Policy Writing
The following is a computer use policy I wrote for the Atlantic School of Theology Library. This policy is intended to be a stand alone policy because there is no computer use policy for the school as a whole.
The AST Library provides access to computer workstations and electronic resources for the academic use of AST students, staff, and faculty. For these patrons there are no time limits on the use of computer workstations. Other patrons will be allowed to use the computer workstations for academic purposes for a total of one hour each day and will be required to sign in at the circulation desk.
To allow for fair and equitable access to the computer workstations however, personal belongings are not to be left unattended at workstations for extended periods (i.e. more than 10 minutes). AST Library staff is authorized to remove personal belongings from unattended workstations. The AST Library does not take any responsibility for personal belongings.
Users:
- Although limited personal use of Library computer workstations is allowed, they should be used primarily for School related educational and administrative purposes.
- Any use of AST Library computers or electronic resources that is malicious, unethical, interferes with School activities and functions or does not respect the image and reputation of AST not permitted.
- Unless authorized to do so, users must not use School systems to give the impression that they represent the School.
- Users must adhere to the rules governing use of equipment, networks or other facilities and to licensing agreements entered into by the School.
- Adherence to provincial or federal laws and School policies is required.
- Users must respect the rights and property of others and consider other persons using shared systems and equipment.
- Any files saved to the computer will be deleted when the computer is shutdown (AST Library is not responsible for files lost).
- The computer workstations will be turned off 15 minutes before the Library closes.
Privacy:
- The AST Library will treat data as confidential and will not examine or disclose information without just cause nor disclose information to a third party unless it is for use in a disciplinary or criminal investigation or has been the subject of a subpoena served on a representative of the School. Authorizations to access, search, or disclose personal data will require the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer.
- The AST Library is bound by the requirements of Freedom of Information / Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) legislation.
- Only authorized personnel in the performance of their employment duties may access and monitor the use of information technology.
The following activities are grounds for censure, which can include being banned from the campus:
- Using the services in a malicious, threatening, or obscene manner; or to harass others.
- Using School systems and resources for commercial purposes outside School business activity; or for personal financial gain.
- Refusing to vacate a computer workstation when asked to by an AST Library staff.
- Disrupting AST Library patrons with noisy behavior, offensive language, or being untidy.
- Using more than one computer workstation at a time.
- Using computer workstations for anything but coursework when more than 70% of the computer workstations are in use.
- Tampering with a computer workstation. (Please report all broken equipment and software to AST Library Staff.)