Computer and Internet Use Policy

General

Library computers are to be used primarily for college-related projects by North Central Texas College students, faculty and staff.  Community users (i.e. NCTC Library card holders) must present their library card or a photo ID at the circulation desk and sign in.  Guest access may be issued to other users at the discretion of library staff.  Priority is given to course-related use, and users may be asked to yield to others with academic needs. In order to ensure access to library resources such as the NCTC Online Library Catalog or Online Library Databases, some library computers may be reserved for designated purposes. 

The computing resources of NCTC, including hardware, software, and the network environment may be used for lawful purposes only. Violation of local, state or federal laws, such as any regarding pornography, copyright, theft, vandalism, violation of personal privacy, and unauthorized access to computing resources, may subject one to possible criminal prosecution. The use of these resources for commercial activity is prohibited.

All users agree to refrain from conduct that produces an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or study environment. All users agree to comply with policies of the North Central Texas College Board of Trustees regarding sexual, racial, and other forms of harassment, as well as standards of conduct for North Central Texas College students, staff and faculty as specified in the North Central Texas College Student Handbook and, for faculty and employees, by the North Central Texas College Board of Trustees Policies. These policies also pertain to computer use by community members. Violation of NCTC Board policies may result in College disciplinary action.

Remote Computer Access

Remote access to the Library subscription databases is available to current students, faculty, and staff who have an active NCTC network login account.

Library Laptop Computers

Current NCTC students, staff, and faculty are eligible to borrow Library laptops.  Library laptop computers are the property of North Central Texas College and are to be used only within the NCTC Library, except for authorized faculty/staff NCTC presentations. Laptop computer borrowers may not add, delete, or change any programs, applications, files, screen savers, or bookmarks residing on the borrowed computer.  Library laptop computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be checked out for a maximum of 2 hours for in-library use. A laptop computer may be renewed for an additional 2 hours if others are not waiting for it.  Laptop computers may not be reserved in advance, except for authorized NCTC faculty/staff presentations. Laptop computers must not be left unattended at any time. Users will be responsible for the full replacement costs if the laptop or any peripherals borrowed are lost or damaged.  Users should immediately report any loss or damage of the laptop or peripherals to the NCTC Circulation Desk.

Patron Privacy and Confidentiality

The library will disclose patron information only with the consent of the involved patron or in order to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

The library adheres to all North Central Texas College policies which concern the privacy and confidentiality of records.

North Central Texas College complies with all requirements of the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Copyright

Copyright Law (title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Except as allowed by those principles stated in the Copyright Law (title 17, U.S. Code), individuals should not copy or distribute either print or electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Copying not specifically allowed by the law, fair use, license agreement, or the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited.

It is the responsibility of the faculty to acquire copyright permission when required.

Faculty and students are personally responsible for copyright compliance and personally incur the consequences of infringement.

Library personnel adhere to college policy and to federal laws relating to the fair use and reproduction of copyrighted materials.

Further information concerning copyright issues is available from U.S. Copyright Office website.