The mission of the School of Medicine Library is to provide quality library and information services to support the education, research, and service programs of the School of Medicine, and to strive to meet the routine health information needs of the people of South Carolina. In keeping with this mission, the Library offers the use of the Internet to all its patrons. The Internet contains a wealth of valuable information related to health, medicine, research, and many other areas of interest to School of Medicine Library patrons on the local, national, and international level. However, users should be aware that some information may be inaccurate, outdated or offensive. Library users are advised to exercise judgement and discrimination when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet. The USC School of Medicine Library does not maintain and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet.

Guidelines For Computer/Internet Use:

• All regulations stated in USC's Student Guidelines for Responsible Computing are applicable to the use of library computers.

• Library computers serve as access points for databases and web sites which assist USC School of Medicine faculty and students in their library research and class assignments. Librarians also use these computers to teach electronic resources to groups and individual patrons. These uses have priority over any other use by patrons.

• Librarians reserve the right to limit an individual's use of library computers if others are waiting to access library resources. Patrons are limited to the use of one computer at a time.

• The use of email at library computers should be related to library research and class assignments.

• It is the user’s responsibility to be aware of any notices concerning copyrighted materials and to respect state and federal copyright laws.

• Library computers may not be used for unlawful communications including threats of violence, obscenity, child pornography, and harassing communications as defined by U.S. and S.C. laws.

• Users MAY NOT display on library computers obscene or child pornography web sites (sites that are in violation of Article 3 of Chapter 15 of Title 16 of the South Carolina Code of Laws). Should you need to access materials in this category for legitimate research, you may contact Library administration for an appropriate arrangement.

• Viewing of pornographic material may be grounds for sexual harassment charges by other users. Users should be aware of the public nature of library workstations and should take care not to display images or play sounds that could create an atmosphere of harassment for others.

• Downloading software from the Internet onto library computers, altering settings or files, and tampering with computer security in any way is strictly prohibited.

• Conducting for-profit business at library computers is not allowed, nor may library computers be used for commercial transactions.

• Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

• During times of high traffic, participating in chat rooms or Internet games is discouraged.

  If a person is observed (by Library staff or patrons) to be displaying pornographic materials on Library computers, Campus Security will be called and the person will be asked to leave the Library. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary or legal proceedings.

  Adopted March 2001
  Revised July 2005
  Revised February 2007