--- title: Terms and Conditions canonical: https://bemysource.com/terms last_updated: 2026-02-20 publisher: Be My Source (BeMySource Ltd) contact: legal@bemysource.com --- # Terms and Conditions Last Updated: February 20, 2026 These Terms govern your access to and use of the Source Platform, which connects Requesters with Providers and Collection Owners for physical-archive research services. ## 1. Introduction and acceptance of terms Welcome to Source ("Platform," "we," "us," or "our"), operated by Be My Source. These Terms govern your access to and use of our Platform, which connects individuals seeking access to physical information resources in libraries and archives ("Requesters") with individuals who have physical and institutional access ("Providers"). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. ## 2. Platform description Source is a peer-to-peer marketplace platform that enables users to connect with one another for research assistance services. Users may serve as both Requesters and Providers / Collection Owners. 2.1 Institutional access: Requesters need access to materials in libraries, archives, educational institutions, or personal collections. Providers have legitimate physical and institutional access. 2.2 Personal collection sharing: Collection Owners share access to personal physical collections. Requesters access materials in others' personal collections. The Platform does not provide library services directly. We facilitate connections between users who independently contract for access assistance services. ## 3. Eligibility You must be at least 18 years of age, have legal capacity to enter into binding contracts, not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws, and provide accurate, current, complete information during registration. ## 4. Account registration and security 4.1 Account creation: provide accurate truthful information, maintain and update your information, maintain the security and confidentiality of your account credentials, notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach. 4.2 Account responsibility: you are responsible for all activities under your account. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from unauthorized use. ## 5. User roles and responsibilities ### 5.1 Individual Provider responsibilities Providers represent that they have legitimate physical and institutional access; will comply with all institutional policies, access agreements, and terms of use; will respect copyright laws, fair use provisions, and intellectual property rights; are providing services for their time and effort in facilitating access, not for the content itself; will not reproduce or distribute materials beyond what is legally permitted; will maintain accurate records of institutional affiliations; will immediately notify Requesters and the Platform if institutional access is revoked. ### 5.2 Collection Owner responsibilities Collection Owners represent that they own or have lawful possession of materials; have the legal right to share access; will comply with copyright law; will accurately describe materials; will not share materials known or reasonably suspected to be counterfeit, stolen, or unlawfully obtained; will maintain materials in reasonable condition; understand they retain all ownership rights; will not facilitate the sale of materials. ### 5.3 Requester responsibilities Requesters will use materials solely for legitimate educational, research, or scholarly purposes; will comply with copyright laws and fair use provisions; understand they are paying for time and effort, not content; will not request materials that would violate copyright law or institutional policies; will not redistribute, republish, or commercially exploit materials beyond what is legally permitted; will treat Collection Owners' personal materials with appropriate care. ### 5.4 Prohibited activities All users agree not to: request or provide access in violation of copyright law; engage in systematic mass reproduction; facilitate copyright infringement; request or provide materials for commercial resale; misrepresent affiliations or ownership; share account credentials; use the Platform for any illegal or fraudulent purpose; harass other users; damage Collection Owners' materials; circumvent platform delivery by exchanging materials externally; share personal contact information to conduct transactions off-platform. ### 5.5 Platform monitoring and enforcement rights We reserve the right to monitor user activity for compliance, investigate violations, request verification of credentials, review communications when abuse is suspected, review uploaded content during copyright or dispute investigations, implement automated systems to detect mass reproduction, suspend accounts pending investigation, share information with rights holders and law enforcement when legally required, implement rate limits. Users expressly consent to such monitoring as a condition of using the Platform. ### 5.6 User verification Providers must verify institutional affiliations upon request. Collection Owners may be required to verify ownership. Users agree to cooperate with verification requests within 7 days. ## 6. Compensation and payments ### 6.1 Payment structure **Individual Providers receive 85% of the Research Fee. Source retains 15% platform commission.