Introduction

The MCAST Library and Learning Resource Centre (LLRC and referred below to as the ‘Library’) provides computers, IT related equipment, and A-V (Audio-visual) facilities to support students, academic and administrative staff (both full-time and part-time), and other authorised users, in their educational, research and personal development requirements.

Purpose

These rules and regulations establish responsibilities for the acceptable use of computers,  IT related equipment and A-V facilities within the Library, whether on the Main campus or in the offsite libraries. These are to be read in conjunction with the Library General Regulations, MCAST Information Technology (IT) Policy, and MCAST Wi-Fi Policy.

Applicability

These rules and regulations apply to all users of the MCAST libraries.  Users, upon registering with the Library and assigned a username and password, will be able to use the computers and save their work on the server (or PCs in the case of offsite libraries).  Any data saved on the server will be kept in the users allocated electronic storage space throughout the academic year and will be automatically deleted at the end of each year. From time to time, data saved on PCs is deleted.  Library users are fully responsible for the safeguarding of their data, making back-up copies as necessary. The Library will not accept any liability for any loss of such data for whatever reason.  Neither will the Library accept responsibility for electronic theft of data. 

User Responsibilities

• Users must comply with any request made to them by the Library staff in the enforcement of these rules and regulations.  Library users who infringe these rules and regulations, after giving their particulars to the Senior/Assistant Librarian-in-charge, may be asked to leave the Library.  A report is also lodged with the Librarian, and if further action is deemed necessary, this will be as stipulated in the Students’ Disciplinary Procedure.

• Users are responsible for the use of the computers, IT related equipment and A-V facilities under their care.

• Users must only use the computers, IT related equipment and A-V facilities that they are authorised to use, and only in the manner and to the extent authorised.  They must not tamper with any equipment (opening, replacing parts, unplugging/re-plugging, paper / toner reloading in printers, etc.), even in the case of apparent equipment malfunction.  The Library will not accept responsibility for any injuries incurred.  Any equipment malfunction should be reported immediately to the Senior/Assistant Librarian-in-charge and dealt with by authorised College staff.

• Users are not allowed to bring into the Library any food, drinks (with the exception of small bottles of water, which are not to be kept on the desks, near any computer equipment) or cigarettes so as to ensure the provision of a suitable learning environment and to minimise damage to the equipment. 

• Users must not cause undue noise, use mobile phones, reserve seats, or engage in any other conduct which shows lack of consideration for other users.  All mobile phones must be on silent mode and if there is any interference with any electronic equipment, they should be switched off.

• Users must not use computing equipment or electronic resources for illegal or commercial purposes. Illegal or commercial purposes include, but are not limited to: 
  
  • copyright infringement, 
  • harassment, that includes, but is not limited to, displaying or printing sexually offensive material, and displaying hate literature or symbols, 
  • libel or slander, or
  • using hardware and software to support personal e-business activities. 

The College will not accept any liabilities for any external activities conducted using College computing equipment which might land users in trouble. Such activities might include but are not limited to entering into contractual obligations to purchase items or services, which are then not honoured.

• Users must not access Internet sites containing chat lines, pornographic material, or any other material contrary to the MCAST Information (IT) Policy.

• Users must not engage in activities that interfere with or disrupt local or other network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, interfering with the configuration of equipment (including personalising computer settings, such as desktops, screen savers, etc.), distribution of unsolicited advertising, sending of anonymous messages, propagation of computer worms and viruses or other malicious acts, and using the network to make unauthorised entry into any other machine accessible via the network. 

• Users must not down/load and/or play games, play back personal CDs / DVDs, unless for an agreed academic purpose, authorised in writing by the students’ Institute staff and approved by the Librarian.

• Users must not install/run their own software on the computers. 

• Users must not remove any A-V and computing related equipment from their designated areas. The library has an electronic security system to prevent such unauthorised removal. 

• Users within the Main Library must view DVD feature (fiction) films on dedicated A-V equipment in Hall C on the third floor. DVDs/CDs of an instructional educational nature (non-fiction) may however, be viewed on any of the Library computers. Users must use their personal headphones to view such DVDs/CDs.

• Users may use any personal audio equipment (players and headphones) on the premises, as long as their use does not annoy or distract other users. 

• Personal laptops and other electronic viewing / saving devices may be used as long as they are not plugged into the network system. 

• Computer users’ accounts are not transferable and the account holder is fully responsible for its use, even if passed on to others in good faith. 

Laurence Zerafa
Librarian MCAST

Last updated:  9th June 2015