The George A. Smathers Libraries provide public use computers to facilitate access to locally-held and remotely stored electronic data for the University of Florida community. Equipment and electronic resources are accessible during regular Library service hours, when the building is otherwise open to the public. Staff are available to assist users in meeting their information needs with these computers.
Users of library computers must comply with the University’s Acceptable Use Policy for computing resources, with applicable contracts including software licenses, and with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Examples of applicable laws, rules and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, child pornography (see 18 U.S.C. Chapter 110, Section 2252A, and Keeney Memorandum), the Florida Computer Crimes Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibit “hacking,” “cracking” and similar activities, the University’s Student Code of Conduct, and the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy.
Observe copyright notices and warning screens and comply with copyright law. Digital content and materials on the Internet are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized distribution, reproduction, or transmission is illegal, and offenders are subject to prosecution.
Computers and networks are state assets. Please use them in a responsible, ethical and lawful manner. Deliberately crashing, vandalizing, or otherwise compromising a computer or network, degrading performance; or unnecessarily consuming large amounts of system resources are serious offenses and may result in loss of library privileges and disciplinary action or criminal charges.
Respect other users of library computers and do not harass or interfere with them.
Specific time limitations for guest workstations are in effect at Library West and Marston Science Library, and staff reserve the right to give computer priority use to those who are engaged in class work assignments and research.
The Libraries will report infractions of these policies to the Office of Student Affairs or the appropriate law-enforcement agency. Any infraction could result in the loss of Library privileges and disciplinary action.
Child pornography, a felony in the state of Florida, is illegal and the University Police will be called immediately.
Library Guest Computer Access Policy for Visitors
- Guest users must have a guest GatorLink account, which may be assigned at any Smathers Libraries circulation desk during all hours the library is open.
- Guest accounts are valid for one week and will not be re-issued until expiration. Retain this document until that time.
- Guest users must be 18 years of age and must present a valid picture ID and proof of address at the time of registration.
- A guest GatorLink account does not allow the borrowing of library materials or remote (“off-campus”) access to databases.
- Access to guest computers is prioritized for the primary patrons of the Libraries: UF students, faculty and staff.
- Users must abide by the library and university computer policies as outlined in the UFIT Acceptable Use Policy and the Libraries Computer Use Policy
User Conduct
All library users are responsible for reviewing the Policies and Guidelines for User Conduct, found on the Library Website at: https://www.uflib.ufl.edu/conduct.html. The Library reserves the right to take appropriate action (including, but not limited to, revocation of the Libraries-issued guest computer account and/or access to the UF Libraries) in the following situations: abusing, verbally harassing or otherwise intimidating staff or other patrons, engaging in disruptive or threatening behavior, misuse of equipment or facilities, or any other activities or behaviors deemed disruptive.
