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Policy for the Use of Library Public Computers

Library computers are primarily intended for course-related research. All users have a responsibility to use them in an ethical and legal manner.

Users may be asked to limit their sessions if others are waiting to do course-related research.

Users should respect the desires of others not to be inadvertently exposed to material that they find offensive.

The following activities are not permitted:

  • Engaging in disruptive activity.
  • Using workstations to gain unauthorized access to any network or computer system.
  • Attempting to change, damage or disrupt library computer equipment or software.
  • Using or storing personal files on library computers.
  • Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.

The Library will actively pursue disciplinary action, or other legal action for the activities listed above. Repeatedly engaging in these activities will result in you being asked to leave the Library.

Electronic resources provide unprecedented opportunities to expand the scope of information available to our users. The CWU Library strives to provide open access to information and an impartial environment in which to explore the universe of ideas.

To that end the Library provides access to a wide variety of materials, including the Internet. In keeping with the American Library Association's guidelines on the Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks, and the Library Bill of Rights, we endeavor to protect intellectual freedom and your right to open access to information. They state:

"Libraries and librarians should not deny or limit access to information available via electronic resources because of its allegedly controversial content or because of the librarian's personal beliefs or fear of confrontation. Information retrieved or utilized electronically should be considered constitutionally protected unless determined otherwise by a court with appropriate jurisdiction."

These documents also acknowledge that:

"Providing connections to global information, services, and networks is not the same as selecting and purchasing material for a library collection. Determining the accuracy or authenticity of electronic information may present special problems. Some information accessed electronically may not meet a library's selection or collection development policy. It is, therefore, left to each user to determine what is appropriate. Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their own children."

Library computers are primarily intended for course-related research. Their use is governed by all applicable University policies, including the Acceptable and Ethical Use of University Information Technology Resources and the Policy on Sexual Harassment (section 2-2.2.12), as well as the United States Code, the Revised Code of Washington and the Washington Administrative Code, which allows you to select the browser version you are using, and then locate Section 106-168.