Purpose and Scope

The Library provides diverse licensed electronic resources (“e-resources”) to support the teaching, learning, and research endeavors of our University community. Contractual agreements and copyright law guide access and use of these resources. All users are expected to comply with these terms to ensure continued, responsible use. Adhering to these conditions helps us maintain access for everyone and upholds the University’s commitment to academic integrity.

Who May Use E-Resources

Access to licensed e-resources is available to all current students, staff, and other authorized library users in accordance with our agreements.

Permissible Uses

As an authorized user, you are encouraged to:

• • • Explore, search, view, download, and print reasonable amounts of content to support your personal educational, instructional, or scholarly endeavors.
    • Enrich your academic work, presentations, or scholarly publications by including excerpts or citations from the content, provided you give proper acknowledgment.
    • Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing by distributing persistent or stable links to content with fellow authorized users for educational or university-related activities.

Prohibited Activities

The following uses are strictly prohibited:

• • • Systematic, Excessive, or Bulk Downloading: Including downloading entire journal issues, books, or deploying scripts, robots, or Artificial Intelligence (AI) -driven tools to harvest content.
    • Redistribution: Sharing, posting, or emailing licensed content to anyone, or uploading to external platforms, websites, or repositories.
    • Commercial Use: Utilizing e-resources for activities outside of academic, research, or educational purposes, including resale or paid services.
    • Credential Sharing: Providing personal or institutional login information to others.
    • Modification or Reverse Engineering: Altering, adapting, or reverse engineering licensed materials.
    • Unauthorized Use of AI and Text/Data Mining (TDM) Tools: Employing Generative AI tools, automated agents, or text and data mining platforms to extract, process, or repurpose substantial portions of licensed content unless explicitly permitted by license; uploading licensed content into AI services infringes the e-resource provider’s rights.

Use of AI and TDM Tools

Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, custom scripts) to access, analyze, or generate outputs from licensed e-resources is subject to the same terms and restrictions as all other forms of access.

• • • Systematic or automated methods, including TDM and large-scale content extraction, may be prohibited by license. Advance permission from the Library may be required for such activities.
    • Before initiating AI or TDM projects involving library-subscribed content, users should consult the Library to confirm permissions and ensure compliance with applicable licenses.

Consequences of Misuse

Violations may result in:

• • • Immediate suspension or termination of e-resource access for the entire University.
    • Legal action or liability under applicable copyright and contract law.
    • The Library disciplinary action.

User Responsibility and Support

It is the responsibility of each user to:

• • •  Access e-resources in accordance with general academic best practices and the specific terms of use associated with each resource.
    • Contact the Library for assistance or clarification, especially for projects involving large-scale data extraction or the use of AI tools in research.

The Library is committed to supporting users in the effective and compliant use of all electronic resources. For policy questions or to request permission for text and data mining, please contact library@hsu.edu.hk

Disclaimer

The Library is not responsible for any inappropriate use of electronic resources, violations of copyright restrictions or applicable laws by users, or any costs incurred as a result of users’ misbehaviour.

Last updated: 6 August 2025