Computing Resource Use Policy

The UTC Library provides its users with access to a vast and rich variety of information resources. The primary purpose of this access is to enhance and support the educational, instructional, and research activities of UTC students and employees.

The Library provides access to a reserved number of desktop workstations on the Second Floor. Please check in at the Information desk on the Second Floor for access. These workstations provide access to the Library catalog and online resources such as databases, online journals, and eBooks as well as printing access for use with a Guest Card.

UTC Library must maintain an environment upholding the rights of library users as well as the University and its employees without compromising the values of intellectual freedom. To this end, the library’s Computing Resources Use Policy has been created to protect the values embodied in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the American Library Association Bill of Rights while remaining within the bounds of state and federal law as well as UT and UTC policy. This policy implements the general principles adopted in 1999 by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Libraries in their Internet Access Policy.

Guiding Principles

UTC Library supports the teaching, learning, scholarship, and research goals of UTC students, faculty, and staff by providing electronic information access.
UTC Library respects, but cannot guarantee, user privacy.
UTC Library neither restricts lawful access to materials nor protects library users from information they may find offensive.
UTC Library staff do not monitor and have no control over the information accessed on the library’s computers.

Policies

The use of UTC Library equipment, software, networks, and data for library-related research or instruction has priority over all other uses.
UTC students, faculty, and staff engaged in library-related research or instruction activities have priority over other users.
Users should be conscientious that others may be waiting to use library computers and should complete their computer use as quickly and quietly as possible.
Users engaged in disruptive or illegal activities will be asked to cease those activities, may be subject to arrest or removal by law enforcement officials, and may have computer and/or library access privileges revoked. Additionally, University students or employees may be subject to University disciplinary action.
Library staff is available to offer guidance and instruction on performing computer-assisted research.
Children using library computing resources must be supervised by a responsible adult, in accordance with the Library's Building Use and Conduct Policies.
All uses of library computing resources must be legal and conform to the UTC Acceptable Use Practices and the UT Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
Although not an inclusive list, examples of illegal use include theft, fraud, gambling, copyright infringement (such as sound or video recording piracy), and viewing or distributing child pornography.
Users of library resources must observe all UTC Library and UTC regulations. Disciplinary action for violating library policy shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the UTC Student Handbook, the UTC Faculty Handbook, UT Personnel Policy manuals, and state and federal laws.

U.S. Constitution - Amendment One

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

American Library Association - Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.