** Providers and Collection Owners are compensated for their time, effort, and expertise. They are NOT compensated for the content of materials themselves. The Platform does not facilitate the sale of physical materials. ### 6.2 Service fees Platform commission (15%), payment processing fees, file hosting and secure delivery infrastructure fees (included in commission), and other applicable charges. Fees cover the secure file upload and storage infrastructure, encrypted delivery, payment processing, platform maintenance, copyright compliance, transaction management, and dispute resolution. Disclosed before any transaction is completed. ### 6.3 Payment terms Download window: Requester has 7 days from Provider upload to download. If downloading within the final 48 hours, link remains valid 48 hours after download. Dispute window: 48 hours from download to raise a dispute about content, quality, accuracy, or completeness. Disputes after 48 hours are not eligible for Platform mediation. Transaction completion: when Requester downloads AND 48 hours pass without dispute, OR 7-day window expires without download, OR an active dispute is resolved in Provider's favor. Transaction blocked during disputes: payment to Provider is withheld during active disputes. Files are preserved beyond normal retention. Payment processing: within 7 business days after transaction is marked complete. No download forfeiture: if Requester does not download within 7 days of upload, transaction is automatically marked complete and Provider is paid; Requester forfeits access. ### 6.4 Taxes Users are responsible for all applicable taxes. Providers and Collection Owners report and pay all taxes on income earned. ### 6.5 Transaction limits and anti-abuse measures We may implement limits on transaction frequency, restrict users exhibiting mass-reproduction patterns, trigger review for unusually high volumes, refuse to process payments for suspicious transactions, and permanently restrict accounts repeatedly flagged. ## 7. Copyright compliance and intellectual property ### 7.0 Platform role and transactional file transmission Source operates as an intermediary marketplace. Transactional file hosting: Providers upload materials to Source's servers solely to transmit them to the specific Requester. Temporary storage: files are automatically deleted 7 days after transaction completion OR 30 days after Provider upload, whichever comes first. No content database: Source does not build a searchable database of user-uploaded materials. Automated delivery: Requesters receive email from no-reply@bemysource.com with secure, unique download links. No content selection or control: Source does not select, review, edit, or modify content before transmission. Intervention only on notice: Source intervenes only when a copyright holder submits a valid infringement notice, a user files a formal dispute, we receive reports of illegal content or Terms violations, or as required by law. Mandatory platform delivery: all deliverables must be transmitted through Source's delivery system. Circumventing constitutes breach of contract. Safe harbor compliance: Source operates as a service provider under UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002; US DMCA 17 U.S.C. § 512; EU Digital Services Act (DSA). We maintain notice-and-takedown procedures, act expeditiously on valid notices, and maintain a repeat infringer policy. ### 7.0A Transactional file management File limitations: maximum 100MB per file, 10 files per transaction, total 500MB per transaction. Automatic deletion: 7 days after transaction complete OR 30 days after upload, whichever comes first. Dispute exception: preserved until dispute resolved. User data rights: early deletion requests via support@bemysource.com (delivered within 48 hours of verified request). Requesters must download within 7 days. No content monitoring: Source does not routinely review uploaded content. Review occurs only in response to valid copyright infringement claims, dispute investigations, suspected Terms violations, or legal requirement. ### 7.0B Removal of hosted content Source reserves the right to remove content that violates Terms, infringes copyright, is subject to a valid DMCA takedown, contains illegal material, or violates platform policies. Source is not liable to users for removal or deletion. ### 7.1 Copyright respect Users must comply with applicable copyright laws, respect intellectual property rights, adhere to fair use (US) or fair dealing (UK) principles, follow institutional copyright policies, and (for personal collections) ensure that sharing does not violate copyright. ### 7.2 Fair use and fair dealing Users acknowledge: UK fair dealing is narrow; US fair use is context-specific (four-factor test); EU copyright exceptions vary by member state. Not all educational or research uses qualify. Each use must be evaluated under applicable law in the relevant jurisdiction. Users bear the legal responsibility. ### 7.3 Copyright infringement policy Zero-tolerance. Systematic copyright violations, mass reproduction, unauthorized commercial distribution, or other copyright violations result in immediate account suspension or termination and may be reported to authorities and rights holders. ### 7.4 Reporting and takedown procedures UK rights holders: copyright@bemysource.com. US rights holders (DMCA): dmca@bemysource.com. EU rights holders: submit under DSA. 7.4.4 Counter-notifications: users may submit counter-notifications if material was removed by mistake or misidentification. 