# Accessing a Private Collection

[Explorer](https://github.com/DNAstack/dnastack-product-docs/blob/main/docs/explorer/broken-reference/README.md) allows researchers to access both registered and controlled data collections through [Passport](https://github.com/DNAstack/dnastack-product-docs/blob/main/docs/explorer/broken-reference/README.md) authentication. This guide explains how to access each type of collection.

## Registered Access Collections

To access a registered collection:

1. Click on a registered collection from Explorer
2. Click "Log in with Passport" on the collection overview page
3. Sign in using your preferred authentication method
4. Once authenticated, you'll have immediate access to the collection's data

## Controlled Access Collections

For collections requiring approval:

1. Navigate to the controlled collection in Explorer
2. Click "Request Access" on the collection overview page
3. Complete the request form with:
   * Your full name
   * Email address
   * Optional note explaining your request purpose
4. Submit your request and await email notification of approval

## After Approval

Once your access request is approved:

1. Return to the collection in Explorer
2. Sign in with your Passport account
3. Access the collection's data, including tables and metadata

{% hint style="info" %}
Collections may have different data access requirements based on their sensitivity and usage policies. Contact collection administrators for specific access questions.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.omics.ai/products/explorer/accessing-a-private-collection.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.