Policy for Access and Use of Library Research Workstations

MCCC is dedicated to the intellectual development of students and recognizes diversity in learning styles. Information technology is a fundamental tool in instruction, learning, and research. The privilege to use computer hardware, software, and networks (VALE, LEXIS-NEXIS, EBSCOhost, Internet) in the MCCC libraries is granted to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the public (Guests) who comply in full with MCCC access and use policies, procedures, and guidelines.

1. Users are expected to comply fully with the instructions of library staff. In particular, users will vacate the workstation or the facility and will surrender use of other resources (such as printers and software) promptly when asked to do so at closing times, to permit access by others, or for a violation of library policies.

2. Technology Services and library staff have broad discretion to set and revise reasonable priorities and policies (such as hours of operation, time limits, people who can use the facilities, etc.). They may also take routine steps (e.g., removing hung jobs, updating configurations and defaults, managing print queues, backing up systems, etc.) that are reasonably necessary to keep the computers running in the library.

3. MCCC uses software, with differing license and copyright provisions. Users are responsible for informing themselves of, and scrupulously complying with, the license and copyright provisions of software vendors. Additionally, users must seek and secure permission of the Dean for Technology Services before installing or accessing software that is not already installed on the college’s computers or network. In cases of doubt, the burden of responsibility is on the user to inquire and secure permission before attempting to use or access software or networks not listed on the system menu.

4. Users may not copy software installed on the hard drive of any computer in the library. All users must respect the legal protection provided to programs and data by copyright and license.

5. Use of library computer resources and services for other than research and instruction is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. It is strictly forbidden to access or attempt to access games and chat rooms not related to instructional assignments.

6. All users must respect the privacy and usage privileges of others, both on the MCCC campuses and at all sites reachable by the college’s external networks.

7. Users shall not identify themselves falsely at any time. Authorization to use and access resources in the MCCC library is granted to those seeking to use electronic library resources. Users are prohibited from circumventing restricted access programs.

8. Users shall not use programs that harass other users, either on an MCCC campus or elsewhere.

9. Computer service shall be terminated for users who do not comply with these MCCC computer usage policies.

10. The MCCC library will publish revisions of this policy and make them available to users.