VISITORS

Persons not associated with the university may use library computers for academic research. Visitors must sign in at the Research Assistance or Circulation Desk for a temporary log-in. Valid photo identification is required. Due to high demand for computing resources, visitors may be limited to 60 minutes of computer use per day. Visitors under 15 years old will not be logged in unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In order to prioritize access to library resources for our students, faculty and staff, there will be no computer access for non-Furman patrons during times of heavy use. Such times include study days and final exam periods which are listed on the library calendar.

USE PRIORITIES

• The purpose of library computers is academic research by Furman students, faculty, and staff. This is the highest priority for use.
• Secondary uses of library computers include academic research by persons not associated with the university and non-academic use by Furman students, faculty, and staff. These are medium priority uses.
• Use of library computers for purposes other than academic research by persons not associated with the university is not authorized. All use in this category is by definition low priority, and patrons may be required to cease these activities at any time.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGING

Electronic messaging includes e-mail, chat, and posting notices to electronic bulletin boards. Furman students, faculty, and staff may use electronic messaging from library computers but this is not considered a library function. Use of electronic messaging is not authorized for patrons not associated with the university.

There are several activities that are expressly prohibited as inappropriate use of electronic messaging at Furman, including:

• Unprofessional, harassing, discriminatory, illegal and/or unethical behavior.
• Activities for commercial gain or personal profit.
• Forgery of messages, hacking, or otherwise breaking into someone's files or stealing their password.
• Downloading of copyrighted materials without proper consent.
• Origination or forwarding of "chain letters," defined as any letter sent to several persons with a request that each send copies to several persons with the same or similar request.
• Any activity that significantly prevents or inhibits the conduct of university academic or administrative work.

For campus-wide policies on electronic messaging, see Policy File 072.1.

VIEWING OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL

No limitations will be placed on the Internet content that Furman University students, faculty, and staff may view for the purposes of research in conjunction with classes or other scholarly activity. If a patron is viewing Internet content which might be considered objectionable (including but not limited to obscene, pornographic, or hate group sites), a library faculty or staff member may inquire as to the status of the patron and the purpose of the activity. If the library staff member determines that the patron is not associated with the university or is not conducting scholarly research, then he or she may ask the patron to cease that activity, to cease using library computers, and/or to leave the library. Patrons are required to comply with these requests. If a patron does not comply, Public Safety will be contacted and disciplinary or legal action may be taken.

USE OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS BY MINORS

Parents should note that Furman University is a community of adults, and the library provides unfiltered Internet access to serve the needs of that community. Minors using the library may encounter materials that might be considered objectionable on the Internet as well as in the stacks. The library takes no responsibility for the exposure of minors to objectionable materials in any format. Parental accompaniment to the library and guidance in the use of library resources is recommended.

ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES BY LIBRARY FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS

All library faculty and staff members shall have the right and authority to enforce these policies at their discretion. If a library employee believes that any person is violating any of these policies, he or she may ask the patron to cease that activity, to cease using library computers, and/or to leave the library. Patrons are required to comply with these requests. If a patron does not comply, Public Safety will be contacted and disciplinary or legal action may be taken.

Authorized university personnel may, at the request of the appropriate university officials, assist in the investigation of prohibited activities by examining or providing the contents of electronic messages stored in or passing through any equipment or system owned by or under the control of the university for any purpose at any time.

For campus-wide guidelines on confidentiality of electronic communications, see Policy File 078.2.