This policy governs all public access computers housed in and administered by the library. Student computer use is also governed by the University's Student Computer Usage Policy and by the University of New Orleans Judicial Code. The University’s Use Policy for Information Technology provides overall parameters and applies to all users of UNO information technology systems, including students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University.

Statement of Purpose

The Earl K. Long Library at the University of New Orleans provides computer resources to members of the UNO community and to the general public in support of the University's mission to serve the educational and cultural needs of the metropolitan New Orleans area. Many library resources, including the Library's Catalog, are available electronically. The primary purpose of the library's public computers is to provide access to library and other information resources.

General Principles

• Statement of Responsibility for the Use of Internet Resources
  The Library subscribes to many resources that are available through the Internet. These resources and other selected free Internet resources are made available through the Library's web page. However, the Library cannot control the information available over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The Internet contains a wide variety of material and opinions from various points of view. Not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete or current, and some may be offensive to some viewers. Ultimate responsibility for Internet usage through Library computer resources by individuals under the age of eighteen shall be with that individual's parent or guardian.

  The UNO Library endorses the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights as well as its Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries, which support open access to information and denounce censorship. Users should properly evaluate Internet resources according to their academic and research needs. Users should also be aware of copyright restrictions and fair use, and are expected to comply with such laws in their use of library computers.
  
  

• Priority Use
  The primary purpose of the library's computers is to support learning and research through access to library collections and other information resources. Those using public access computers for recreational purposes such as e-mail, chat sessions, or games may be asked to relinquish them. Among those users doing research, priority is given to UNO students, faculty and staff. Other users may be asked to relinquish use of computers.
  
  
• Prohibitions
  The Library reserves the right to ensure that public access computers are used in the manner for which they are intended. On the first offense, the patron will be informed of the restrictions on the use of public access computers. If the patron continues to ignore library policy he or she will be asked to leave the workstation and may be denied library computer privileges in the future.
  
  Patrons are prohibited from the following activities due to limited resources and system security:
  • Downloading, installing or running software (other than HTML, Javascript) not provided by the library.
  • Reconfiguring workstations or changing Internet browser preferences.
  • Attempting to access secure systems or servers.
  • Disconnection of a UNO PC or connection of an unauthorized laptop to a network port.
    
    
• Printing
  Printing is provided at Library computers through a third party pay-for-print system (IKON). Complaints or requests for credit for problem printouts should be directed to the IKON representative.
  

Specific Areas/Types of Workstations

• Reference LAN
  The Reference LAN provides access to the Internet, basic word processing software, and selected research applications.
  
  
• Reference CD-ROM Workstations:
  Selected high-use Reference CD-ROMs are made available at the Reference CD-ROM workstations. Although web browsing software is also available on the CD-ROM workstations, patrons using CD-ROMS will be given priority on these computers.
  
  
• Louisiana and Special Collections Workstations:
  Computers in the Louisiana and Special Collections Department are intended for users with queries related to that department's specialties. Other users may be asked to relinquish use of computers.