Acceptable Use-Library Learning Space Computers

I. Statement of Purpose/Objectives 

Access to electronic resources through workstations at Rod Library is provided in support of the educational, research, and informational activities of the University of Northern Iowa community. Public workstations throughout the library enable researchers to gain expanded access to resources beyond the library’s collections. Persons who use this service are expected to follow the guidelines of this document, and are responsible for using the workstations and resources only for purposes consistent with the mission of the university and the library.

II. User Community

The University of Northern Iowa community consists of students, faculty, and staff of the university. However, Rod Library also extends its services, resources, and expertise to users outside the immediate university community. Thus, members of the public may also use the public workstations in accordance with IV. A. Acceptable Uses.

III. Guiding Principles

The principles of academic freedom and privacy that have been applicable to written and spoken communications in the university community apply in full to the electronic communications and information environment. These principles are set forth in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and, more specifically, in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

As a guide for the ethical use of computer software and intellectual rights, Rod Library also endorses the following statement distributed by EDUCAUSE, a non-profit consortium of colleges and universities committed to the use and management of information technology in higher education:

Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to work of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgement, right to privacy, and right to determine the form, manner, and terms of publication and distribution. 

Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and trade secret and copyright violations, may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community.

Use of the library’s computing and networking services is governed by the policies set forth in this document, other relevant Rod Library and university policies, including the UNI policy on Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources, UNI's Information Security Incident Response Policy, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

IV. A. Acceptable Uses 

• Users should respect the intellectual work and creativity of others as described in the EDUCAUSE Code of Software and Intellectual Rights.
• The library licenses electronic resources for the use of the user community. Users should use the data obtained from licensed resources in accordance with the terms of the licenses. Licenses negotiated between the library and vendors may vary from terms published online. Questions about the terms of specific licenses should be directed to the Rod Library Resource Management Coordinator.
• Users should carefully evaluate information obtained through the Internet. The library does not guarantee the timeliness, accuracy, or usefulness of information obtained via the Internet.
• Users should be considerate of the needs of others and limit the use of library public computers to a half-hour time period if others are waiting.
• Users should demonstrate common courtesy by not disrupting the work of others.
• Users should be sensitive to the public nature of shared facilities and take care not to display images, sounds, or messages in a way that will negatively affect those who find them objectionable or offensive. Display of Internet content should comply with the university Discrimination, Harassment Sexual Misconduct Policy and state and Federal laws. Members of the UNI community have priority in using library public computers. Users may be asked to show their UNI identification at times of high use, and users not affiliated with the University may be asked to give up their place to allow use by UNI community members.

IV. B. Unacceptable Uses

• Users may not violate license agreements, copyrights, or intellectual property rights of the producers of computer software or resources. The university and Rod Library will not condone the infringement of the copyright laws.
• Users may not break into, tamper with, or otherwise alter computer software and hardware.
• Users may not copy, steal, or damage software or hardware owned by the university and the library.
• Users may not knowingly introduce viruses or computer programs into library public computers.

IV. C. Printing 

Printing at Library workstations is funded through the Student Technology Fee. Users may not provide their own paper for use in Library printers.

In accordance with the UNI Student Computer Advisory Committee Print Policy

• Users are allowed to print only ONE copy of a document. We do not allow printing multiple copies of a document (i.e. resumes or dissertations). Use a copy machine to duplicate copies. 
• Users are allowed to print documents of 40 pages or less. 

V. Enforcement 

Unauthorized or inappropriate use of library computers or licensed electronic resources is prohibited and is grounds for sanctions which can include suspension or loss of computing privileges, disciplinary action, or legal action. Students are covered by the Student Conduct Code.  Faculty and staff are covered by University Policies and Procedures.

Adopted or Revised Date: Rev. 2/25/2009; 12/20/2019
Review Date: 12/2019