As part of Athens State University Library’s mission to provide access to information and research in support of academic programs offered by the institution, the Library provides Internet access as a service to its patrons: students, faculty, and staff of the Athens State University and members of the local community.

Public computers with Internet capability are available in the Reference area for patrons conducting research. Reference librarians are stationed nearby for assistance. The Library has approved the following policy for Internet use:

	Internet use shall be limited to educational purposes. These educational purposes include research that fulfills class assignments or promotes general knowledge gathering.
	Library computers shall not be used to play games, enter "chat" rooms, or other recreational activities.
	During times of high demand, patrons will be asked to limit their use of library computers to 30 minutes.
	The Internet is a global electronic network with a highly diverse user population. The Athens State University Library does not have control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Comments on the contents of any home page should be directed to the appropriate page authors.
	The Athens State University Library does not censor access to material or protect users from offensive and/or inaccurate or incorrect information. However, the Library fully supports the University's commitment to civility as key to the meaningful exchange of ideas, as well as the University’s commitment to fully comply with statutes and Alabama Community College System policies requiring a work place and learning environment free from actual or implied threat or sex/gender-based harassment. Therefore, the library's public workstations are not to be used to display, print, or send text or graphics that intimidate, harass, or display hostility toward others (e.g. pornography, offensive sexual content, or hate literature).
	Library computers limited to use by Athens State University students may not be used to display, print, or send pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials, or materials that intimidate, harass, or display hostility toward others, except when such activity is required for the completion of class assignments made by Athens State University faculty members.
	Library computers shall not be used to display, print, or transmit child pornography in violation of the Children’s Internet Protection Act or other federal or state laws.

	Library computers shall not be used for inappropriate uses, including threats, theft, actual or attempted unauthorized access to data  interception without authority of electronic communications, violation of intellectual property laws, defamation, stalking, spamming, illegal wagering or betting.
	Library computers shall not be used in any way that violates Library or University policies or violates any laws.
	Library computers shall not be used to load patron's software or download to local drives.
	The Library provides laser printing from its computer workstations. Users are responsible for the print jobs they request. Athens State University Library does not provide refunds for unwanted print jobs.
	Computer use is subject to monitoring at any time as required by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority.

Users of the Library’s computers are expected to understand this policy and abide by it. Questions regarding this policy can be directed to the Library Director. Violation of any part of this policy may result in the notification of Campus Security, permanent suspension of Library privileges, and permanent expulsion from the Library. Violation of this policy by an Athens State University student may also result in student disciplinary action pursuant to University disciplinary policies.