Computer Use Policy

Library computers

The University Libraries' computers are intended to provide access to information and essential computer productivity software in support of Arizona State University instruction and research. Use of all computers must comply to Arizona State University’s Computer, Internet, and Electronic Communications policy (ACD-125) as well as the Library Conduct Policy. Examples of intended and appropriate use of the Libraries’ computers include:

• Use of the Library’s online catalog to discover library books and other materials
• Use of network-based searching tools and databases, including resources licensed for use at ASU by the Library
• Use of online collections hosted locally or licensed from external information vendors for use at ASU
• Accessing and interacting with other ASU instructional and research systems, such as the Blackboard course management system or the MyASU portal.
• Use of applications software available on library computers to complete ASU course assignments or other educational and research tasks.

Because many computers made available by the University Libraries provide applications software licensed exclusively for use by current ASU students, faculty, and staff, users are required to login at these computers with their ASURITE ID and password.

Computers are made available in all University Library locations for unaffiliated users, including holders of the ASU Libraries “Community Card,” in order to provide visitor access to the University Libraries’ resources. These computers make use of a reservation system (except in the Music and Architecture Libraries on the Tempe campus). Appropriate use of these computers includes:

• Use of the Library’s online catalog to discover library books and other materials
• Use of network-based searching tools and databases, including resources licensed for use at ASU by the Library
• Use of online collections hosted locally or licensed from external information vendors for use at ASU

Computers may not be used for online gaming, with the exception of games specifically hosted for educational purposes at Arizona State University. Viewing and/or displaying of obscene material is prohibited. Access to both online gaming sites and obscene and sexually explicit material is blocked on library computers. Please see a librarian if you require unrestricted access to the internet.  Viewing and/or displaying of obscene material is not permitted under any circumstances. Patrons using the workstations for personal communications or entertainment (e.g. Web-based E-mail, or chat) or for internet browsing unrelated to academic research, can be asked to vacate a workstation when those conducting research need them.

At the Downtown Phoenix campus, pubic computing is restricted to conducting academic research and the use of office productivity software, including email. In order to provide a quiet environment for patrons, viewing of video and other sources of entertainment is not allowed.

The computer workstations and network are ASU property, and as such users are not guaranteed anonymous access and use. The Library and ASU have the right to monitor and investigate workstation use for illegal activity without the user's consent or knowledge, in accordance with ACD 125: Computer, Internet, and Electronic Communications.

Users may not use library workstations for illegal activities or tamper with workstation configuration, software, hardware or operating system. Any act of hacking or illegal use of workstations will be reported immediately to the campus police (DPS) and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

The public (non-ASU) workstations in Hayden, Noble and Downtown Libraries are managed through a reservation system. This system is available to all library users, both ASU and non-ASU community users. Community users age 16 or older with a government issued ID card may obtain a PC Reservation account at the circulation desk allowing self-reservation. Staff is also available to place reservations for visitors. Most reservations are for 30 minute periods. Total usage is limited to 90 minutes per day. Total usage time at the Downtown Phoenix campus library is limited to 60 minutes per day. At the other Libraries, the public use workstations are "first come, first serve."

Access to the ASU Wireless Network

The ASU wireless network is available in all ASU University Library locations. ASU students, faculty and staff must login using their ASURITE credentials. Visitors may use the wireless network by selecting “ASU Guest Access.” Guest users are restricted to HTTP and HTTPS web browsing (i.e., other network protocols are not supported). For further information please visit the Technology Knowledge Base Wireless Network Page .