Acceptable Use Policy of Databases

Library databases and e-resources are licensed subscriptions obtained for educational purposes on behalf of the CUNY community. These subscriptions include license agreements that protect intellectual property rights and restrict usage. Most prohibit uploading content (articles, images, data, etc.) to third-party platforms, including AI platforms. Contact a librarian with questions about specific usage restrictions.

As an authorized CUNY user, you may:

• Search databases and view results
• Email, print, or download limited materials for personal academic use
• Use materials in compliance with copyright and fair use guidelines

You may not:

• Systematically extract or download substantial amounts of material (e.g., entire journal issues, complete datasets)
• Share licensed materials with non-CUNY users via email, file sharing, or any platform
• Upload licensed content to public websites, forums, or AI platforms
• Use licensed materials for commercial purposes
• Remove or modify copyright notices and disclaimers

Violations may result in:

• Suspension of database access for the entire CUNY community
• Revocation of your library database privileges
• Reporting of violations to appropriate university authorities

This policy operates within and is subject to CUNY's Policy on Acceptable Use of Digital Assets and Resources. All users must comply with both this policy and the university's broader acceptable use requirements.