UC Berkeley Library computer use policy

About the policy

Last reviewed by Public Services Council: Oct. 14, 2014

Scope

The UC Berkeley Library provides computing resources to support the research and educational needs of our community. It is the responsibility of the computer user to adhere to Library computer use policies and follow standards of acceptable behavior as defined in the Library Code of Conduct as well as the University Computer Use Policy and the University Electronic Communications Policy.

This policy extends the University Computer Use Policy by stipulating that non-affiliated patrons (for example, community members without a UC Berkeley affiliation) are subject to these policies when using library computers or when using campus IT services within the libraries.

This policy is grounded in the notion that access to computing resources in the Library, like access to the Library itself, is a privilege, not a right. While the Library makes every effort to provide high quality computing services to our community members, our first priority is to create a welcoming and safe environment for all patrons. If a library staff member or other university official feels that a patron’s use of computers is in violation of this priority, they may revoke that patron’s access to computer resources and potentially the library by following Library Code of Conduct enforcement actions.

This policy governs use of Library public access computers, including but not limited to those used to access the internet, and should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it fosters the academic mission while supporting administrative needs. At its discretion, the Library provides limited access to computers and selected internet resources for non-affiliated patrons.

User responsibility

By using technology in a library space (including using personal technology such as personal phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, wearable computing, or other media generation or consumption devices) or using a library-managed computer, the user agrees to follow all laws as well as applicable UC Berkeley and Berkeley policies. In accordance with UC Berkeley Computer Use policies, “Users may be held accountable for their conduct under any applicable university or campus policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements. Complaints alleging misuse of campus computing and network resources will be directed to those responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action.”

Users are responsible for ethical and legal use of computing resources and the services accessed through them. In addition, library patrons must not use these resources in such a way that negatively impacts the environment for other library patrons, visitors, or staff. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Using computing resources and services in ways that violate library electronic information use policies or contracts.
  • Viewing, processing, or accessing material or information that is considered to be inappropriate by UC Berkeley community standards.
  • Violating any law or Berkeley policy.
  • Using the computer to create an unwelcome environment for other library patrons.
  • Viewing pornography or other explicit or offensive material.

The internet contains some material of a controversial nature. Users are responsible for choosing sites accessed and for using the resources in an appropriate manner. Parents, legal guardians, or care providers are responsible for their minor’s use of the internet and for intentional or inadvertent viewing or reading of other user's screens. The Library bears no responsibility for internet content.

Users are expected to observe relevant copyright laws and regulations. More information is available at University of California Copyright website. Users are not allowed to monopolize computer resources (for example, use more than one computer at a time), must stop using computing resources when requested by library staff, must not violate state or federal laws, must behave appropriately using the technology and not disrupt the integrity of the system (see UC Berkeley Computer Use Policy).

Reporting and enforcement

Any Berkeley community member who feels that a computer resource is being misused may report the violation using the campus-defined approaches. Violators of this policy are subject to the Library Code of Conduct.

Disclaimer

Library websites developed by staff include selected links to internet sites. Choosing to link to a website does not imply editorial or other control over linked-to websites and is not an endorsement of the website. The Library cannot warrant that its website, the server(s) that make it available, or any links from its site to other websites are free of viruses or other harmful components. The Library also cannot influence ADA compliance of these websites. All use is governed by the Berkeley Office of the President Electronic Communications Policy.

Links to web information