Computer and Internet Use Policy

The University of Winnipeg Library and Information Services provides computer stations and access to the Internet for the use of University of Winnipeg students and staff in support of educational and research activities.

Internet users are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided.

Users of the computers should comply with the existing University policies. The Library does not use filtering software. Therefore, parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet and other computer station software and hardware. Library stations are not available for word processing or for installation of personal software, databases or spreadsheets. Learning Commons stations are available for word processing, email, databases, spreadsheets, et cetera.

Library reference staff will provide basic assistance with computer and software use and Internet searches, but cannot provide extensive individualized instruction. Users of computer search stations will find it useful to have basic computer skills and familiarity with the Windows environment. Contact the Reference staff for a referral for additional personal instruction.

Information/search results may be downloaded to a user-provided floppy, zip or write-only CD-Rom disk. Printing is provided from most computer stations at a per page cost. The e-mailing of search results is also available with most databases.

The Library reserves the right to impose time limits according to the number of computer stations available and the level of demand for computer stations or a particular database.

Acceptable use

The Library’s computer stations should only be used to support the educational, research, and administrative goals of the University of Winnipeg. This includes searching the Library’s catalogue, other library catalogues, indexes and databases, and other web sites as well as accessing specialized media. Users are responsible for maintaining an environment conducive to teaching and learning.

The use of audio CDs while using the workstations is permitted as long as the volume does not interfere with other users.

Unacceptable use

Unacceptable use covers a broad spectrum of uses, many of which are either culturally, socially, or legally not acceptable.

Unacceptable use of the computing and networking systems includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassing other library users, including the displaying or sending of graphics which may be reasonably interpreted as offensive;
• Attempting to circumvent security systems on any facility, or using a computer account without authorization;
• Developing or using programs that harass other users, or that damage the software or hardware components;
• Breaching the terms and conditions of a software licensing agreement;
• Using the Internet and computers in any way that violates University policy and regulations, provincial law, or federal law.

Responsibilities of users

• The Library’s computers are available for study and research and are not to be used for personal e-mail, games, on-line shopping, gambling, etc., or for the installation of personal software, databases or spreadsheets.
• Users are responsible for any infringement of copyright or software licenses that could result from the copying or distribution of material found on the Internet or licensed databases.
• Users are responsible for any charges they may incur as a result of using fee-based services.
• Users are responsible for any damage they may cause to computer stations.
• Users are responsible for any losses or damages sustained by the University of Winnipeg Library as a result of their Internet use or their violation of the security of the Library computer system.
• Users of the Internet must assume full responsibility for the materials they use. Because Internet content may originate anywhere and is largely unregulated and unmonitored, users may find sites where information is controversial, erroneous, biased, dated or offensive. Users are responsible for any direct or indirect damages they may suffer from the use of Internet services.
• Users are expected to close all programs before leaving a computer station.

Penalties

Misuse of the Library computing facilities may contravene not only the policies of the University but may contravene provincial law, federal law and human rights legislation. Infractions involving harassment will be forwarded to the University of Winnipeg’s Harassment Officer. The nature and severity of any infractions may result in disciplinary measures including, but not limited to, suspension of library and computing privileges and/or academic suspension, by the University and/or legal action as appropriate to the infraction.

July, 2000
Revised Sept, 2002