COMPUTER USAGE POLICY
Purpose of Computers in the Library. The Indyebo Library provides library users with computers to support their studies and to promote their information literacy. Access to technology resources is a privilege offered by Hope Africa Collective.
Who Can Use the Library’s Computers. A user is defined as a student, staff member or any other authorised library user making use of the library’s computers. Only authorised Library Users may use the library’s computers (ref. “Library Usage Policy”).
Regulations Governing Computer Use. The regulations in this policy apply to all computers in the Indyebo Library. It is the responsibility of the computer user to know and understand these regulations. If any aspect of the regulations is not understood, please approach the Librarian for clarification. The regulations are intended to safeguard the library’s computer resources for your continued benefit, to legally protect Hope Africa Collective, and to protect the rights of other users.
Breach of Regulations. The actions of users must comply with South African law and the rules stated in this policy. Breach of these regulations will result in such users being banned from using the library’s computers, and in cases of illegal use, users could be subject to prosecution under South African law.
Library User Conduct. Users of the Indyebo Library computers agree to abide by the following regulations:
Printing from Computers. Printing from the library’s computers is not permitted.
- No computer equipment may be removed from the library or tampered with in any way.
- Users must treat all computer equipment with due care and consideration. Users must report any misuse of computers to the Librarian.
- Users may not unplug library equipment for the use of their personal devices. The library is not responsible for any damage, lost data, etc. resulting from power surges, electrical outages and other such occurrences.
- Users shall not plug personal phones into the computers for any reason (charging, etc.).
- Users shall not interfere or tamper with software configurations or any system data files.
- Users may not access or copy directories, programmes, files, data or documents that do not belong to them without the permission of the Librarian or Hope Africa Collective management.
- Users shall not make use of library computers to access download or copy any computer games, software, pornography, videos or music for any reason.
- Users shall not save any files to the computer’s local hard drive. Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.) is the only permitted location for storage of user files.
- Users may not originate, store or forward messages containing discriminatory, intimidating, or intolerant remarks, pornography, explicit nudity, or gross depictions.
- Users shall not use library computers to deliberately originate, store or forward mailings, chain letters, computer viruses, or illegal copies of material protected by copyright.
- Users shall not play computer games on Library computers.
- Users shall respect all copyright, licensing requirements, and intellectual property rights.
- Users shall not access or in any way alter other user’s files without authorisation.
- The use of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) in the library is prohibited.
- In respect of other library patrons, users must use headphones if listening to authorised audio content.
- Users may be asked to vacate computers designated for a particular use if they are not using the machines for the intended purpose and there is a legitimate need from another user.
- In order to afford equal access to all users, computer use is limited to 2 hours per person for any one session unless there are no other users waiting for a computer. If no other users are queuing for a computer, user time may be extended by 30 minutes.
Printing from Computers. Printing from the library’s computers is not permitted.
Acknowledgement. Your digital signature indicates you agree to abide by the policies contained in this document.