Policies Governing Use of Computing Technology in Academic Libraries

Jason Vaughan

doi:10.6017/ital.v23i4.9657

Abstract

The networked computing environment is a vital resource for academic libraries. Ever-increasing use dictates the prudence of having a comprehensive computer-use policy in force. Universities often have an overarching policy or policies governing the general use of computing technology that helps to safeguard the university equipment, software, and network against inappropriate use. Libraries often benefit from having an adjunct policy that works to emphasize the existence and important points of higher-level policies, while also providing a local context for systems and policies pertinent to the library in particular. Having computer-use policies at the university and library level Helps provide a comprehensive, encompassing guide for the effective and appropriate use of this vital resource.

Highlights

The networkedcomputingenvironmentis a vital resource for academiclibraries.Ever-increasinguse dictates the prudenceof having a comprehensivecomputer-usepolicy in force
Libraries have enacted additional computeruse policies. Such policies may emphasize or augment certain points found in the institution-level policy(s), address concerns specific to the library environment, or both
The final section takes a look at the computer-use environment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the various policies in force, and identifies where certain elements are spelled out-at the university level, the library level, or both

Summary

Policy Basics

Some institutions have drafted a universal policy that seeks to cover all the pertinent bases pertaining to the use of computing technology. In some cases, these broad overarching policies have descriptive content as well as references to other related or subsidiary policies. At the University of Virginia, for example, students must complete an online quiz after reviewing the computer-use guidelines.' In addition, they can choose to view the optional video. Such components serve to enhance awareness of the various policies in place. But not all, of the library Web sites provided a link to the institutional-level computer-use policy. Recently updated, make mention of the need to keep operating systems patched

Why Have a Library Policy?

Common Computer-Use Policy Elements

Statement of content responsibility or institutional disclaimer information

Additional Library-Specific Computer-Use Policy Elements

Principles on Intellectual Freedom and Internet Filtering

Summary