Acceptable Use of BU Only Electronic Resources
All "BU only" resources are library subscriptions that are accessible only from the Binghamton
University (BU) network or from an Internet Service Provider via the authentication server using a PODS account. Access and use is restricted by license agreements to purposes of research, teaching,
and private study by current BU faculty, staff, and students. The following are strictly
prohibited: all commercial use; copying or tampering with any software or code used
to display and/or run the resources; the systematic downloading, copying or distributing
of information (including for use in course packs); and removing or altering copyright
notices. In order to ensure the security of library resources, a library account may be temporarily
suspended for an hour if it demonstrates evidence of excessive downloading of data
continuously through the authentication server.
Misuse of library resources violates the terms of BU's license agreements. Violation
of a licensing agreement could result in termination of the resource to the entire
campus community. For more information: Binghamton University Copyright Policy.
Acceptable Use of Computers
Computers are intended for the academic and professional use of Binghamton University
students, faculty and staff.
Any person utilizing this facility for non- academic purposes (e.g., game playing,
social networking) may be asked to yield the machine to a person with an academic
need.
Access to information technology is essential to our mission to provide leadership
to the University community in accessing and using information resources in support
of teaching, learning, and research. The preservation of that privilege by the full
community requires that each faculty member, staff member, student, and other authorized
user comply with institutional and external standards for appropriate use. For more
information: Binghamton University Computer and Network Policy
Adaptive Technology Workstation Policy
The Libraries and Information Commons host six adaptive technology workstations: In
Bartle Library, two are located in the Information Commons in LS-1546, one is on the
3rd floor in LS-3523, and one is on the 4th floor in LS-4642. The Science Library
and University Downtown Center (UDC) Library each have a workstation located in their
Information Commons area. These workstations are available to students with special
adaptive technology needs who have registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and received training on the use of the technology.
To obtain access to the rooms contact the Bartle Library Reader Services Desk, the Science Library Reader Services Desk or the UDC Reader Services Desk. For more information, including assistance learning how to use the adaptive technology,
contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, 777-2686.
Animals
Animals are prohibited in the Libraries except for certified guide dogs and service
animals.
Audio and Video Materials
The Libraries assumes no responsibility for any possible damage to the users' audio
or video equipment that might be related to using audio-visual materials borrowed
from the Libraries.
Authentication for Accessing Computing Resources
A sign-on is required to use all public computers in the Libraries and Information
Commons. For library users who just need to check a record in the catalog, there are catalog-only computers in Bartle and Science libraries. Community patrons may obtain a sign-on at the Bartle Reference Desk or the Bartle, Science and UDC Library Reader Services Desks. Authentication is necessary to provide services and
enhance network security. For more information: Binghamton University Privacy Policy.
Circulation of Reference Materials
Reference collection items can be loaned based on the discretion of Research Assistance Desk librarians or professional staff.
Code of Conduct
The Binghamton University Libraries provide educational resources and services to
support learning and scholarship at Binghamton University. The Libraries create and
maintain a productive environment conducive to thought, research, and study for members
of the academic community.
It is the responsibility of library users to contribute to this atmosphere and to
respect the needs of other users. Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited
to the following:
- Any behavior not conducive to study;
- Deliberate misuse of materials or equipment that interferes with or prevents access
to resources or equipment by other users or staff;
- Violation of university policies, including policies on computer and network use,
cell phone use, electronic communications and harassment of any kind;
- Violation of Student Conduct as outlined in the University Student Handbook;
- Vandalism, theft or defacement of library materials or other property;
- Refusal to comply with instructions of Binghamton University Libraries’ staff and
campus officials.
The Libraries are committed to the safety of all users and takes seriously its obligation
to manage disruptive behavior quickly and professionally. Please contact a Libraries’
staff member if you need assistance. The Libraries’ staff, including student workers
or other university officials, may also utilize the services of the University Police
should a user become disruptive, abusive or fail to comply with their requests. Failure
to comply with these policies can result in patrons being asked to leave the Binghamton
University Libraries. All users of the Libraries and Information Commons are expected
to abide by our policies and will be asked to comply if necessary.
Community Users/Guest Computer Access
The Bartle and Science Libraries are open to the public during normal business hours
(except for late night hours in Bartle).
Computers in the Bartle Library Information Commons, Science Library Information Commons,
and UDC Library Information Commons are intended for the academic and professional
use of BU faculty, staff, and students. Guest access to computers is limited to four
Community Access PCs in Bartle Library and two Community Access PCs in the Science
Library, and one Community Access PC in the UDC Library on a space available basis.
A valid picture ID and a completed Library Guest Computer Account User Agreement are
required to obtain a guest account. Accounts may only be used in the issuing library.
-Accounts are issued for a two-hour period. After two hours, you may be asked to relinquish
your workstation if patrons are waiting to use computers.
-Any person using a computer for non-academic purposes may be asked to yield the computer
to a person with an academic need.
-To ensure computer availability for students, guest accounts will not be issued during
busy periods (frequently in the afternoons and evenings), mid-term exam week, and
the final two weeks of the fall and spring semesters.
This policy may change to meet requirements and needs of BU faculty, staff, and students.
See also, Authentication Policy
Conveyances
For safety reasons, bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are not permitted in the
Libraries or Information Commons
Distribution of Materials and Fliers
Because of the large number of requests, the Libraries are unable to provide space
for posting fliers or to serve as distribution point for newspapers and other promotional
materials.
Electronic Only Journals Policy
View the complete policy.
Group Study Rooms/Carrels (Libraries)
Reservable group study rooms are located in the Bartle, Science, and UDC Libraries.
These rooms may be reserved via our online reservation system. When not reserved or occupied, group study rooms are open on a first-come, first-served
basis. For more details, see our reservation policies and frequently asked questions.
