1. The University of Alabama Libraries
  2. Libraries Policies
  3. Access to and Usage of Licensed Electronic Resources

Access to and Usage of Licensed Electronic Resources

 

Authorized use of electronic resources is limited to University of Alabama students, faculty, staff and library users. If you are having problems with access, contact your home department to assure you have been added to Banner.

Electronic resources available via the University Libraries website are licensed to the University by vendors and other outside entities.  Violations of our license agreements, as outlined below, may result in suspension of access to electronic resources. 

If you are working on a project that requires downloading large amounts of data, please contact the University Libraries to discuss the project.  Contact Kevin Walker, Head of Assessment & Government Information at kwwalker@ua.edu.

Users of electronic resources must understand that:

  • Unauthorized reproduction, alteration, or use is prohibited.
  • They should not allow anyone other than an authorized user to use the licensed materials.
    • Should not share  myBama credentials with anyone to gain access to licensed materials;
    • Should not use the licensed materials for commercial purposes;
    • Should not systematically or excessively download, distribute, or retain substantial portions of information (more information below);
    • Should not engage in text mining without prior permission.

Examples of excessive or systematic downloading include:

  • Rapidly downloading one article after another;
  • Continuously downloading tables of contents, search results, citations, or output;
  • Downloading entire issues or volumes of an e-journal;
  • Using robots, spiders, or other automated programs to download from online resources;
  • Data scraping.

Consequences of misuse of electronic resources

Vendors and publishers monitor use and may contact the University Libraries if they detect potential inappropriate use of licensed materials.   The University Library also monitors use involving excessive downloads and unrecognized IP ranges.  If a potential violation is noted, you may be contacted. The University Libraries reserve the right to block access for failure to respond to emails or if systematic downloads or other violations are detected while we investigate the issue.

Please contact the University Libraries with any questions regarding appropriate use of electronic resources.

Rev. 1/29/24 ma