7.4.5 Repeat infringer policy: three-strike system (three valid notices within 12 months = permanent termination). Single instances of egregious infringement may result in immediate permanent termination. Appeal within 14 days. ### 7.5 Platform content All Platform content (text, graphics, logos, software, materials, excluding user-generated content) is owned by or licensed to Be My Source and protected by intellectual property laws. ### 7.6 Cooperation with institutions and rights holders Contact: institutions@bemysource.com, copyright@bemysource.com (UK), dmca@bemysource.com (US). ### 7.7 Educational resources and user guidance We provide educational resources but they do not constitute legal advice; users remain solely responsible. ## 8. Service agreements between users ### 8.1 Independent contracts When a Requester and Provider connect, they form an independent service agreement. The Platform facilitates by providing matching and communication, payment processing, transactional file delivery, transaction management, and dispute resolution assistance. Source does NOT become a party to user agreements, guarantee Provider service quality, verify materials comply with copyright, or warrant materials are non-infringing. The Provider alone is responsible for material selection, copyright compliance, content quality, and fair-use determinations. The Requester alone is responsible for appropriate requests and compliant use of received materials. ### 8.2 User disputes Dispute window: 48 hours from download. No-download disputes are not eligible. Active disputes block transaction completion and withhold Provider payment. Files preserved during dispute resolution. ### 8.3 Platform role Source is a platform provider, not a library or archive, not an educational institution, not a publisher or rights holder, not an agent of any user, not a party to user service agreements. ### 8.4 Personal collections and material condition Collection Owners are solely responsible for the condition, authenticity, and legal provenance of their materials. ### 8.5 Independent contractor relationship Providers and Collection Owners are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners, or representatives. They have no authority to bind the Platform; are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, regulatory compliance; determine their own methods, schedule, and means; are free to provide services through other platforms; bear all costs and expenses. ### 8.6 Express user acknowledgments Users acknowledge: solely responsible for determining copyright compliance; the Platform does not provide legal advice; responsible for institutional access policies; violation may result in institutional sanctions or legal liability; facilitation of a connection does not constitute approval of legality; the Platform may monitor and disclose; Source hosts and transmits materials as intermediary; all uploads and downloads are logged; Source may review content in response to copyright claims or violations; Source cooperates with rights holders and law enforcement. ### 8.7 Institutional relationships and policies The Platform operates independently of institutions. Providers represent their use does not violate institutional access agreements; they will comply with institutional policies; they will cease offering services if institution prohibits; they will notify Platform if access is revoked. ### 8.8 Platform delivery system and file exchange Mandatory platform use: all deliverables exchanged through Source's official delivery system. Requesters receive notifications from no-reply@bemysource.com with secure download links. Prohibited off-platform exchange: no external email, no Dropbox / Drive / WeTransfer, no direct delivery, no sharing personal contact information to circumvent. Enforcement: circumventing the delivery system is a material breach. May result in account suspension, forfeiture of payment, permanent termination for repeat violations, and legal action. ## 9. Content and conduct standards 9.1 User conduct: no harassment, discrimination, fraud, spamming, or illegal conduct. 9.2 Content standards: comply with applicable laws, respect intellectual property, be accurate, no malware. 9.3 Moderation: we may monitor activity, remove content, suspend accounts, report illegal activity. ## 10. Privacy and data protection Governed by our Privacy Policy, incorporated by reference. By using the Platform, you consent to the Privacy Policy. ## 11. Disclaimers and limitations of liability 11.1 Platform "as is": NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. 11.2 No guarantee of services: we do not guarantee availability, quality, reliability, that Requesters find Providers, that materials are available, condition of personal collection materials, or uninterrupted operation. 11.3 User responsibility: solely responsible for compliance; Platform does not provide legal advice; consult counsel; Platform is not responsible for users' violations; no determination of fair use or fair dealing; Platform does not verify Provider access or Collection-Owner ownership; users access at their own risk; Source logs uploads / downloads; Source may review content on notice; Source cooperates with rights holders and law enforcement. 