In addition to the group study rooms, the Bartle Library has individual carrels assigned
on a yearly basis to graduate and PhD students. Food and drink are not permitted in
the group study rooms or carrels. For more information: Locked Study Carrels.
Group Study – Presentation Practice Room (Information Commons)
The Group Study – Presentation Practice Room in the Information Commons is designed
for the use of students working on group courses and academic research related projects
and for use as a rehearsal space for presentations. The space may be reserved using
the online reservation system.
For more details, see our reservation policies and frequently asked questions.
Hygiene
For health and safety reasons, we require that shirts and shoes be worn at all times.
Any activity posing a sanitary or health risk to others is prohibited.
ID Check for Late Night Study
A valid BU ID card is required to access the Bartle Library upon entering during late
night hours. Cooperation of all library users is appreciated.
Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather reduced staffing may result in reduced services in the
Libraries and Information Commons.
Laptop Assistance
Information Commons IT Consultants will provide laptop computer support to assist
users in connecting to the campus network, configuring standard tools, and basic trouble
shooting as time permits. Staffing and resources do not allow for a drop off/pickup
service or hardware repair of any type.
Lost and Found
Lost and found items are temporarily held either at the Bartle Circulation Desk, Science
Library Information Services Desk or the UDC Library Service Desk. Lost wallets, purses,
electronic devices, ID cards and other large valuable items are reported immediately
for pickup by the University Police.
Lost Data Retrieval
We do not guarantee the retrieval of lost data. Efforts will be made to locate and
retrieve lost data as time permits.
Noise Policy
Quiet Study Areas | Group Study Areas
Libraries: The Libraries are intended to be places of quiet study and research; please be considerate
of those studying around you. We appreciate your cooperation. Customer service areas
are not considered quiet study areas.
View the complete Noise Policy.
Information Commons: The Information Commons is a research, study, and collaborative work environment.
Conversation is acceptable as long as it does not disturb other library patrons. Head
phones and laptop audio features should be kept low so as not to disturb patrons.
If you wish to listen to audio, please provide your own head phones.
Photography
Individuals, classes, groups, or organizations desiring to film in the Libraries,
library staff or library users must first seek permission in the Libraries’ Administrative Office.
Privacy Policy
Confidentiality of library records and activities is governed by New York State’s Personal Privacy Protection Law. This law protects the privacy of individuals by prohibiting libraries from revealing
certain borrower information to third parties lacking proper jurisdictional authority.
Information regarding Binghamton University Libraries’ patrons is considered confidential.
Requests for disclosure of information will be denied and referred for review by University
Counsel in consultation with SUNY Central.
In order to use some of our services, you may be required to provide information to
a third party vendor. The Libraries are not responsible for the use of your personal
information by these services. For details on how your information could be used,
please read their privacy policies.
Questions you ask using email and other virtual reference services may be reviewed
by library staff. These questions may be used for training or to populate a Frequently
Asked Questions database, with all personally identifying information removed.
Also see: Binghamton University's Computing Privacy Policy.
Reader Services Policies
See Reader Services web page
Referrals
When patron questions cannot be addressed by the staff or documentation in a timely
manner, referrals will be made to appropriate sources such as subject specialists,
professional staff, the Computing Services Help Desk, other campus units, online resources,
or other libraries or organizations that can provide the needed information or assistance.
Retention of Patron Records
The Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all borrowers
of library materials. See Privacy – Confidentiality of Library Records This commitment is rooted not only in law but also in the ethics and practices of
librarianship. The Library regularly purges personally identifiable information once
it is no longer needed to manage Library services. Information that is regularly purged
includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information on Library resource
use, material circulation history, and access logs for Library facilities. See: American Library Association's Code of Ethics, ALA Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records, Binghamton University Responsible User Agreement
Scanning
Scanning equipment is available on a limited number of workstations in the Bartle
Library Information Commons, Science Library Information Commons, UDC Library Information
Commons, West Pod, and the Hinman Pod. Although these workstations are available for
general computing, priority use of them shall be given to those needing to scan materials
for academic needs. Those using the workstations for other purposes may be asked to
yield the computer to those needing to scan. If you are using a flat-bed scanner and
other are waiting to scan, we ask that you limit your time on the workstation to 30
minutes. If you are using a walk-up Bookeye scanner and others are waiting to scan,
we request that you limit limit scanning time to 10 minutes. If you need assistance
or have questions about this policy, please contact staff at the nearest service desk.
Thank you for your cooperation.
See more about scanning.
Social Software
View the complete policy.
Tobacco
University policy prohibits smoking and electronic cigarettes in campus buildings.
For more information, see Tobacco Use and Smoking Policy.
Unaccompanied Children
Campus facilities are designed for use by members of the university community, which
includes students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Libraries welcome children accompanying
a parent or adult caregiver. Children under 12 must be under the supervision of an
adult (person 18 years or older) who assumes responsibility for him or her while in
the Libraries. If a child is left unattended in the Library or in the event of an
emergency situation, staff will notify University Police.
Unattended Personal Property
Library and Information Commons users are responsible for their personal property
at all times and should never leave personal belongings unattended. Personal belongings
left unattended may be removed and placed in the lost and found at a library circulation
desk or may be turned over to the University Police. The Libraries are not liable
for loss or damage to personal property.
Unattended Public Computers
Please do not leave the public computer you are using unattended. Besides the danger
of having items stolen and your personal computer files and accounts tampered with,
it may prevent your fellow students from being able to access a computer in a timely
manner. Information Commons staff are authorized to make any computer unattended for
more than 15 minutes available to another user. With the high demand for Information
Commons computers, we must enforce this policy.
Use of Public Library Space
View the complete policy.