UW-Parkside Library Policy on Use of Computers and Electronic Resources

 

Library reference room computers are intended primarily for use by UW-Parkside students, faculty, and staff for individual reference and research purposes. The UW-Parkside Library also welcomes use of the computers by the general public, although at peak times, non-university users may be asked to relinquish use to university students, faculty, or staff. Individuals using computers for email, games or other such uses outside reference and research may be asked to relinquish use during busy times.

Instructors bringing classes to the library to do group work on library computers should use computers located on low tables only. Computers located on high tables are reserved for individuals outside the class.

Individuals may not monopolize library computers by using more than one computer at a time or by spending an inordinate amount of time on a computer.

Computer users must not install software or files on library computers, attempt to modify the setup or configuration of library computers, or cause any computer-related disruption or damage.   Individuals must not tamper with library computers and peripherals, including turning off or shutting down equipment, disconnecting cables, attaching personal cables, or attempting to repair equipment.      

Laptops with wireless network capability are available at the check out desk to students, faculty and staff for in-library use; wireless is available in all public areas of the library. Laptop borrowers must complete a responsibility agreement form, accepting responsibility for any loss or damage to the laptop, and for costs associated with repair or replacement.

Laptop cable connections to the Internet should be made only at designated docking stations.

Computer users assume any risk of damage or corruption to personal data and storage devices as a result of using library computers.    

Internet resources supplement and complement the UW-Parkside Library’s collection. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information; determining their accuracy or authenticity is the user’s responsibility. UW-Parkside librarians offer assistance and instruction on using the Internet as a research and information resource.

The UW-Parkside Library’s policy is to preserve the privacy of library users; therefore the UWP library patrons using reference room computers are not required to login before gaining access to the Internet. It would be an invasion of privacy to track every movement made by a patron on a library computer and match it to the patron’s identity. This could have a chilling effect on academic and intellectual freedom .

The Internet contains controversial material. In accordance with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the UW-Parkside Library neither restricts lawful access to materials nor protects library users from information they may find offensive. The library is not responsible for exposure of minors or adults to potentially offensive material accessed via the Internet using library equipment.

Due to the public nature of computer screens, individuals should be aware of and respect the desire of others not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images that they find disruptive or offensive. Users are asked to be sensitive to the fact that some screen images, sounds, or messages might be distracting or create an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment for others. Library staff respect the privacy of library users and do not routinely scrutinize the information or images displayed on any user’s computer screen. However, library staff may take steps to maintain an environment conducive to study and research.

All users of the library’s computers and electronic resources have a responsibility to use these resources in an ethical and legal manner. Users must comply with state and federal law and must abide by the UW-Parkside’s Administrative Policy #58, Network Access and Code of Practice http://www.uwp.edu/departments/governance/admin/policy/policy58.htm

Computer users must observe applicable intellectual property laws and should be aware that many Internet resources are copyright protected. For further information, see the UW-Parkside’s Administrative Policy # 76, Copyright Policy http://www.uwp.edu/departments/governance/admin/policy/policy76.htm and UW-Parkside Library Policy for Electronic Reserve Access to Published Copyrighted Materials http://www.uwp.edu/departments/library/services/copyright.htm

The UW-Parkside Library’s licensed databases and online services are for the use of the UW-Parkside faculty, staff, students, and, in many cases, on-site users. Use is regulated by the terms and conditions of UW-Parkside’s agreements with the vendors of these resources. The library is not legally able to provide off-campus access to alumni, Wisconsin citizens, and others where a commercial product has a license agreement that restricts access to authorized users or to those who are physically in the library. In many cases the information contained in licensed resources may not be duplicated, transferred, sold, or in any manner commercially exploited. In general, downloading should be limited to an individual’s research needs; library users should not systematically download or copy information, including attempting to create large databases. Users may not send mass mailings of full-text articles or other search results or post full-text articles or other search results to open websites.

Sanctions

Misuse of the UW-Parkside Library shows disrespect for the University and disregard for the rights of members of the university community. Individuals who do not comply with library policies may be asked to leave the library and may be refused future access. They may also be subject to warning, suspension, prosecution, forfeiture, and restitution, as well as criminal penalties and civil fines, and may be accountable to civil authorities and the university. UW-Parkside Library policies supplement other UW-Parkside and UW System policies.

7/13/06