11.3A Specific copyright disclaimers: THE PLATFORM does not determine fair use, does not guarantee Provider compliance, does not verify public domain status, does not endorse particular uses, cannot guarantee no liability for users, does not monitor all transactions, does not review all uploaded content. 11.4 Limitation of liability: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BE MY SOURCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR indirect / incidental / special / consequential / punitive damages, loss of profits / revenue / data / use, damages from user interactions, copyright violations by users, institutional sanctions, damage to personal collection materials, misrepresentation by Collection Owners, content uploaded by users, or removal of content. Liability caps: FOR INDIVIDUAL USERS, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) AMOUNT PAID TO THE PLATFORM IN THE TWELVE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM OR (B) £100. Exceptions: limits do not apply to liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, intellectual property infringement, wilful misconduct or gross negligence, or any other liability that cannot be limited by applicable law. 11.5 User indemnification: you agree to indemnify Be My Source from claims arising from your Platform use, Terms violations, law violations, copyright infringement, user service agreements, content you upload, and (for Collection Owners) ownership claims, (for Requesters) damage to personal collection materials. ## 12. Account termination and suspension 12.1 Termination by users: at any time via account closure. Obligations incurred before termination remain. 12.2 Termination by Platform: without notice for Terms violations, fraud, copyright reports, institutional access revocation, legal requirement, sole-discretion risk determination, or delivery-system circumvention. 12.3 Effect of termination: access ceases immediately; outstanding obligations remain due; surviving sections continue to apply. 12.4 Insurance and liability coverage (recommendation): we recommend Providers maintain professional liability insurance, Collection Owners insure valuable materials, and all users understand they bear significant personal risk. Recommendation only. ## 13. Dispute resolution 13.1 Informal resolution: contact us before formal proceedings. 13.2 Governing law: - UK users: exclusive jurisdiction of England and Wales courts, unless consumer. - EU users: nothing affects your EU consumer rights. - Other jurisdictions: binding arbitration administered by ICDR (where permitted). 13.3 Exceptions (not subject to arbitration): small claims court, IP disputes, injunctive relief, claims that must be heard in court. ## 14. Modifications to terms We may modify these Terms; changes effective upon posting with an updated date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. Material changes communicated via email or Platform notification. ### 14.5 Comprehensive waiver and release TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU RELEASE BE MY SOURCE FROM ALL CLAIMS arising from or related to: third-party copyright claims; institutional sanctions, access revocation, or disciplinary action; legal claims by rights holders; disputes with other users; damage to / loss of / theft of personal collection materials; inaccurate representations by other users; reliance on Platform services; institutional policy violations; financial losses from transaction disputes; indirect / consequential / incidental damages; user-uploaded content; removal or deletion of uploaded content; temporary hosting. You acknowledge this waiver is a material inducement; we would not offer these services without it. ## 15. General provisions 15.1 Governing law and jurisdiction: laws of England and Wales (subject to mandatory consumer protection in your jurisdiction). 15.2 Severability: unenforceable provisions don't affect the rest. 15.3 Survival: Sections 5, 6.4, 7, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 11, 14.5, 15 survive termination. 15.4 Entire agreement: these Terms plus the Privacy Policy and referenced policies constitute the entire agreement. 15.5 No waiver: failure to enforce does not waive provisions. 15.6 Assignment: you may not assign your rights. We may assign ours without restriction. 15.7 Third-party rights: no third-party beneficiary rights created. 15.8 Force majeure: not liable for failures or delays beyond our reasonable control. 15.9 Acknowledgment of understanding: by creating an account or using the Platform, you acknowledge you have read and understood the Terms in their entirety; had opportunity to consult counsel; understand you are waiving substantial rights; understand you bear significant legal and financial risk; understand copyright infringement can result in statutory damages; understand institutional policy violations can result in expulsion or termination; accept full personal responsibility; agree voluntarily and without duress; understand temporary file hosting; understand deliverables must be exchanged through the Platform; understand circumvention is prohibited. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT USE THE PLATFORM. ## 16. Contact information - General inquiries: legal@bemysource.com - UK copyright infringement: copyright@bemysource.com - US DMCA agent: dmca@bemysource.com - Institutional relations: institutions@bemysource.com - Security concerns: security@bemysource.com - Support: support@bemysource.com