The Camp Cory Alumni Association established a digitization program in 2015. The primary mission of the program is to serve the Camp Cory alumni community and the general public by providing digital access to the unique collection of Camp Cory Culminaries. Digital collections are openly available for a variety of purposes - nostalgia, teaching, research, learning, and entertainment. The Camp Cory alumni community values digital access to this growing body of unique materials that document the history of Camp Cory. These digitized archival collections provide evidence of institutional activities and decision-making, as well as the activities of individuals and organizations. Digital access to these materials enhances their use, ensures accountability, and provides broader access to historical records.
The nature of historical materials is such that some material may represent positions, norms, and values that are no longer (or never were) consistent with the positions, norms, and values of YMCA Camp Cory, the YMCA of Greater Rochester, or the YMCA of the USA. Some materials that are part of our digital collections may be considered offensive. This project strives to provide context for these items through descriptive records, and where considered necessary, statements attached to the digitized object that provide a warning about potentially sensitive content.
Specific objections to materials will be addressed in accordance with the Camp Cory Alumni Association mission and this policy, which is informed by best practices, codes of ethics, and responsible and sensitive handling of cultural materials. Possible actions may include but are not limited to the following:
- The identified materials remain available online with no change
- Provision of additional descriptive information to provide context for the materials in question
In rare cases, removal of materials from online access may be considered. However, the Camp Cory Alumni Association places an extremely high value on providing access and context. Therefore, this option may be considered only in exceptional circumstances.
The Camp Cory Alumni Association supports the principle of freedom of access to information for every user and proudly endorses the American Library Association (ALA)’s Library Bill of Rights; ALA’s Access to Digital Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights; the ACRL-SAA Joint Statement on Access: Guidelines for Access to Original Research Materials; the ACRL Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians; and the Society of American Archivists (SAA)’s Core Values Statement and Code of Ethics.
To report potentially offensive material, use the Contact Us form.
Text adapted from UWM Libraries Digitized Archival and Special Collections: Potentially Offensive Materials