UW Libraries contracts with a variety of vendors to provide business databases that are licensed only for academic and educational use. Violation of these terms by even one person may result in permanent database cancelation for the entire university.
To help you proceed responsibly, we offer these general guidelines. If you aren’t sure, Ask Us!
Appropriate Usage
| Permitted | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Work related to UW classes, academic and scholarly research, personal knowledge, and career exploration. | Work of volunteers, interns, or employees in business establishments, companies, or other organizations. |
| Curricular work where students advise external clients or explore their own business ideas or startup ventures. | Work related to UW advancement, technology transfer, endowment and related university business. |
Saving and Sharing
| Permitted | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Students may share their own summary conclusions and minimally share excerpts or highlights. (Always cite your sources!) | Sharing reports, extensive statistical data, or related content outside of the UW is not allowed. |
| Students may download, save and print data, reports, or articles relevant to a single assignment or project. | Systematic downloading, automated searching, and use of artificial intelligence tools are not allowed. |
Authorized Users
| Permitted | Restricted |
|---|---|
| UW students, faculty and staff engaged in academic, curricular or scholarly research. | UW students, faculty and staff supporting external organizations, startups, licensees, and other partners or sponsored entities. |
| Campus visitors (including alumni) seeking knowledge for personal enrichment and education. | Campus visitors (including alumni) seeking information for competitive business purposes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students use library databases in business plan competitions?
Maybe. Every competition has its own rules that may allow or restrict research activity. Any competition-permitted usage should align with the guidelines above.
Can library databases be used in student-organization consultation work?
Students may use business databases to educate themselves about specific topics related to consultation work. But sharing database content with clients is not allowed.
Can library databases be used by students who work for the UW in a position that requires outside business consulting?
Students may use business databases to educate themselves about specific topics related to consultation work. Sharing database content with clients is not allowed, but students may provide their own conclusion or takeaways based on what they have learned.