Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources

Library patrons are responsible for their own acts and behavior. It is the responsibility of all library patrons to maintain the good standing of the University. Failure to comply with acceptable use policies could result in disciplinary or legal action.

Access to library electronic resources is governed by license agreements, by U.S. Copyright and other applicable laws, and by Minnesota State Policies. Access is restricted to authorized users of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Library.

Individual library users are responsible for their own acts and behavior when using library resources. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that he or she uses these products consistent with applicable license terms, with U.S. Copyright law, and with Minnesota State Policies and in any event only for individual, noncommercial use without systematically downloading, distributing, or retaining substantial portions of information.

Acceptable use forbids downloading contents of entire issues of a given journal title. The use of software such as scripts, agents, or robots, is generally prohibited and may result in loss of access to these resources for the entire MSU Mankato community.

Specific license terms detailing permitted and prohibited users of electronic resources may be obtained by contacting eraccess@mnsu.edu.

Minnesota State Board Policies

• 5.22 Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources
• 5.23 Security and Privacy of Information Resources

See also:

• Copyright and Fair Use: more information on the creation and use of copyrighted materials at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
• “Pirate” Repositories: more information on illegal or suspicious repositories like Sci-Hub.