Policy 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 cannot 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.

Library computer hard drives 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 or personal media storage devices such as, USB drives or optical media such as CD's or DVD's. These storage options may be purchased at King Library's Circulation Desk.

Library workstations are not intended for non-course related uses such as personal email, instant messaging, game playing, or other recreational uses.

During high-use times, the library reserves the right to request clients limit the amount of time spent on public workstations.

December 8, 2008