Computer Use Policy

Acceptable Use
The Library's Public Access area and Computer Lab were established for the completion of course assignments, checking e-mail, and researching health-related topics. The public access computers in the front area are designated for use by patients, patients’ family members, and members of the general public. Use of the library’s Computer Lab is restricted to faculty, staff, and students affiliated with the University of California at San Francisco and/or San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center. Those found in violation of these guidelines may forfeit the privilege of using the Library's computing facilities.

Use of library computers shall be guided by the following principles:

Respect for the privacy of other users.
Attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
Consideration for the integrity of computing systems; for example, users shall not harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system, or damage or alter the software components of this or other computing systems.

Unacceptable Use

It is not acceptable to use the library's computers for viewing pornography or any purposes which violate U.S. or state laws, to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network, and purposes violating the policies and procedures of the University of California or San Francisco General Hospital.
Users may not represent themselves as another person.
Use of the Library workstations is for legal purposes only. Use of the workstations for any illegal purposes, including software piracy, is not permitted. Most Library software is protected by copyright, Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Do not copy software if you are unsure of the license agreement information.
Software programs may not be installed on the library's computers.

If any user abuses, misuses or engages in any use of the computer equipment of software not authorized by the site, or introduces a virus, the user will be prohibited from using this service. Users are liable if they permanently or temporarily damage any equipment or software.

Accuracy of Information
The Library makes no attempt to censor or control the content of information available on the Internet. The Library specifically disclaims any warranty as to the information's accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. The Library shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of the information contained herein.

Availability of Workstations
Work stations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public are asked to register at the Circulation Desk and to limit their computer time to one hour per day.

Viruses and Lost Data
The library makes every effort to protect users from the risks of viruses or lost data, but we cannot guarantee that software on our machines is free from defects or viruses. Please, ALWAYS maintain backup copies of your data.

Saving Data
If you wish to download files from the Internet or save documents you have created, please bring your own flash drive or other storage device. Software and data left on hard drives by users are removed on a regular basis.

Hardware and Software Problems
Please report any hardware and software problems you encounter to Library staff.

Conduct
Remember that the Library's computing facilities are a place where students, faculty, and staff come to work. If youneed to talk, please speak quietly so that others are not distracted. Please do not use your cell phone in the library.