PDFR31 | This policy focuses on ICPSR's mission in providing access to data for social and behavioral science research and instruction. The policy describes ICPSR's mandate in this area, the objectives and scope of the endeavor, the guiding principles, and related risks and challenges. The appendices provide additional information on access rules, roles and responsibilities, and related links | The notion of access to data and what access means has changed as ICPSR has evolved and grown. When the organization was established in 1962 with the express goal of sharing and providing access to quantitative social science data, most ICPSR data users were Consortium members. Over the decades, the user community has expanded as external sponsors have capitalized on the infrastructure of ICPSR to provide free public access to their data through topically-themed archives. The openICPSR service also provides open access to data |

Table of Contents
1. Overview pg. 1
2. Purpose pg. 1
3. Mandate pg. 2
4. Objectives pg. 3
5. Scope pg. 3
6. Access Levels pg. 3
7. Operating Principles pg. 3
8. Roles and REsponsibilities pg. 4
9. Challenges and Risks pg. 4
10. Funding and Access Mission pg. 5
11. Barriers to Access pg. 5
12. Content Needs of Designated Community pg. 5
13. Technology Change pg. 5
14 Audio and Self-Assessment
15. Policy Administration pg. 5
16. Governance & Technical Support