diff --git a/backend/internal/models/album.go b/backend/internal/models/album.go
index 714f8be..58f056a 100644
--- a/backend/internal/models/album.go
+++ b/backend/internal/models/album.go
@@ -12,6 +12,16 @@ type Album struct {
 	Description string         `gorm:"not null"`
 	Tags        datatypes.JSON `gorm:"type:json"`
 	Private     bool           `gorm:"not null"`
+	// Public albums have a default access level of 0 for all visitors, including guests.
+	// Private albums require a user with access to be logged in to view, or a magic link to be used.
+	CreatedAt time.Time
+	UpdatedAt time.Time
+}
+
+type UserAccess struct {
+	UserID      string `gorm:"not null"`
+	AlbumID     string `gorm:"not null"`
+	AccessLevel int    `gorm:"not null"` // 0: View, 1: Upload, 2: Edit, 3: Edit/Delete, 4: Admin (manage other users)
 	CreatedAt   time.Time
 	UpdatedAt   time.Time
 }