Florida Institute of Technology: Public Computer Use Policy

Public Computer Use Policy:

The public access computers in the Evans Library are available for scholarly research and educational purposes only . These computers are provided primarily for the use of the students, faculty, and staff of Florida Tech and for public use of the United States Federal Depository Library Program Electronic Collection (as provided in Section 1911 of Title 44, USC). Brevard County community members may use the computers for scholarly research and educational purposes , although at busy times, preference will be given to members of the Florida Tech campus community. Library staff will monitor the use of Library public access computers. You are responsible for following the instructions and directives of Library staff. Computer use may be restricted at the discretion of the Library staff. Email and word processing are available in designated computer labs around campus and in the Applied Computing Center on the second floor of the library Restrictions Users of public access computers in the Evans Library may not at any time: Read or Send e-mail unrelated to academic pursuits on library computers. Play games or make other recreational use of library computers. Use chat rooms, bulletin boards, or computer conferences other than those associated with Florida Tech courses. Harass Library staff or other Library users . Harassment includes the display of graphics that may reasonably be interpreted as offensive. Library computers are in public areas. If what you view causes discomfort to others, staff may intervene. Accessing explicit, offensive, or pornographic sites is prohibited . Violate United States or Florida state law pertaining to computer and information use, including copyright laws and software licensing agreements. Make unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others. Gain unauthorized access to computing resources or accounts. Upload unauthorized files or software (including viruses) or download library- or university-licensed software. Steal, vandalize, and/or reconfigure workstations, software, printers, and/or computer-related material. Behave in a manner that is disruptive, abusive, offensive, or insensitive to the rights of others, or obstructs their use of Library. Attempt to use computers after the Library's closing time. Use unclean or unsafe floppy disks for downloading. Fail to follow the instructions and directives of Library staff. Failure to comply with the provisions of this code will be cause for privilege loss, campus security intervention and/or other official involvement. Consequences of Misuse Verbal warnings. Suspension or restriction of Library use privileges. Revocation of Library privileges and database use privileges. Other consequences as listed in the General University Policies and Code of Conduct and University Disciplinary System covered in the Student Handbook; including but not limited to implementation of the university's procedures for responding to alleged violations of community standards which could result in suspension or expulsion from the university and/or termination of employment by Florida Tech. Use of Library computers implies acceptance of this policy . The Internet Though the Internet is a valuable information resource, it is an unregulated medium. Some sites may be inaccurate, unreliable, personally offensive, or even illegal. The Library has no control over information accessed through the Internet, nor is it responsible for any damages resulting from accessing the Internet. Printing & Downloading You may print to a networked printer @ 6 cents per page. You may not load software or save anything to the hard drive, as the files saved to the hard drive will be deleted regularly as a part of routine maintenance. Warnings During system upgrades, Library workstations and electronic resources will not be available. When possible, prior notice will be given when this occurs. The Library Building may be subject to power surges and power outages, which may affect personal laptop computers. The Library is not responsible for the theft of personal laptop computers and other devices, personal property loss or damage, or the loss or corruption of data contained on personal computer disks. The library reserves and intends to exercise its right to inspect, monitor, read, retrieve, and/or disclose all messages created, received, or sent over its resources. The library may provide the results of the exercise of this right to appropriate civil authorities. The contents of communications may also be disclosed within the library without notice or the permission of the user. Ethical & Legal Responsibilities Computing resources must be used in accordance with the ethical standards of Florida Tech. Examples of unethical use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following: ILLEGAL ACTS INVOLVING LIBRARY RESOURCES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION BY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS. Users shall respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they shall not use the Internet for illegal purposes. 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 electronic mail, text, images, programs or date) without the permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the users, the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility from such use. Privacy and Etiquette Activities on University-owned workstations cannot be guaranteed any right to privacy. Users should not transmit personal information regarding themselves or others via workstation computers; nor should they transmit other sensitive information. Library staff are frequently in the workstation area assisting patrons. If Library staff observe a violation of policy, or if another customer complains of a violation, such violations will be addressed pursuant to this policy or other applicable policy or law. In using our equipment you are agreeing to accept and abide by the library's Computer Use Policy, available on the home page of the Evans Library under GENERAL INFO ( http://www.lib.fit.edu/). Internet browsers such as Netscape or Internet Explorer automatically record the URL when an Internet site is visited. Therefore, it is possible for other library patrons to identify the results of previous searches and the sites visited from a given computer. In addition, library staff may identify these sites during routine maintenance on the equipment. Governing Policy and Legislation Florida Institute of Technology Policy : Responsible use of Information Technology, http://it.fit.edu/policies/nm/acceptableuse.cfm. Florida Institute of Technology Student Handbook, 2004-2005 . Code of Conduct and University Disciplinary System; and General University Policies. Title 17, U.S. Code. Federal Copyright. Title 18, U.S. Code. Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. Chapter 815, Florida Statutes. Computer Crimes Act. Title 44, U.S. Code. Section 1911, U.S. Federal Depository Library Program Electronic Collection. The Library computers are Florida Tech property located in a public space and their screens may be observed by Library staff, other members of the university community, or campus visitors. Users must refrain from visiting explicitly pornographic sites, chat rooms, etc.

Policy dated August, 2001; revised 12/8/03 and 1/25/05