Use of Online Public-Access Computer Stations Policy

The Edward E. Brickell Medical Sciences Library has 3 workstations available for use by the general public. These computers, with access to Brickell Library and other specified web resources, are provided to further the educational, research and health information needs of public clients. Signing the login sheet constitutes an agreement to abide by the policies stated below. 

Patrons must abide by the following use policies as set forth by Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and Brickell Library: 

Identification

All public clients are required to present Circulation staff with a valid government, school or employer-issued picture ID. No exceptions will be made.

Priority

Any public client may sign up to use an OPAC workstation (EVMS faculty, staff and students with Brock Virginia Health Sciences network accounts may not use these stations and are directed to the stations in the computer lab and classroom); priority of use is given to Brock VHS community faculty without a Brock VHS network account, area healthcare providers, patients and family members of patients at local area hospitals and students/faculty/staff at local colleges and universities. 

Time limit

OPAC workstations are only available during the hours that the library circulation desk is staffed. OPAC stations must be shut down 30 minutes before the end of the library’s staffed hours.

Appropriate use

OPAC workstations are to be used only for biomedical or healthcare-related research. All other uses are strictly prohibited. Accessible biomedical and healthcare-related internet sites are determined in conjunction with the Network Information Center.

Inappropriate use

Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

  • Endeavoring to circumvent security or otherwise gain unauthorized access to computers, software or networks
  • Intentionally or unintentionally damaging equipment
  • Breaking local, state or federal regulations including, but not limited to, copyright violations, identity fraud, cyber harassment, etc.
  • Installing/downloading/uploading software, documents or graphic images onto any of the workstations
  • Using proxy websites to send anonymous emails or otherwise attempt to mask the identity of a machine or account
  • Perpetrating identity fraud in any way, including trying to use a computer account the person is not authorized to use

Inappropriate use will ultimately be determined by a library staff member. Clients found to be inappropriately using the OPAC workstations will be asked to leave the library, and further action may be taken depending on the severity of the offense. 

Printing

A reasonable amount of free printing from the OPAC workstations is allowed to clients. Library staff determines what is excessive printing and will instruct the client to terminate printing. 

Minors

Clients 14 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the OPAC workstation; these clients cannot be left unsupervised. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the library to serve in loco parentis (in place of parent) and cannot be responsible for the well-being of unsupervised minors. 

Notification

Clients must notify staff members when they are ready to leave; staff will log off the user and terminate the session. 

Revised July 26, 2016. Approved by the Office of General Counsel.