Computer Use

The computers in the Metropolitan Community College libraries provide access to information our users require for their educational and research needs. Patrons are expected to use the computers in a responsible manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws, the College Mission Statement, and College Procedures Memoranda V-4 (Student Conduct and Discipline), X-15 (Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources), and V-2 (Policy Prohibiting Harassment of Students).

South Omaha Library: Because the South Omaha Library is a joint library shared by Metropolitan Community College and Omaha Public Library, computers in that facility are governed by Omaha Public Library policies including it's Internet Use and Safety Policy.

User Responsibility

The Internet allows access to a vast array of ideas, information, tools and resources. It is the responsibility of the user to verify the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of information found on the Internet. Within the limits of time and other responsibilities, Library staff can offer users effective searching techniques or provide limited training.

The MCC Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its resources may contain controversial or inappropriate material. The Library does not guarantee user privacy or protect users from information they may find offensive. Harassment will not be tolerated, and users are expected to be aware of and comply with applicable College Procedures governing display of offensive materials (V-2, V-4 and X-15).

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied and supervised at all times by an adult. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children's use of the Internet and for intentional or inadvertent viewing of other users' screens.

Appropriate Use of Library Computers

• Logging in using assigned user name/password. Four-county users or Reciprocal Borrowers not currently enrolled in classes may stop at the circulation desk to request computer access. Staff will ask for valid identification.
• Keeping user name/password secure. Do not share with other users.
• Recognizing that users may be limited to 20 minutes maximum per session if others are waiting.
• Acknowledging that current students working on class projects have first priority, as computers are provided for research and MCC class work.
• Printing handouts instead of slide views of PowerPoint presentations.
• Limiting print jobs to the 20-page maximum, working with library staff to determine other available options. Printing is a privilege, not a right.
• Printing only two copies of needed material. Additional copies should be made on the photocopy machine.
• Printing double-sided copies (the default printer setting), working with library staff when single-sided copies are needed.
• Respecting others' values, beliefs and sensibilities when accessing potentially controversial information and images.

Inappropriate Use

• Logging in on multiple computers to allow non-registered users to access library resources.
• Damaging or altering the set up of library equipment. Downloading files to library computer hard drives or disk drives is prohibited unless authorized by library staff.
• Distributing advertising, conducting business or other commercial enterprises.
• Violating federal and state laws by sending or receiving information that is illegal, unethical, threatening, harassing or contains abusive language.
• Unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials.
• Deliberately degrading performance or denying service, including the use or installation of Internet file sharing, internet chat/Instant Messaging software and the continuous use of Internet radio. (Refer to Procedures Memorandum X-15, Section 4C, #4)
• Accessing, uploading, downloading, distributing or possessing child pornography or obscene material. Material is "obscene if its predominant theme is prurient according to the sensibilities of an average person of the community, it depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way and taken as a whole it lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value." (Refer to Procedures Memorandum X-15, Section 4D, #4 and 5)

Violations of the Guidelines

Patrons who observe users violating these guidelines are asked to contact library staff. Users violating these guidelines will be advised of the Library's guidelines and appropriate College Procedures and asked to comply with them. Continued failure to comply may result in loss of access to or use of the Library's computer equipment and online services as well as the loss of MCC library privileges and/or other disciplinary actions considered appropriate by the College and as outlined in the Procedures Memoranda noted.

Computer Copyright Guidelines

Users are prohibited from using College computers for activities constituting violation of the copyright laws of the United States. Such activity may result in termination of your account privileges and may also be grounds for College discipline and civil sanction. The following activities may constitute copyright infringement if done without permission of the copyright holder regardless of whether a © symbol or other indication of copyrighted status appears on the work:

1. Scanning copyrighted works
2. Uploading copyrighted material or electronic files, regardless of whether the copyrighted material is textual, graphic, photographic, video, audio or any other medium
3. Downloading any copyrighted material; or
4. Making copies of downloaded and/or uploaded materials, such as by copying a file onto a computer disk or hard drive.

Revised 7/21/10