Policies of the UDC Library-Information Commons
The Library/Information Commons in the University Downtown Center supports the individual and collaborative learning and academic work of the College of Community and Public affairs, as well as the greater Binghamton University community. The following policies are intended to ensure an environment that is conducive to academic work. Patrons of the UDC Library/Information Commons are expected to respect the rights of others and to exhibit responsible behavior. We appreciate your cooperation.
Patrons of the Commons agree to abide by the following policies.
Academic Priority
Acceptable Use of Computers
Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
Adaptive Technology Workstation Policy
Authentication for Accessing Computing Resources
Cellular Phones and Other Devices that Ring or Generate Audible Noise
Community Users | Frequently Asked Questions
Food and Drink
Group Study Rooms
Individual Study Rooms
Noise Policy
Privacy : Confidentiality of Library Records
- This facility is reserved for the academic and professional use of
Binghamton University students, faculty and staff. - Any person may be asked to present a valid University ID.
- Any person utilizing this facility for non- academic purposes (e.g.,
game playing, social networking) may be asked to yield the machine to a person with
an academic need. - Any person under 18 years of age who is not a registered BU
student or participant in a BU sponsored program, may not use this
facility.
Access to information technology is essential to the Library/Information Commons mission to provide leadership to the University community in accessing and using information resources in support of teaching, learning and research. The preservation of that privilege by the full community requires that each faculty member, staff member, student, and other authorized user comply with institutional and external standards for appropriate use. For more information: Binghamton University Network and Computer Policy
Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
All "BU only" resources are library subscriptions that are accessible only from the Binghamton University network or from an Internet Service Provider using the library proxy server. Access and use is restricted by license agreements to purposes of research, teaching, and private study by current BU faculty, staff, and students. The following are strictly prohibited: all commercial use; copying or tampering with any software or code used to display and/or run the resources; the systematic downloading, copying or distributing of information (including for use in course packs); and removing or altering copyright notices. Misuse of these resources violates the terms of BU's license agreements. Violation of a licensing agreement could result in termination of the resource to the entire campus community. See also Binghamton University Copyright Policy
Adaptive Technology Workstation Policy
The Library/Information Commons provides an adaptive technology workstation for students with special needs. The workstation is available for general use; however, priority use shall be given to students with special adaptive technology needs who have registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities and received training on the use of the technology. If the adaptive workstation is required by a student with special needs, Library/Information Commons staff will ask a non-registered user to relocate to another computer. We appreciate your cooperation.
For more information, including assistance learning how to use the adaptive technology, contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, 777-2686.
Authentication for Accessing Computing Resources
A sign-on is required to use all public computers in the BU Libraries. Guest access may be granted at the UDC Library/Information Commons Service Desk in accordance with the Computer Guest Account User Agreement. Authentication is necessary to ensure network security. For more information: Binghamton University Privacy Policy
Cellular Phones and Other Devices that Ring or Generate Audible NoiseCell phone usage is not permitted in the Library/Information Commons. When you enter the facility, please silence your phone.
UDC Community Users / Guest Computer Accesss (Main campus policy) | Frequently Asked Questions
The UDC Library/Information Commons is open to the public during normal business hours. Borrowing privileges are extended to members of the local community for a small fee. For more information, see Circulation Services for Courtesy Borrowers.
Computers in the UDC Library/Information Commons are intended for the academic and professional use of BU faculty, staff, and students. Limited guest access to computers in the Library/Information Commons is available on a space available basis.
Guest accounts are issued for two hours per day, non-renewable until the following day. Accounts will only be issued between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A valid picture ID and a completed Library Guest Computer Account User Agreement are required to obtain a guest account.
To ensure computer availability for students, guest accounts will not be issued during busy periods (frequently in the afternoons and evenings), mid-term exam week, and the final two weeks of the fall and spring semesters.
Any person using a computer for non-academic purposes may be asked to yield the computer to a person with an academic need. Any person under 18 years of age who is not a registered BU student or registered in a BU sponsored program will not be granted guest access.
This policy may change to meet requirements and needs of BU faculty, staff, and students.
No food is allowed in the UDC Library/Information Commons. Drinks are allowed, but must be in covered containers.
The purpose of the food and drink policy is to aid in the preservation and care of library materials and electronic equipment, to maintain pest-free buildings, to reduce litter, and to ensure a clean environment for research and collaboration. Users are liable for any damage to library property caused by food or drinks.
Please see the University Libraries complete Food and Drink Policy.
Four group study rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis for University-affiliated individuals only. The rooms are equipped with laptop-ready projection equipment and are intended for the use of students working on group courses and academic research related projects and for use as a rehearsal space for presentations.
Five individual study rooms are available in the UDC Library/Information Commons on a first come, first serve basis to BU students. Keys to the rooms may be checked out for a maximum of 3 hours per day.
The Library/information Commons is a research, study, and collaborative work environment. Conversation is acceptable as long as it does not disturb other library patrons. Head phones and laptop audio features should be kept low so as not to disturb patrons. If you wish to listen to audio, please provide your own head phones.
See also, the Libraries Noise Policy.
Privacy - Confidentiality of Library Records
Confidentiality of Library records is governed by New York State Law. Information regarding Binghamton University borrowers is considered confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will be denied and referred for review by University counsel in consultation with Albany.
See also, Binghamton University Privacy Policy
