Acceptable Use Policy Statement

In support of the Mission of the Gingrich Library, which includes providing learning and teaching resources needed by members of the Albright College community, the Library operates and maintains computing resources for library patrons and staff.

Library patrons and staff members are responsible for their activities and accountable for their conduct while using library computing resources. Acceptable use of these resources is governed by this document and by the Administrative and Academic Computing Technology Acceptable Use Policy, signed by all members of the Albright College community.

The purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy is to outline library patron and staff responsibilities in the appropriate use of library computing resources.

General Use Guidelines

1. The library encourages the sharing and dissemination of information and the free expression of ideas. However, users of the library's computing resources are obligated to respect the intellectual rights and the intellectual property rights of others when using these resources. Duplicating and/or distributing information in violation of applicable copyright laws is not permitted.
   
2. Patrons and staff are prohibited from intentionally copying, modifying, or deleting files contained on the hard drives of the computers in the Library.
   
3. Users of library computing resources are prohibited from using these resources to affect other computers on the library network in any way. The execution of computer programs intended to gain unauthorized access to, or make unauthorized use of library computing resources or software, is prohibited.
   
4. Users of library computing resources are prohibited from loading software on any computer.
   
5. The library maintains the right to monitor network use and to deny access to its computing resources to patrons who violate acceptable rules for these resources.
   
6. The library maintains the right to monitor network use and take actions against violators in accordance with established library and college procedures.
7. The library does not currently charge for copies but reserves the right to restrict copying by all patrons if considered excessive by the library staff.

1. Library computing resources are to be used by students, faculty and staff members for educational, instructional, service, research, administrative, and other purposes related to their role in the college community,
   
2. Library oriented research and Blackboard support will receive higher priority than general computing needs for the library community when need outstrips equipment resources.
   
3. When available, library computing resources may be used by community visitors for educational and general research purposes.