RUL 02.61.03 – Freedom of Access to Internet Resources
Authority: Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries
History: First Issued: August 31, 2007. Last Revised: October 19, 2007.
Related Policies:
NCSU REG08.00.02 – Computer Use Regulation
Contact Info: Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries (919-515-7188)
1. Purpose
Internet/World Wide Web availability in the NC State University Libraries provides access to information that enhances and supports the educational, instructional, and research-related activities of on- and off-campus students, faculty, and staff.
2. The Internet as a Global Electronic Network
2.1 Resources available on the Internet supplement and complement the collections of the NC State University Libraries.
2.1.1 Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.
2.1.2 Determining the accuracy or authenticity of Internet resources is the responsibility of the user.
2.1.3 Library personnel are not responsible for content other than that which they have developed, such as the Libraries’ Web pages.
2.2 NC State librarians and staff offer assistance, guidance, and instruction on using the Internet as a research and information resource.
3. Use of the Internet
3.1 The NC State University Libraries adheres to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances .
3.1.1 In accordance with the First Amendment, the NC State University Libraries neither restricts lawful access to materials nor protects library users from information they may find offensive.
3.1.2 Library personnel do not monitor and have no control over the information accessed on workstations within the library building.
3.1.3 As with other library resources, parents or legal guardians are responsible for minor children’s use of the Internet in the library building.
3.2 Library workstations are not to be used for the purpose of illegal activity (e.g., copyright violations). See NCSU REG08.00.02 – Computer Use Regulation.