Policy on Access to Licensed Web Resources

Syracuse University, on behalf of its Library, licenses a variety of research materials (databases, electronic journals and books, and other Internet and web-accessible resources) for online access through the Internet and Web. Anyone using a campus library or workstation may access these resources on site. However, only currently enrolled Syracuse University students, faculty, and staff are eligible to access licensed resources from off-campus locations. Access control (authentication) is required and specified in our contracts with the vendors of these resources.

Syracuse University affiliation is maintained and tracked in University systems such as the ID card system and PeopleSoft. Patron records for SU-affiliated users in the Library’s online system are derived from University systems and include name, address, SU ID number, status, and an expiration date. The system deployed by the Library to provide authentication for remote access uses the SU ID number as the login ID. For this reason, it is incumbent upon all users to keep this number confidential and to report missing or stolen IDs as soon as possible.

The Library takes seriously its legal responsibility to comply with contracts and abide by current copyright law and is diligent in maintaining its database of eligible users. The Library works closely with other University units to resolve status and classification problems for eligible users. The Library is also contractually obligated to investigate reported misuse of licensed resources. The consequences of willfully breaching contracts could be significant for the University community, including the loss of campus access to library supported research databases. Violators of this policy may be subject to University disciplinary policies, criminal prosecution, and/or be liable for damages to the fullest extent provided by law.