Newberry College

Wessels Library Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Any use of Newberry College information technology resources is governed by the College’s policy for Responsible Use of Information Technology and Newberry College’s Anti‐Piracy Policy, found in the Student Handbook. In addition, the following policy applies specifically to the use of the library’s public‐access computer workstations and any laptops or other personal computing devices used within Wessels Library.
INTRODUCTION: Wessels Library at Newberry College endorses the sharing of information and freedom of expression that encourages academic discourse. The library is committed to providing information technology resources that support and enhance all the instruction and research needs of the College. All users of Wessels Library assume responsibility for their use of these resources in an ethical and legal manner and are required to adhere to this acceptable use policy as well as all applicable College policies and local, state and federal laws. Conduct violating these policies can result in limitation or termination of user privileges and appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action.
PRIMARY CLIENTELE: The primary clientele of Wessels Library are the students, faculty and staff of Newberry College, and they will have priority during periods of peak use. Persons other than current Newberry College students, faculty and staff must be currently registered and paid community borrowers to use the library’s public‐access computers and will need to request log‐on assistance at the library’s public services desk.
CHILDREN / YOUNG ADULT ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION: Wessels Library supports the right of all library users to access information and offers only open and unfiltered access to the Internet. The library recognizes that the Internet contains material that may be considered inappropriate for children. Only a parent or guardian has the right to determine what is appropriate for his or her child; it is not appropriate or practical for library staff to monitor children’s computer use. Children will be expected to follow the guidelines outlined in this policy and will be held to the same standards of behavior as other library patrons.
RIGHTS OF LIBRARY PATRONS: Wessels Library patrons have certain rights with respect to the use of electronic information resources. These are the same rights that apply to patrons using any other library services. They include:
1. The right to equitable access to the library’s materials and services;
2. The right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic information networks to the extent possible given certain constraints, such as Newberry College and Wessels Library policies, proximity of other patrons and staff in public areas, and security weaknesses inherent in electronic communications;
3. The right to access information without censorship of content.
However, Wessels Library may impose reasonable rules regarding the time, place, or manner in which electronic resources are used in order to promote the efficient operation of the library
and to ensure that the rights of all users are respected. The conventions of common courtesy and civility apply to the electronic environment, and Wessels Library encourages users to exercise good judgment and observe College policies concerning what is appropriate for display or viewing in a public area.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES: The public‐access computers in Wessels Library are to be used primarily for scholarly research, course‐related work, and other activities directly related to the educational and service mission of Newberry College. Members of the College community conducting research will be given first priority on all computer workstations, and those who are not using the computers for research will be asked to defer their use. The library is not responsible for any loss or damage to users’ files for any reason, including equipment failure, improper saving, or computer viruses.
UNACCEPTABLE activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of equipment, software, or data belonging to Wessels Library or Newberry College;
2. Behaving in a manner that is harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to others, including any use of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users;
3. Use of computer resources in any way that violates U.S. copyright laws and/or contractual licensing agreements related to the access, use and distribution of licensed electronic materials;
4. Use of library equipment or resources for commercial purposes;
5. Playing recorded music or audio files without earphones.
TIME LIMITS: In general, Wessels Library staff will not monitor the amount of time library patrons spend using the public‐access computers. During periods of high use, Wessels Library’s primary clientele will have priority at the discretion of the library staff member/s on duty. Library staff may call security to remove patrons that refuse to comply with requests to vacate public‐access computer workstations.
PATRON ASSISTANCE AND INSTRUCTION: Wessels Library staff will provide patrons with individual assistance in searching, locating, selecting, and using library resources for research and other academic pursuits within reasonable limits. Formal instruction in the use of particular electronic information services is available through the library’s bibliographic instruction program. Instruction in the use of specific software programs or other electronic information resources and services may be offered as time and staff knowledge permit. Library staff will not, under any circumstances, assist users with writing or proofreading class assignments or papers. Students in need of writing assistance should visit the Writing Center.