Faculty Toolkit

Emory database licensing agreements allow faculty usage for research, teaching and publishing.

Proper Use of AI 

Did you know that uploading information into an LLM for training or a GenAI to summarize and synthesize content may infringe on copyright law? As the use of LLMs and GenAIs for research increases, make sure that you are aware of Emory’s policies and guidelines for the responsible use of AIs. The use of AI in support of student and faculty research is evolving, and likely Emory’s AI policies and guidelines will evolve to changes in technology, licensing and vendor practices. 

But at all times, we must ensure copyright compliance with current library database licensing agreements. Most Goizueta Business Library and Emory Libraries licensed databases do not legally allow their content to be uploaded into an AI. This is a fundamental copyright compliance issue. Violations can result in serious consequences, including a code of conduct infraction for you and the loss of database access for the university. 

Never assume that you have copyright permission to upload content into an LLM for training or into a GenAI for summarizing or synthesizing, including: 

• Proprietary content such as market research reports, articles, spreadsheets, images, etc. from Emory licensed databases, your workplace, etc.
• Goizueta IMPACT or other experiential research, deliverables, or client-provided documents; be aware of existing NDAs. 
• Content accessed from Google without first validating your copyright permissions. 

Never assume that use of localized AI apps or CoPilot, Emory’s “protected” enterprise access is legally allowable for uploading copyrights or privacy-protected content. Before you proceed, always reach out to a Goizueta business librarian (email gbsaskalibrarian@emory.edu) to validate that the library databases you want to use are licensed for these applications; most are not at this time.  

Emory Database Licensing Agreements 

Emory database licensing agreements allow student usage for coursework, career preparation and personal enrichment. It is illegal to use Emory Libraries databases for your employer, internship, or experiential project client. Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of access and disciplinary actions in accordance with applicable university policy for all undergraduate and graduate students. See Emory University's Library Licensed Electronic Resources Conditions of Use Policy. 

Examples of Proper Uses of Databases 

Specific examples of how you can and cannot use library databases. 

You are legally prohibited from: 

• Uploading any content from an Emory Libraries’ licensed database into an LLM or GenAI. Note: use of localized AI apps or CoPilot, Emory’s “protected” enterprise access, may still not be legally allowable for uploading copyrighted or privacy-protected content. 
• Systematically downloading, saving, or distributing significant portions of these licensed electronic resources beyond what is allowed by copyright and/or the license. 
• Systematically downloading database content using robots, scripts, or other software programs. 

Student Signed Agreement 

• Proper Use of Emory Libraries’’ Licensed Electronic Resources 

Copyright Compliance 

Emory students, faculty and employees are required to adhere to the following: 

Emory's Copyright Infringement Policy - US copyright law restricts reproduction, distribution, and other uses of copyrighted materials. 

Emory’s Honor Code - you must always attribute accurately and completely all data and excerpts or direct references you include in course research, articles, etc. 

Emory’s Code of Conduct - you can never share your Emory username/id and password with anyone attending Emory or outside of Emory or log anyone into any Emory electronic resources.