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Library Policies & Procedures: Computer Use Procedures

A listing of library policies and procedures

Computer Use Procedures

Document Title:                          Computer and Printer Use Procedures         

Supports Policy Number:              PS 402: Bellevue University Computer and Network Use Policy

Applies to:                                     All Library Patrons


PURPOSE

To provide persons who use the computers and printers of expected standards of conduct and to encourage their cooperation. The Bellevue University Library is responsible for securing its computing systems against unauthorized access, while making the systems accessible for legitimate academic and administrative uses. It is important for the user to practice ethical behavior in computing activities because the user has access to many valuable resources and the user's computing practices can adversely affect the work of other people.

PROCEDURES

Considerations and Criteria:

  1. Usage of the desktop and laptop computers at the Bellevue University Library should be consistent with the educational, research and service mission of the University. Authorized users include:
    1. Bellevue University Faculty, Staff, and currently registered students
    2. Bellevue University Alumni
    3. Bellevue University Community Users
    4. Reciprocal Borrowers
    5. The general public
  1. Computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, students who use the computers for research are given first priority. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community users are prioritized over reciprocal borrowers and the general public.
  1. Patrons may be asked to show a student ID at any time.
  1. The University Library supports the Library Bill of Rights and does not censor access to material nor protect users from inaccurate or offensive information; however, use of the computers to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend another person or persons constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.
  1. The purpose of the library computers is for academic research. Participating in internet gambling or accessing pornographic websites on Bellevue University Library computers is prohibited. Final determination of appropriate computer use is at the sole discretion of the Senior Director, Library Services.
  1. Users without a Virtual Desktop Account, including those unaffiliated with Bellevue University, must be logged on to the computers by a library staff member.
  1. Users shall refrain from consuming beverages without lids or caps at computer workstations at all times.
  1. Items left unattended at the computer workstations will be removed and placed in lost and found at the circulation desk. The library is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  1. Users shall not attempt to damage or obstruct the operation of the computers, or to modify system operations or settings.
  1. Users must comply with all regulations regarding copyright and database access regulations. A librarian can provide users with information regarding this issue.
  1. Any files that have been saved to the hard drive or desktop are automatically deleted when the user logs out of the virtual desktop environment.
  2. Black and white printing from Bellevue University Library computers is free for currently enrolled Bellevue University students, but should be kept to a minimum and used only for research. Printing for alumni and paid community users is free, up to a maximum of 25 pages per day. Any printing over this page limit, as well as all printing for the general public not associated with the University will be charged $0.10 per sheet (one sheet of paper printed front and back will be $0.10). All guest printing can be picked up and paid for at the Library Reference Desk.
  3. Color printing is free for currently registered students, alumni, and paid community users, up to a maximum of 25 pages per day. Color printing should only be used for research and/or school-related projects. All color printing requests over this limit, as well as other color printing requests from non-BU affiliated patron types will be charged $0.25 per page. All color printing can be picked up and paid for at the Library Reference Desk. Color printing requests will not be accepted within 15 minutes of closing. Bellevue University Library staff reserve the right to deny color printing when deemed necessary.
  4. Patrons cannot bring in their own paper for printing. All printing must be done on standard 8.5 x 11 printer paper.
  5. Current staff and faculty should use Bellevue University's departmental print management system, rather than the general library printers.
  6. Printing paper shall not be used for scratch paper, note taking, etc. Recycled paper is available at the reference desk if needed. If patrons experience trouble with the printers, they should immediately notify the library staff.
  7. Headphones should be used at all times when viewing or interacting with media that contains audio. Even with headphones, users should set the computer’s volume to low levels. Headphones are available at the circulation/reference desk for check out with proper I.D.  Earbuds are also available for $1.00 or for free, depending on scenario. Refer to the Earbuds Procedure for more information.
  8. Questions about the use of computers, materials or guidelines not covered in this policy should be brought to the attention of the Senior Director, Library Services before the user conducts the activity in question.
  9. The number of computers in use is counted on an hourly basis. All information is for statistical purposes only.

These procedures apply to all persons using the Bellevue University Library computing systems as outlined in the Bellevue University Computer and Network Use Policy (PS 402). Disciplinary action for violating the policy shall be governed by, but may not be limited to, the applicable provisions of the student handbook, faculty and staff handbook, policies of Bellevue University, and local, state, and federal law. Persons who violate this procedure may have their access privileges to the Bellevue University Library revoked.


Supports Policy:                          PS 402, Bellevue University Computer and Network Use Policy

Supporting Documentation:        Bellevue University Computer and Network Use PolicyEarbuds Procedure, Library Bill of Rights

Keywords:                                   computer, printing, headphones, earbuds, research, policy

Responsible Office:                     Library

Contact Information:                    Library, 402-557-7314

Approved by:                                Robin Bernstein

                                                     Senior Director, Library Services

Effective Date:                             April 19, 2023

Review Cycle and Dates:            This procedure document supersedes previous versions dated March 1, 1997, March 22, 2018, June 14, 2019, August 26, 2019, and March 1, 2023.                                                                

APPROVED:       

Robin Bernstein, Sr. Director, Library Services    April 20, 2023