public Access to Historical City Code Books in the HathiTrust Digital Library
Memorandum
Through regular research involving digitized City Council minutes on HathiTrust, made publicly available by Resolution No. R-15-275, it has come to staff's attention that multiple historical editions of the City Code of Ordinances books were also scanned from the University of Michigan's Library collection to the online HathiTrust Digital Library, but are not publicly available because of potential copyright concerns.
In order to open the database to the public, the University and HathiTrust require a permissions letter from the owner of the documents. This resolution authorizes the City Administrator to sign the permissions letter on behalf of the City and take any other action appropriate to make City Council Code of Ordinance books available to the public in digital form.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: There is no direct budgetary impact to the City from this resolution.
Staff
Prepared by: Kelly Beattie, Boards and Commissions Coordinator
Reviewed by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Christopher Frost, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The HathiTrust Digital Library currently possesses a database of scanned and searchable versions of the Ann Arbor City Code books obtained from the University of Michigan Library;
Whereas, The HathiTrust and University of Michigan require authorization from the City to open this database to the public;
Whereas, The City Council deems it desirable to provide the public with searchable, digital access to these historical public records;
Whereas, The database will be made available to the public through the HathiTrust at no cost to the City; and
Whereas, The City previously authorized public access to the City's historical City Council minutes;
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorizes the City Administrator to sign a permissions letter...
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