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Public Computing Policies

These policies are intended to ensure efficient, safe, and ethical use of Mann Library's public computers; they apply to any device that uses our networks, including laptops brought in by patrons and laptops loaned out by Mann Library.

Priorities of use: Priority use of the computing equipment is for academic rather than recreational purposes. If there are people waiting to use a computer and you are engaging in non-academic pursuits, you may be asked to give up the computer you are using.

Use of machines: Headphones are allowed, but do not connect peripheral devices to computers without prior permission from the Student Operator or other library staff member. Likewise, the installation or removal of software is prohibited without permission. Due to both security and safety issues, it is expressly forbidden to connect a laptop to a desktop computer.

Unattended computers: Be advised that if you leave your machine unattended you may lose what you were working on. To allow for fair and equitable access to our resources, staff are authorized to remove personal belongings from unattended workstations. Belongings that have been removed may be retrieved from lost and found at the Circulation desk.

Behavior: The user is responsible for observing all copyright laws. Copying licensed software, music, movies, etc. from/to a Cornell computer is a violation of federal copyright laws and of Cornell University policy. Please see http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/responsible-use/.

Although Mann does not diagnose or repair personal laptops, limited help is available (primarily for CIT supported software, Bear Access, and virus issues) via the CIT helpdesk at 255-8990 or HelpDesk@cornell.edu; you can also visit room 119 of CCC.

You are responsible for keeping backups of your work on floppies, zip disks, or CDs. Work saved on the local hard drive may be deleted at any time and without notice. Be sure to save your files often and before you leave the computer, and log out of Kerberos when you are done.

All users must wear headphones when listening to music. The volume must be kept low enough as not to distract other users. Study groups may use computers as long as the conversation and noise level does not disrupt the work environment of other users.

Support: The primary responsibilities of the Student Operators are to troubleshoot problems, maintain the computing equipment, provide limited assistance on software and check out wireless laptops.

Report all computer or printer problems to the Student Operator. Do not attempt to fix any computing equipment on your own. Computing supplies such as paper and toner are to be handled by library staff only.

If you need to print on paper other than the paper provided, you may use the VendaCard printers. The NetPrint printers cannot handle non-standard paper types. All special paper and transparencies must be handled by the Student Operator.

Use of all university computer and network resources is governed by university policies and codes as well as applicable federal, state and local laws.

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