Cell Phone Use | Use of Library Computers | Confidentiality of Library Records | Services to People with Disabilities | Unattended Children Policy

Cell Phone Use

Cell phones should be switched OFF or in SILENT mode while in the library. Cell phone calls should be conducted in the foyer, snack lounge, or outside. Please use cell phones courteously!

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Use of Library Computers

The Scarborough-Phillips Library supports the University’s teaching, educational, and research functions. The library provides computer equipment for academic uses such as accessing the library collections and other information resources, facilitating academic communication. The following rules apply to use of computer equipment with the library and supplement St. Edward’s University’s Technology and Information Policy.

1. Priority in computer use, including printing, is given to academic use. Secondary uses for non-academic pursuits may include, but are not limited to, web browsing, electronic mail, game playing, downloading recreational material, and participation in chat rooms, forums, and news groups. The library may require that no secondary activities take place if they interfere with the goals of supporting academic use or activities. 
2. Priority for use of the library’s public computer equipment is accorded to students, faculty, and staff at St. Edward’s University. At times, the demand for library computer equipment exceeds the number available. During times of heavy demand, users are asked to be sensitive to the needs of others and limit their use of the equipment. The library may take additional steps to regulate computer use, such as rotating (i.e., limiting individual sessions to a certain time period; limiting access to St. Edward’s University students, faculty, and staffand/or instituting a login system for authorized users with a limited number of guest logins.)
3. The library computers must be used in accordance with University policies and state and federal laws. These laws and policies cover such areas as privacy; illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files; copyright; and harassment issues.
4. Electronic resources available through the Scarborough-Phillips Library are licensed for noncommercial use by SEU faculty, staff, students and on-site users. The terms and conditions of the library’s agreements with the vendors and publishers of these electronic resources regulate the use of these resources. These conditions include, but are not limited to, restrictions on copying, republishing, altering, redistributing and reselling the information contained therein. 
5. Users may not make changes to hardware or software settings or configurations on the library’s computer equipment. Users may not install programs on the library’s computer equipment. 
6. Priority use of the electronic classroom in Room 203 is to support teaching about Library-related research and resources to students and staff. When the room is not reserved for a class, it functions as a computer lab for St. Edward’s University’s students.
7. The library does not monitor or control the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. As with other library materials, any restriction of a minor’s access to and use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

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Confidentiality of Library Records

The Scarborough-Phillips Library protects the rights of library users to view and read materials without fear of intrusion, intimidation, or reprisal as stated in the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics, Item 3:

We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.

To safeguard our patrons in their use of library materials, Scarborough-Phillips Library specifically recognizes that its circulation records and other records identifying the name of library users are confidential in nature.

Such records are accessible only to appropriate library staff members and, according to the Texas Open Records Act and Federal privacy law, may only be disclosed as follows:

1. to members of the library staff in the ordinary course of business;
2. upon written consent of the user of the library materials;
3. upon appropriate court order or subpoena or search warrant as determined by the Library Director and/or the Academic Vice President.

This policy applies to all library records, including, but not limited to, the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, information requests, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve request, or any in-house use of materials.

Additional Resources Regarding Library Confidentiality

Texas Library Association Intellectual Freedom Handbook
http://www.txla.org/pubs/ifhbk.html

USA Patriot Act Information

ALA Website on the USA Patriot Act
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/ifissues/usapatriotact.htm

St. Edward's University Technology & Information Policy
http://www.stedwards.edu/policy.htm

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Services to Persons with Disabilities

St. Edward’s University takes pride in its diverse student population. In keeping with this philosophy, the Scarborough-Phillips Library strives to create an environment and offer services that encourage equal access for all members of the St. Edward’s University community.

Providing Access

We define access as the process of identifying, locating, and retrieving books, materials, and other library resources.

General Access Services

General Service

We provide general reference service to identify and access reference materials and tools. Availability of assistance may be limited at times due to the needs of other patrons. To schedule an appointment to receive in-depth reference assistance and research assistance, please contact the reference desk at 448-8474 or email ref@admin.stedwards.edu.

Materials Retrieval

We pull materials from the stacks for users who are unable to reach or locate materials by themselves. Whenever possible we retrieve materials immediately, but at times we may need twenty-four hours to provide this service. To ensure prompt service contact Access Services at 448-8469 to schedule an appointment.

Physical Assistance

We continue to remove physical barriers whenever possible. If barriers exist, please notify library staff and we will provide necessary assistance whenever possible.

Privacy

To protect an individual’s privacy, library personnel may not retrieve items from backpacks, personal clothing, or other personal effects. Please have items such as computer disks/CDs, change for the copier machines, or Hilltopper card readily available.

Adaptive Equipment

There are wheelchair-accessible computers on the first floor of the library in the computer bank on the north wall adjacent to the reference desk and in Room 203. The library has several pieces of adaptive technology that may be helpful for individuals with visual impairments. All computers with Windows XP have both narrator and magnifier capabilities. Kurzweil software is loaded on the computer for special needs patrons located on the first floor of the library in the computer bank on the north wall adjacent to the reference desk. An Alladin reader to enlarge text is located on the first floor of the library near the distribution shelf and adjacent to the carrels on the south wall.

Other Services

Personalized Services

The Scarborough-Phillips Library will provide equal access, but individuals are responsible for independently using library resources. We cannot provide personal reading, photocopying, typing, or note-taking services. Please plan to bring your own assistant if you require support for these services.

If you need a service not mentioned, please ask at the Circulation Desk or phone the library at 448-8472.

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Unattended Children Policy

The collections and facilities of the Scarborough-Phillips Library are intended primarily for the students, faculty, and staff of St. Edward’s University. We strive to provide an environment that is pleasant and conducive to study and research. For their safety, all children under the age of 16 must be under the direct and appropriate supervision of a parent at all times, or an adult who has assumed responsibility for the child’s care while in the Scarborough-Phillips Library. If a child is found unattended or unaccompanied, the staff will attempt to locate the parent, caregiver, or guardian in the library. If the parent, caregiver, or guardian cannot be located, the library staff will call the St. Edward’s University Police to pick up the child. Under no circumstances will library staff transport any child from the library to another location.

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