Introduction

The Texas Tech University Libraries maintains collections which support the educational and research programs of the Texas Tech University and provide services for the benefit of the university and research communities and the residents of the state of Texas. The Texas Tech University Libraries expect all library users to exercise proper and responsible use of its facilities and collections. Responsible use of library facilities sustains a learning environment where library patrons have an opportunity to access the collections and resources of the university libraries. An essential element of an effective learning environment includes respect for library patrons and library staff. Library patrons must act responsibly and refrain from any behavior which would disrupt the use of the facilities by other library users or which would interrupt the work of library employees. Examples of disruption may include: loud talking, laughing, or noise from radios.

Right to Refuse Service

Texas Tech University Libraries provide services which support the educational and research programs of Texas Tech University. Behavior on the part of library users which disrupts library services can not be tolerated. The Libraries reserve the right to refuse services to any library user who acts irresponsibly by disrupting the use of the facilities or by being disrespectful to other library users or to a library employee. Irresponsible behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

• Rudeness including loud and offensive language
• Unreasonable demands for service
• Being under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol
• Threatening or erratic behavior

Any library employee can exercise the right to refuse service when confronted by a library user acting irresponsibly. This policy is based on the Texas Tech University Code of Student Conduct which may be accessed at http://www.ttu.edu/deanofstudents/code.htm July 1999 Texas Tech University Libraries

Workstation Use Policy

The Texas Tech University Libraries makes library online scholarly work stations available to students, faculty, staff and the general public to provide access to library collections and other information resources for the purpose of supporting learning and research. The intent of this policy is to ensure that facilities and limited resources are used most effectively to benefit the greatest number of academic users.

Academics First

Library online stations are provided to support learning and research through access to library collections and other information resources. Those using library online stations for e-mail, chat sessions, game playing, publishing etc., may be asked to relinquish them.

Priority Users

Priority is given to students, faculty, and staff of Texas Tech University. Use of library online stations may be limited to primary clientele during specific time periods. Other users may be asked to relinquish the stations.

30-Minute Time Limit

When others are waiting to use a station, users must observe a 30-minute time limit on the use of library online stations.

Misuse of Stations

Library online stations may not be used for commercial purposes and must be used in compliance with state and federal laws. Users of TTU library online stations who are in violation of this policy and/or of state and federal laws may be subject to legal, disciplinary or other appropriate action including the loss of the use of the stations. Any manipulation of the default settings on the stations to material that might reasonably be considered objectionable by others may result in loss of the use of the stations.

Intellectual Freedom

We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources. We respect, within the limits of the law, each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with regard to information sought or received and resources consulted, acquired, or transmitted.

The TTU Libraries adhere to the following policies that cover intellectual freedom and responsible use of computing equipment:

• "American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy," http://www.ala.org/oitp/
• "TTU Ethics Policy", http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP10.11.pdf
• "TTU Sexual Harassment Policy", http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP10.09.pdf

Texas Tech University Libraries, July 30, 2004

 

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This page last modified on 30 Jul 2004, 10:06.