Computer Use Policy

Introduction

This is an addendum to CNU's policies (Acceptable Use Policy and Email Policy) and specifically concerns Trible Library's computer and electronic resources. Please refer to the University's policies located on the Computer Center's web site at http://its.cnu.edu/access.html

Trible Library's computerized resources include but are not limited to those in the Reference area (online catalog, cd-rom databases, online databases and Internet access).

Acceptable Use of Library computers and Internet

All library patrons using library computers in Trible Library are responsible for using computer resources in an ethical and legal manner. Users must respect the intellectual and access rights of others--locally, nationally and internationally.

Acceptable use includes:

• Using computerized resources for educational and research purposes only.
• Limiting your time on computer workstations to the posted time limits when other patrons are waiting to use them.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not sending them unwanted email messages, misrepresenting them when sending email, or tampering with their accounts, files, or data.
• Using the Library's limited resources, such as paper, toner, disk space, and Internet bandwidth, wisely.

• Obstructing other people's work by consuming excessive amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system.
• Attempting to damage or alter computer equipment or software configurations.
• Using the network for commercial activity or any activity that violates Trible Library's licensing agreements.

Copyright

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including software, electronic mail, text, images, sound, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. The user is responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. Similarly, if you make materials available for others to retrieve or use (via a World Wide Web server, postings to a USENET newsgroup, etc.), you must respect the copyright of the materials.

Consequences

If computer use results in disruption of Library services or in behavior inappropriate for an academic library setting, the Library Supervisor on duty reserves the right to end the session. Internet sessions may also be discontinued if time limits have been exceeded or if inappropriate applications are being accessed. If the patron refuses to comply with the Library Supervisor's request, the matter will be turned over to the University Librarian or the CNU Police.

Please Be Aware ...

The Internet provides access to a wide variety of materials. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium and contains material that may be offensive or inaccurate. The Library does not monitor, control or take responsibility for the information accessed through the Internet. It is the responsibility of the user (or parent/guardian) to consider the source and determine the reliability, appropriateness, and quality of the material found on the Internet. Parents or guardians have the sole right and responsibility for guiding their children's Internet sessions.

Software and information downloaded from any source, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses. The Library takes no responsibility for the loss of data or any damage to the patron's discs and/or computers that may result from using the Library's hardware or software. The hard drives of the Library's computers are periodically purged of files saved or software installed without permission.

Questions?

Any questions about this policy may be directed to the University Librarian's Office.

Approved 9/97