Deleting Content (PDFs)

Users are now able to delete their own PDFs from the DCS. This should be particularly useful for users who accidentally upload the wrong file, and want to quickly delete it before uploading a new one without needing to contact CLA.

Users will be able to delete PDFs that were originally uploaded by their own HEI (see the Source field in the Source Content part of your request) and is not currently in use in any other requests. If these criteria aren't fulfilled, the user will be able to submit a deletion request from within the DCS request which will be reviewed and actioned by the DCS support team. 

Tip! If a PDF simply isn't useful to you anymore, we recommend leaving it in the DCS so other users can make us of it through the shared DCS repository. There is no requirement to delete PDFs from the DCS, and we recommend only deleting those where an erroneous PDF has been uploaded (i.e. it doesn't match the ISN/page range it is linked to in the DCS) or where the quality is too poor for anyone to use it (incl. missing pages or similar). 

Follow these steps to delete a PDF or submit a deletion request: 

Use these links to jump to a section:

• Deleting content
• Submitting a deletion request and reviewing your requests

Deleting content

1. Make sure your request isn't already published (has a content link). If it is, archive and reinstate the request to enter 'edit mode'. The 'Delete' button will be greyed out if this hasn't been done.
2.  In the Source Content section, identify the PDF you wish to delete. If there are several PDFs available, use the 'Preview' button to make sure you are deleting the right one. Then click on the red 'Delete' button:
3. You will now be asked if you are sure that you wish to permanently delete the item. It is not possible to undo this action, so make sure you are absolutely certain you've selected the correct scan before confirming that you wish to delete it. Click 'Yes' to progress with the deletion, and 'Cancel' if you do not wish to progress.
4. After clicking 'Yes', you will see a confirmation message telling you the item has been deleted, and the item will be gone from the Source Content section. Click 'Ok' to close the message.

Submitting a deletion request and reviewing your requests

You won't be able to delete a PDF if it is already in use in another request, or was originally uploaded by another institution. If the PDF was uploaded by another HEI, the 'Delete' button will be greyed out:

If there's an issue with the PDF, please contact CLA via the button at the top of your request to let us know what the issue is, and we can reach out to the person who added the scan.

If the PDF is in use in another HEIs request, you'll see a message on the screen telling you so:

Click the 'Contact CLA' button to submit a deletion request. If you don't wish to delete this item after all, click the 'Cancel' button. 

If you choose to contact CLA to request a deletion, a form will appear where you can add a message if you so wish. This is, however, not required as the DCS support team will receive all relevant request information, as well as your email address, automatically from the DCS when you click 'Submit'.

We will contact you to confirm when the item has been deleted, or to explain why it can't be deleted.

If the PDF is still in use in one of your institution's requests, you will see the following: 

Select Review requests to see all the requests your scan is linked to: 

Once there are no requests still linked with your PDF you can then delete your scan. Please note that requests from previous academic years may appear under the Review Requests page. These requests will need to be deleted if you wish to delete your PDF. 

If a scan is being used in requests at your institution and another HEIs request, you will see the following message, giving you the option to both review your own requests and also contact CLA: