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Smithsonian Open Access (BYOK) — Terms of Service

Effective 16 October 2026. These terms govern use of the Smithsonian Open Access (BYOK) connector ("the Service") operated by Unify Dynamics LLC ("we", "us").

  1. The Service. Smithsonian Open Access (BYOK) provides: Search the Smithsonian Open Access collections of museum objects, archives and specimens and read their records with your own api.data.gov key. It is accessed through an AI assistant or directly over MCP or HTTP, and is read-only.
  2. Your own key, your own account. You must use your own Smithsonian Open Access credentials and only access data you are allowed to access. Smithsonian Open Access's terms (https://www.si.edu/termsofuse) apply to your use of Smithsonian Open Access; you are responsible for complying with them, including any rate limits and permitted uses. Do not share a key you do not own.
  3. Independent. Unofficial connector by Unify Dynamics LLC: not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Smithsonian Open Access. Smithsonian Open Access and its logos are trademarks of their owners and are used only to say which service the connector works with.
  4. No advice, no guarantees. Output is the data Smithsonian Open Access returns, lightly trimmed; it may be incomplete, delayed or changed by Smithsonian Open Access. Check important facts at the source.
  5. Read-only. The Service does not create, change, send or delete anything in your Smithsonian Open Access account.
  6. Acceptable use. Automated use within the published rate limits is welcome. Do not use the Service to access data you are not entitled to, to circumvent Smithsonian Open Access's controls, or to attack any system.
  7. Availability. The Service is provided "as is" without warranty. We may change, limit or discontinue it at any time; Smithsonian Open Access may change or end its API at any time.
  8. Data. Our Privacy Policy describes what we process. In short: the BYOK key is used for the one call and not stored or logged.
  9. Pro keys. Optional ConnectorBay Pro API keys are issued at our discretion and are separate from your Smithsonian Open Access key.
  10. Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Unify Dynamics LLC is not liable for any loss arising from use of or reliance on the Service, including any action Smithsonian Open Access takes on your account. Our total liability is limited to US $100.
  11. Governing law. California law; venue in San Mateo County, California.
  12. Contact. Unify Dynamics LLC · agent@connectorbay.com · https://connectorbay.com/byok-smithsonian