General Policies for Using Library Computers

• Computers located in the library are provided to support library research in furthering the educational mission of the University. Students, faculty, and staff of The University of Texas at Tyler have priority in using computers.
• By logging onto a library computer, the user agrees to observe all Library Computer Use Policies, in addition to related UT Tyler and UT System policies regarding information resources and computers. All University computing resources fall under the UT System BPM 53-06-05 Policy for Use and Protection of Information Resources. Highlights of the policy are as follows:
• Section 33.02, Texas Penal Code, a provision of the Texas Computer Crimes Statute, makes it a criminal offense (1) to knowingly access a computer network or system without the effective consent of the owner; or (2) to intentionally or knowingly disclose a password, identification code or number, debit card or bank account number, or other confidential information about a computer security system without the consent of the person employing the security system.
• Never use any University-provided computing resource to do something illegal, threatening, or deliberately destructive – even as a joke.
• If issued any passwords, do not give them to anyone else.
• University-provided computing resources or the output produced from these resources may not be used for commercial activity or profit.
• University-provided computing resources or the output produced from these resources may not be used to advertise or promote any activities other than those sponsored by the University.
• Be courteous and considerate of other library users. Display of material which if exhibited would result in a sexually hostile environment or sexual harassment of patrons or staff is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. If such material inadvertently appears on the computer, simply close these windows so that other users will not have to view these materials. Reference staff will help if a window will not close.
• Users will limit time at computers to one hour, when others are waiting.
• Users will NOT turn computers on or off, reboot, reset, change configurations, or exit out of the Windows desktop. Downloading to the main drive is not allowed. Downloading of copyrighted software is in violation of Federal law.
• Children under sixteen years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. The parent must be working at the same computer as the child. Library computers provide all material available on the Internet, some of which may be inappropriate for children.
• High school students sixteen years of age and older must apply at Circulation for computer access privileges with full internet access. A parental consent form, signed in the presence of the Circulation staff must be on file before computer use is allowed. Only the Public Access computers will be made available to these students.

Who May Access What?

• All library computers provide access to the library catalog, library databases and the Internet.
• Some computers are designated as Public Computers. Any adult may use these computers. Circulation or Reference staff will log on patrons to these computers.
• Other computers are designated as UT Tyler Student Computers. Only current UT Tyler students, faculty or staff can log on. Circulation staff will provide login procedures for these computers.

Output (Printing, Downloading, Emailing)

• Avoid excessive or unnecessary printing. Do not print more than two copies of a document. Use copy machines for additional copies.
• Printing large quantities for non-academic use is not permitted.
• All users may print, email, or download to the floppy drive or “thumb” drive.
• Printing for the public user is 10c per page. Circulation staff will provide print jobs and accept payment.
• Currently enrolled UT Tyler students are not charged for printing.

External Access

• Anyone with access to the Internet may access the library catalog and other library web pages from the library home page.
• Research databases are licensed for only our current students/faculty/staff. For off-campus use, login instructions are provided at the library website, http://library.uttyler.edu. Help is also available by telephone at 903-566-7343.
• Electronic Course Reserves are also available at the library website. Accessing course materials requires a course password provided by the course instructor.