License terms in LibrarySearch

LibrarySearch is the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) search system, where you can search for and access both electronic and print resources. You will also find information on how you can use licensed e-resources.

LICENSED CONTENT IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS: UTL is working closely with vendors to negotiate the rights needed to use content in genAI tools and for AI training purposes across eResources. The scope of these rights vary and licenses generally do not permit the use or training of licensed content in public versions of AI tools.

Before using library licensed content in an AI tool, consult the library for support. U of T’s protected enterprise edition of Microsoft Copilot Chat and the other tools made available in UofT's AI Kitchen are an exception to this as content is not saved, used to train models, or made available to Microsoft or other tool vendors.

Contact: copyright@library.utoronto.ca or visit GenAI tools and Copyright Considerations

What are license terms?

The University of Toronto has licensed an extensive e-resources collection that is available to faculty, staff, students and other authorized users. In order to make these e-resources available to our users, the library signs contracts with different vendors and publishers; these contracts set out specific terms and conditions that users are responsible for complying with when accessing content.

Engaging in these activities not permitted by license agreements could result in the suspension of a user's access to library eResources or termination of access for the entire University of Toronto community.

Where do I find license terms?

You will find license terms listed when you select an e-resource in LibrarySearch. Select “show license” to expand the terms.

Screenshot of LibrarySearch page showing where to locate 'show license' information

How to read the terms of the license

Below is a general definition of license terms you may see in LibrarySearch. Notes and other use restrictions will be indicated when applicable.

Don’t see one of the license terms listed below on an e-resource? This means this term is not addressed in the license.

If the proposed use falls within the scope of what is permitted by the license, it is not necessary to inquire further. If you do have further questions, please contact copyright@library.utoronto.ca

USE OF LICENSED CONTENT IN THIRD-PARTY PLATFORMS: Please note that library licensed e-resources (such as journal articles or eBooks) are not permitted to be uploaded to third-party platforms, including public generative AI tools, like a personal ChatGPT account. Consult UofT's guide to supported generative AI tools here.

Authorized User Definition	The group of users allowed to use the e-resource, as defined in the contract. NOTE: In most cases, this will be listed as “Faculty; Staff; Students; Walk-in users.”
Concurrent Users	The licensed number of concurrent users for a resource.
Public Performance Right	Permission to display audiovisual works for public screenings. For more information, please visit our guide on using audiovisual material on campus.
Make a Digital Copy	The right of authorized users to download and digitally copy a reasonable portion of the licensed materials. NOTE: A user’s ability to download licensed content will vary across resources. For example, if the platform only allows a user to download a limited number of pages, the user must abide by those limits.
Print a Copy	The right of authorized users to print a portion of the licensed materials. NOTE: A user’s ability to print licensed content will vary across resources. For example, if the platform only allows a user to print a certain number of pages, the user must abide by those limits.
Scholarly Sharing	Users may share with a third party colleague in print or electronic format reasonable amounts of the Licensed Materials for non-commercial personal, scholarly, educational, scientific, or professional use. Figures, tables and excerpts can be used with credit in a user's own scientific, scholarly and educational work. NOTE: A user’s ability to download licensed content that may be shared will vary across resources. For example, if the platform only allows a user to download a limited number of pages, the user must abide by those limits.
Text and Data Mining	This content may be available for text and data mining. Please contact us at mdl@library.utoronto.ca for details.
Access for users with disabilities	Please contact us at library.accessibility@utoronto.ca for details.
Electronic Link	The right to link to the licensed material.
Electronic Reserves	The right to use licensed materials in collections or compilations of materials assembled in an electronic format for educational purposes. NOTE: An example of this action would include uploading a portion of a licensed resource to Quercus or the Library Reading List app (Leganto).
Upload to Learning Management System	The right to make electronic copies of a portion of the licensed materials and store them on a secure network. NOTE: An example of this action would include uploading a portion of a licensed resource to Quercus or the Library Reading List app (Leganto)
Course Pack Print	The right to use a limited portion of licensed materials in collections or compilations of materials assembled in a print format by faculty members for use by students in a class for purposes of instruction.
Interlibrary Loan Print or Fax	The right to provide a portion of the licensed materials by interlibrary loan by way of print copies or facsimile transmission.
Interlibrary Loan Secure Electronic Transmission	The right to provide a portion of the licensed materials by interlibrary loan by way of secure electronic transmission. NOTE: An example of this action would include sending licensed content via Article Exchange.
Interlibrary loan electronic (email attachment)	The right to provide a portion of the licensed materials by interlibrary loan by way of electronic copies. NOTE: An example of this action would include sending licensed as an email attachment.

Please note that we continue to make improvements to the presentation of this information and it is subject to change. Last updated: December 16, 2025.

Guidelines for using library-licensed content

Related to

Scholarly Communications and Copyright Office (SCCO) Services