Preston Medical Library

Computer Resources Use Policy

Access to electronic information at the Preston Medical Library (PML) is made available through a variety of computer-based resources, including the Internet. This policy will form a basis of understanding that will help to protect the rights of our users, while protecting the computing resources of the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine.

This policy is in accordance with the spirit of the University of Tennessee "Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy" which "regulates the University information technology resources within an atmosphere that encourages free exchange of ideas and an unwavering commitment to academic freedom". The Preston Medical Library subscribes to the ideals of the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, and the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and adopts the general principles of the Internet Access Policy of the University of Tennessee Knoxville libraries.

General Principles

PML provides access to electronic clinical information for the faculty, residents, students, and physicians at the Graduate School of Medicine and UT Medical Center in pursuit of their teaching, learning, research, patient care, and scholarship.

Electronic information access is also available to patient families, health information consumers and area physicians with certain restrictions as noted in the policies section below.

PML does not restrict or control lawful access to materials and does not protect users from accessing information they may find offensive.

Policies

Use of PML computers for pursuit of teaching, learning, patient care, and scholarship endeavors has priority over all other uses.

Faculty, residents, students and physicians at the Graduate School of Medicine and UT Medical Center using computers to access library resources have priority over all other users.

Patient families, health information consumers, and area physicians must observe the priority use policy and must observe all library regulations, including any time restriction in place for computer use.

A responsible adult must accompany children under the age of 18 in the library.

Users should be mindful of others waiting and should complete their computer-based work as soon as possible.

Users may not install software or modify any setting on any library computer.

All uses of library computing resources must be legal and conform to the UT Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Examples of illegal use include theft, fraud, gambling, copyright infringement, sound or video recording piracy, and viewing or distributing child pornography, and other uses defined by local, State, and Federal laws.

Disciplinary action for violating this policy will be governed by the applicable provision of the UT Graduate School of Medicine's Resident Handbook, Faculty Handbook and student handbook or human resources policies relevant to a specific offender. Other users may have computer and/or library access privileges revoked.

US Constitution First Amendment

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.

American Library Association Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services:

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
   
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
   
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
   
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
   
5. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
   
6. Libraries, which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Links

Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy
UTK Libraries Internet Access Policy

Updated January 4, 2007Top