Shelton State Community College

Shelton State Community College  is concerned with the need and right of its constituency to have both freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom to read, via library services and materials.  Consequently, the Shelton State Libraries endorse and subscribe to the American Library Association's Bill of Rights (and its official interpretations by ALA), the ALA Code of Ethics, and the Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records.  Copies of these documents are available at the ALA website.

Inquiries or complaints about library holdings from students, employees, or members of the community must be filed in writing.  The complainant must identify himself or herself before a request for reconsideration will be reviewed.  All action will be deferred until full consideration has been made on the specific inquiry or complaint by the Library Reviewing Committee.

The initial review of the inquiry or complaint is made to the Director of Library Services; if the result of that review is not satisfactory to the complainant, the inquiry is passed on to the Library Reviewing Committee.  This committee consists of the Dean of Instruction, the Director of Library Services, two members of library staff, and a member of the college faculty selected by the complainant.  Conclusions of the Library Reviewing Committee are final.  A form will be provided at the circulation desk upon request for complaints or inquiries (see Appendix F).

In accordance with ALA recommendations, The Director of Library Services will seek the support of other professional organizations in defense of First Amendment rights when issues of censorship are involved.
 

Public Use of Electronic Resources

The acceptable use of Shelton State Community College computing and networking facilities is to support of instructional and administrative pursuits within the college's mission and objectives.  Users are expected to follow all policies related to computer resources.  The college will monitor the use of computer resources per policy: "Use of this system is limited to authorized personnel for college purposes only.  All activity on this system is subject to inspection to ensure compliance with this policy."  College policies regarding computer use outline the following expectations for acceptable use:

1. Responsible users should avoid actions that make themselves or the college criminally or civilly liable to others.

2. Responsible users should avoid actions that may inflict needless expense upon the college or others.

3. Responsible users should avoid actions that may destroy, endanger, or divert another's research or writing.

4. Responsible users will contribute to a free and open atmosphere for electronic discussion and will be considerate of other users of computer resources and facilities.  Threats or harassment of any type is not permitted.

Furthermore, library users, both remote and local, are reminded that it is illegal under Federal law (Title 17 of the US Code and more recently the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 105 PL 304) to distribute copyrighted music, in any form including digital mp3 files, without a license to do so from the copyright holder. It is a violation of College policy (the Acceptable Use Policy, EG -1-1-5) to use the campus network for illegal activities, or in ways that consume capacity and services needed for instruction, research, and other core purposes.

Access to computers and networks and to the information technologies at Shelton State Community College is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of these systems.  Library users are invited and encouraged to utilize the workstations and resources provided (in a manner compliant with any contractual obligations between the Shelton State Libraries and the information providers).  The library may deny access to users who abuse these privileges.   Furthermore, tampering with library computers or networking is considered a violation of the student conduct code published in the college catalog.  When necessary, users who engage in activities that damage library resources or disrupt library service will be liable for disciplinary actions.

The electronic equipment in the Shelton State Libraries is to be used solely for the library functions for which it was provided.  Activities outside the scope of service include, but are not limited to, word processing, chat rooms, and games in the campus libraries.  Word processing and other software applications are available for use in Electronic Classroom in the Brooks-Cork Library on the Martin Campus.  Library users may download to their own floppy disk (Drive A) or flash drives but not to Drive C. 

Return to Shelton State Libraries Handbook Directory

Full access to all Internet sites is permitted to encourage library users to explore information technology and to assess the potential use of computing and networking in pursuit of knowledge and information.  However, Shelton State Community College expects those who use this service to do so responsibly, respecting the rights of other users.

As a forum for many diverse peoples and cultures, the Internet offers unrestricted access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the world, some of which may be inaccurate, controversial, or offensive.  The Shelton State Libraries do not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet.   Parents should note that the Shelton State Libraries are maintained for adult college students.  Its resources, including Internet access, may not be appropriate for children.  The staff of the Shelton State Libraries is not responsible for monitoring use of materials, computers, or Internet access for children in any facility under its supervision.  Parents should also note the college's policy regarding children on campus:  "While children are on campus, they should be under supervision of a parent."

Materials printed or electronically transmitted may be subject to copyright laws and may not be duplicated electronically or in printed form without permission of the copyright owner unless the proposed use falls within the definition of fair use.  Individual users are responsible for following copyright regulations.  Users are expected to be sensitive to the rights and feelings of others who may also be able to view or hear computer visuals, graphics, or audio.   All college policies regarding harassment apply to Internet use.  The USA Patriot Act supersedes state and local protection of the privacy of library users.  All library users should be aware that the federal government may monitor their use of library resources, including network traffic.  Library personnel must comply with court orders for such information and may not disclose to any user if and when such action has been taken.

Return to Shelton State Libraries Handbook Directory
Updated 4/1/08
D. Grimes, Director of Library Services
Shelton State Community College