Computer Use Policy of Howard University Libraries

This policy applies to all computer and computer communication facilities owned, leased, operated, or contracted by the University Libraries. This includes word processing equipment, microcomputers, minicomputers and associated peripherals and software, regardless of whether used for administration, research, teaching, or other purposes. This policy also extends to any use of University facilities to access computer facilities elsewhere.

Basic Principles

As in all aspects of University life, a user of computing facilities should act honorably and in a manner consistent with ordinary ethical obligations. Cheating, stealing, making false or deceiving statements, plagiarism, vandalism, and harassment are just as wrong when done in the context of computing as they are in all other aspects of University conduct. Individuals should use only use those computing facilities they have been authorized through ordinary channels to use. They should use these facilities:

• in a manner consistent with the terms under which they were granted access to them;
• in a way that respects the rights and privacy of other users;
• so as not to interfere with or violate the normal, appropriate use of these facilities; and
• in a responsible and efficient manner.

University Libraries computing resources are not to be used for commercial purposes or non-University related activities without prior written permission. Individuals should respect the rights and privacy of other authorized users. Thus they should respect the rights of other users to security of files, confidentiality of data, and the ownership of their own work. Users should refrain from:

• using the computer access privileges of others;
• accessing, copying, or modifying the files of others without their explicit permission;
• illegal copying of software or data; and
• harassing others in any way or interfering with their legitimate use of computing facilities.

Individuals should not attempt to interfere with the normal operation of computing systems or attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with such facilities. They should obey the regulations affecting the use of any computing facility they use.

Elaboration

The purpose of the following list is to aid in interpreting the above general principles. This list should in no way be construed as comprehensive. Examples of actions in violation of these principles are:

• copying of licensed or copyrighted software not permitted by law or by contract;
• sending harassing or libelous electronic mail;
• sending electronic mail fraudulently, for example, by misrepresenting the identity of the sender;
• utilizing a loophole in a computer's operating system or knowledge of a privileged password to damage a computer system or to gain access to a system or resource which one is not authorized to use;
• using University libraries computing facilities for commercial purposes without prior arrangement;
• knowingly allowing another person to use your account privileges for improper purposes;
• turning in someone else's paper or computer program as your own work;
• allowing someone else to turn in your paper or computer program as their own work;
• reading someone else's electronic mail without their permission;
• using University Libraries facilities to gain unauthorized access to computer facilities off-campus; and
• intentionally using an abnormally large amount of resources, such as processing time or disk space, without prior permission.

Disciplinary Actions

Reasonable suspicion of a violation of the principles or practices described in this policy statement may result in disciplinary action. Such action will be taken through appropriate University channels. Violation of State or Federal statutes may result in civil or criminal proceedings.

Nothing in this statement diminishes the authority and responsibility of University administrators to take remedial action in the case of possible abuse of computing privileges. To this end, the Library Administration, with due regard for the right of privacy of users and the confidentiality of their data, have the right to suspend or modify computer access privileges, examine files, passwords, accounting information, printouts, tapes, and any other material that may aid in maintaining the integrity and efficient operation of the system. Users whose activity is viewed as a threat to the operation of a computing system, who abuse the rights of other users, or who refuse to cease improper behavior may have their use privileges revoked.