The Library provides the university community with computer systems and the network infrastructure to support instruction, research and administration. Access to technology resources is a privilege offered to University Users. A user is defined as a student, staff member or any other person making use of the Library`s computers at all locations in the library. The Users are expected to be familiar with this technology usage before utilizing technology resources. These regulations are intended to safeguard the Library`s computer resources for your continued benefit as well as to protect the rights of other users. Breach of these regulations will result in such users being banned from using the computer facilities at the Online Public Catalogue areas (Public Computers), LANS and Research Commons, and or to disciplinary procedures, and or to prosecution under South African law. If any aspect of the regulations is not understood, please approach the Library Staff Member or Information Communication Services (ICS) for clarification. The actions of users must be in compliance with the South African law and the rules of UKZN.

 

General rules

The following regulations apply to all computers at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Library. It is the responsibility of the computer user to know and understand these regulations.

  • Individuals may not attempt to gain access to information resources which they are not specifically authorized to access. Attempting to gain unauthorized access or assisting others in gaining unauthorized access to such information resources is strictly prohibited.
  • Individuals are prohibited from disclosing their own password to anyone. Individuals must safeguard their account and its contents and will be responsible for any misuse. Individuals may not search for, access, copy, or use passwords of others.
  • Individual accounts cannot be shared, transferred to or used by other users. Individuals may not access or copy directories, programs, files, data, or documents that do not belong to them without the permission of the account owner.
  • Users may not create a disturbance or interfere with other users when working in the library computer LANS and Research Commons.
  • Food or open beverage containers are not permitted near computer work space (only spill-proof beverage containers are allowed).
  • Users shall not litter, cause any mess or leave the library computer LANS and Research Commons in an untidy state.
  • Users shall obey all reasonable instructions of Library staff in the library computer LANS and Research Commons.
  • 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.
  • 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 acts.
  • Users shall produce proof of identity at the request of the library staff or a University official.
  • Users shall not share, distribute or use access identifications or passwords other than those assigned to them.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to logout after using the computer. Any student who either intentionally or negligently fails to logout will be held responsible for whatever purpose the computer is used for whilst being left active.
  • Users must treat all computer equipment with due care and consideration. Users must report any misuse of computer laboratory or equipment to the Library staff.
  • No equipment may be removed from the library computer LANS and Research Commons, or tampered with in any way.
  • Users shall not make use of University laboratory computers to access or copy any computer games, pornography, viruses, movies and music for personal use.
  • Users shall not play computer games on University laboratory computers unless authorized by a lecturer.
  • Users shall not interfere or tamper with software configurations or any system data files.
  • Users shall respect all copyright and licensing requirements and intellectual property rights. Only material relating to users courses and duties at the University may be downloaded from the Internet.
  • Users shall not access or in any way alter other user`s files without authorization.
Consequences of Breach of Rules


Breaching these rules could result in a variety of penalties ranging from a verbal warning, being blocked from LAN access, to disciplinary action in terms of the University Rules for Student Discipline. A copy of these rules is available for inspection at Student Academic Affairs

You are also referred to the University rules for Student Discipline, by which every registered student agrees to abide.