|
Pratt Institute Library offers Internet access as part of its mission as a research and cultural resource for the Pratt community. The Library's Internet workstations allow patrons to access resources that go beyond
the publicly available World Wide Web to include commercially licensed online databases.
The Pratt Libraries subscribe to the American Library Association's (ALA's) policies on intellectual freedom as expressed in the Library Bill Rights and Freedom To Read statements and in the ALA interpretations thereof, including its Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks and its Interpretation on Privacy. Access to, and use of, the Internet on Library workstations is governed by the Library's adherence to these policies, as well as the Pratt Internet Use Policy. The Library does not filter, censor, or block access to Internet websites based on content or point of view, and recognizes that rights of privacy in the use of electronic resources are an essential component of intellectual freedom. Therefore, any limits imposed by librarians will be the result of limited availability of workstations; that is, limits to Internet use will be based on need rather than on Internet sites' content.
When using Library workstations members of the Pratt community are expected to follow the policies regarding use of computer and network resources as enumerated in the Pratt Computer and Network Use Policy. Library computers are intended to be used primarily for library research and information seeking; thus, during busy times, librarians may ask patrons to volunteer to conclude non-research or recreational Internet activity.
|
Disruptive or harassing behavior as well as flagrant abuse of computer systems will result in loss of library privileges and may result in other disciplinary action.
Users may use workstations attached to scanners to email images. Otherwise, Library workstations are not to be used for email, chat, or game playing. Academic Computing has Internet workstations available to the campus community that may be used for such purposes. Downloading files to floppy or Zip disks is permitted from Library workstations, in accordance with copyright regulations, as stated in the Pratt Internet Use Policy. Use of text and images from proprietary databases must be in compliance with licensing agreements between Pratt and the publishers. Workstation users are not permitted to download to any other drive or to interfere with software or hardware settings on the computer system units.
There is a wealth of valuable information on the Internet, but it is not always easy to find. Pratt librarians have compiled links to sites that may be of particular interest to users of the Pratt Library. The Internet is dynamic and unpredictable; sites and their contents change without warning. We encourage patrons to use the vast resources of the Internet. While searching, please be aware that much information on the Internet is not authoritative. Librarians will be happy to help you obtain and evaluate appropriate materials for your research.
|
