Computer Access

Guyton Library houses a number of personal computers for use by faculty, staff and students. Use of the computers in the library will comply with the mission and the purpose of the College. The computer and the Internet services will be used for the purposes of learning, instruction and research and will not be used for entertainment or for personal profit. By using the computer resources at the library the users agree to abide by these guidelines and Policy 2.22: Acceptable Computer Use.

Scheduling

The use of Guyton Library computers is primarily for students and employees of the College. Accessing databases related to courses and research take priority over other uses of the computers. Faculty, staff and students will check in with a library staff member and sign the schedule at the front desk. Users will be limited to a duration of one hour unless no one is waiting or has a scheduled appointment; any scheduled appointment will be forfeited after a fifteen-minute delay.

Charges

The library will subscribe to selected library resources which will serve the mission and purpose of Guyton library to provide information to all members of the College community. Users will pay the established fee per page to use the printer and copier. Users must supply their own USB storage devices for saving information.

Software

Only the Director of Information Services is authorized to install software on the computers. Copying of software applications will not be allowed. Downloading of software is not permitted.

Software

Only the Director of Information Services is authorized to install software on the computers. Copying of software applications will not be allowed. Downloading of software is not permitted.

Legality

Internet access will not be used for illegal purposes, such as violating copyright laws, harassing or libeling others, and especially obtaining and/or viewing material which is in violation of local, state or federal obscenity statutes. Use of the Internet and computer services is subject to the local, state, and federal laws of communication, privacy, copyright and security. Abuse of computer services will result in penalties determined by the Dean of Students. Appeals will follow due process procedures in accordance with Policy 4.13: Student Conduct and Judiciary.

Content

Users will understand that the library is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the information obtained on the Internet or other online services. Users are solely responsible for all the consequences and damages, both direct and indirect, that may result from the use of such information obtained from these services. They are advised to use only those on-line resources whose quality is above reproof.

Internet Policy

The Internet is available to users primarily as an additional tool for learning. Users are expected to use the Internet for lawful purposes only. Viewing, transmitting and downloading offensive, pornographic or illegal material is in violation of the proper use of the Internet services in accordance with Policy 2.22: Acceptable Computer Use.. Violators will face disciplinary actions as determined by the Dean of Students in accordance with Policy 4.13: Student Conduct and Judiciaryas noted in Item E. above. Users will not use the Internet services at the library to join or participate in chat rooms or become members of unapproved clubs and/or organizations. Computers will not be used to harass, injure or hurt individuals. Web pages other than approved College or departmental web pages will not be installed on the computers.

Care of Computers

Destruction of computer equipment will result in disciplinary action in accordance with Policy 4.13: Student Conduct and Judiciary. Changing software configuration and making or sending viruses will result in disciplinary action. Users will not save any work to the computer's hard drive, patron files left on the hard drive are automatically deleted. Users must supply their own USB storage devices for saving information.  Any technical problems should be reported promptly to the Library staff.

Training

Some basic personal knowledge of computer use, software applications and accessing the Internet is expected. Required training for users of the Guyton Library computer services will be provided by appropriate personnel at an appointed time.

Patron Privacy and Confidentiality

Users will respect the privacy of the individuals using the library computers. Users will understand that their activities on the computers are monitored by library personnel.

Electronic Communications Privacy Act:

Guyton Library adheres to the provisions of the Mississippi Code (2001) (39-3-365) and the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights concerning patron privacy and confidentiality of library records. New provisions of the USA Patriot Act of October 26, 2001 affect patron privacy and records disclosure by giving broader authority for law enforcement to conduct searches. This includes identifying people who access computers "without permission," installing hardware or software to be used in tracing user information, and collecting "dialing, routing, addressing or signaling" information. Patrons are advised that this law pertains to public and personal computers.

Revision

The Guyton Library Computer Use Information and Guidelines may be modified as required by technological changes.

Library Computer Use Rules

The library computers are available during regular library hours except when reserved by faculty for specific course sessions. Listed below are the rules governing the use of these computers in the library. In addition, of course, student use of computers in Guyton Library is guided by Policy 2.22: Acceptable Computer Use.

1. All users must check in with a library staff member, sign the schedule at the front desk and clear their time with a staff member. All cell phones, pagers and other communication devices must be turned off or put on silent/vibrating before entering the library. Telephone conversations should take place outside the library.

2. Only authorized personnel may install software on the library computers.

3. No chat rooms, instant messaging, playing games, mass emailing, using streaming audio and/or video, file sharing programs, etc., are permitted on library computers. (Acceptable Computer Use Policy 2.22, page 3)

4. Users must provide their own USB storage device.

5. Patrons must not attempt to repair any computer equipment. Any technical problems must be reported to the library staff.

6. Food and drinks are not allowed in the library.

7. User files left on the hard drive are automatically deleted.

8. The Internet must be used for lawful purposes only. Violations will result in disciplinary action by the College in accordance with Policy 4.13: Student Conduct and Judiciary.

9. All machines should be left on when leaving, but all programs should be closed.

10. All waste paper is to be discarded in appropriate containers.

11. Only patrons 18 and over will be permitted to use the computers unless they are accompanied by an adult (e.g., a parent or tutor). Library patrons not affiliated with Blue Mountain College must submit a picture ID and sign the computer use sign-in sheet. The ID will be returned after the patron pays for any materials printed.