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Services and Assistance > Public Computer Use Policy

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The University of New Mexico University Libraries (UL) provides access to computers in support of the education, research, and public service mission of the University. The UL provides computing services to University faculty, staff, students, retirees, and other guest users for the purpose of accessing collections and other information resources and services for academic purposes.

These academic purposes may include research, resource discovery that fulfills class assignments, enhancement of career development, support of instruction, and promotion of University related goals and objectives.

The UL provides a mix of fully publicly accessible computers and computers requiring authenticated access. Those computers requiring authentication require a login using a university-assigned email address and personal password.

Use of UL computing resources is a privilege. Individuals using the resources are expected to do so in an appropriate, ethical, and lawful manner that demonstrates respect for the rights of other users and recognizes the importance of civility and responsibility. All computer use must be in accordance with University Policies 2500 (Acceptable Computer Use), 2510 (Computer Use Guidelines), 2520 (Computer Security Controls and Guidelines), local, state, and federal laws. These laws and policies cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files; copyright; and harassment issues.

Due to the public nature of the UL, individuals should be aware of and respect the desire of others not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images that they find disruptive or offensive. Users may not use a UL public computer with the intent to intimidate, harass, or display hostility toward others, e.g., sending offensive messages or prominently displaying material that others might find offensive such as vulgar language, explicit sexual material, or material from hate groups.

Computing resources in the UL are provided primarily for the use of the students, staff, and faculty of the University of New Mexico (UNM) and for public use of the United Stated Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Collection (as provided in Section 1911 of Title 44 U.S.C.). UNM students, staff, and faculty have priority when an insufficient number of computers are available in the UL. The UL reserves the right to limit the amount of time a guest may occupy a computer. A current Lobo Card or a valid government issued photo ID may be required to access UL public computer resources, the exception being for access to FDLP materials.

The following rules apply to use of computing equipment within the UNM UL:
Downloading from library databases is permitted and encouraged within the provisions of copyright law and contract provisions. Users will need to provide their own storage devices or email downloaded information to their e-mail accounts.

University Libraries are not responsible for any damage done to computer users' disks, data hardware, or software as a result of the malfunctioning of library hardware or software.

Users may not make changes to computers setting or configurations. Information and programs saved to the hard drive will be deleted regularly.

Productivity software, such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Access, is installed on University Libraries computers, to aid in conducting research and completing coursework for assignments. Printing is available to print documents and other information for a fee.

In compliance with University of New Mexico Policy 2510, University Libraries computers may not be used for commercial purposes or profit-making.

Many of the resources found on the Internet/Worldwide Web are copyright protected. Although the Internet is a different medium from printed text, ownership and intellectual property rights still exist. Check the documents for appropriate statements indicating ownership. Most of the electronic software and journal articles available on library servers and computers are also copyrighted. Duplication of information is limited in accordance with Fair Use compliance provisions as stated within the federal copyright laws.

Consequences of Misuse:
The University Libraries reserves the right to request users cease using computer equipment and/or to leave the library if they are found to be in violation of any part of this policy, and may deny further access to library computing resources for repeat offenders. The Libraries will pursue infractions or misconduct through the campus disciplinary channels and/or law enforcement as appropriate, which include contacting UL and Campus security and filing an incident report, in addition to a police report.

Disclaimers:
The University Libraries cannot control the information available over the Internet and are not responsible for its content. The Internet contains a wide variety of material, expressing many points of view. Not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete or current, and some may be offensive or disturbing to some viewers. Users should properly evaluate Internet resources according to their academic and research needs. Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement by the Libraries of the content or views contained therein. Use of Library computers implies acceptance of this policy.

This policy incorporates the following University of New Mexico Policies:
http://www.unm.edu/~ubppm/

  • Acceptable Computer Use (Policy # 2500)
  • Computer Use Guidelines (Policy #2510)
  • Computer Security Controls and Guidelines (Policy #2520)
  • Sexual Harassment Policy (Policy #3780)
  • Campus Violence (Policy #2210)

The American Library Association Access to Electronic Information Services, and Networks

Federal Protection of Children Act, 18 U.S.C., Section 1465, or in violation of New Mexico law prohibiting the display of sexually explicit matters in an establishment frequented by children

USA Patriot Act of 2001 - 50 U.S.C, Section 1862

Doctrine of Fair Use, 17 U.S.C.. Section 107