Miami University Libraries
Get HelpPolicy on the Use of Public Computers
The Miami University Libraries provide computers to enable our clients to access the multitude of electronic resources provided and supported by the Libraries.
As with all materials, the Libraries endorse the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement of the American Library Association. The Libraries do not monitor or filter information accessed through workstations and can not be held liable for the content or quality of information accessed.
The primary purpose of public computers in the Libraries is to provide Miami students, faculty, and staff access to information that supports research, instruction and the dissemination of scholarship. Consequently, Miami-affiliated clients receive priority in the use of the Libraries' public computers. Should all computers be in use, non-affiliated clients will be asked to relinquish their computer.
To ensure effective and efficient access to such information, the Miami University Libraries have established the following guidelines:
- Logins are required at all computers. Miami students, faculty and staff may login with their Unique ID and default password. Those who are not affiliated with Miami may obtain logins from the Libraries' information desks.
- Computers should not be used to store information. All downloaded files and changes to existing files (bookmarks, favorites, etc). are deleted upon logout to protect the privacy of our clients. Miami students, faculty, and staff may save documents to their NetDisk space. In addition, end users may save files to portable storage devices such as zip disks, USB or CD-ROM on many machines. Storage devices may be purchased at King Library's Access Services Desk.
- Library workstations are not intended for non-course related uses such as personal email, instant messaging, game playing, or other recreational uses.
- To ensure access to electronic research tools, some computers are configured to perform only quick look-ups in the Libraries' catalogs and indexes. In addition, some other computers are equipped only for web browsing.
- During high-use times, clients may be asked to limit the amount of time spent on public workstations.
February 3, 2005