Guest Computer Access Frequently Asked Questions
The Binghamton University Libraries (Bartle, Science, and the University Downtown Center) are 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 University Libraries are intended for the academic and professional use of BU faculty, staff, and students. Guest access to computers is limited to four Community Access PCs in Bartle Library, two Community Access PCs in the Science Library, and two Community Access PCs in the UDC Library-Information Commons), on a space available basis. A valid picture ID and a completed Library Guest Computer Account User Agreement are required to obtain a guest account. Accounts may only be used in the issuing library.
Accounts are issued for a two-hour period. After two hours, you may be asked to relinquish your workstation if patrons are waiting to use computers.
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.
Who are guest users?
Why is authentication required?
Why are there different privileges for guest users and students/faculty?
What computer resources are available to guest users?
Why do you have a time limit for the Downtown Center Library?
Why must a guest be 18 to qualify for guest computer access?
Can I have Internet or wireless access if I bring my own laptop?
I am a BU graduate. Do I have any privileges beyond those of a guest user?
Where do I go to receive an account?
When can an account be revoked?
Who are guest users?
Guest users are local residents and other visitors who are not affiliated with Binghamton University, but who are given limited access to the University Libraries' facilities, resources and services as a courtesy. Individuals registered as courtesy borrowers and library visitors using guest computer accounts are all considered guest users.
Why is authentication required?
A sign-on is required to use all public computers in the Libraries. Authentication is necessary to ensure network security. For more information: Binghamton University Privacy Policy
Why are there different privileges for guest users and students/faculty?
The BU Libraries’ essential mission is to serve the faculty, students, and staff of the university in their teaching, learning and research obligations. We welcome alumni and guest users, but cannot extend to them all of the resources provided to us by the University. The computers in the University Libraries' are paid for through a student technology fee, and, therefore, students have priority for their use. Moreover, the BU Libraries cannot provide enough computers to meet the demand of BU students and researchers. We believe by limiting guest time, everyone will have a better chance of finding an available computer. Also, the improved security that accompanies authentication lowers the risk of a major disruption in service to the campus network.
What computer resources are available to guest users?
Guest accounts are accessible on a limited number of PCs (no Macs) and are provided with access to the Internet and basic word processing.
Why do you have a two-hour time limit?
We don’t have enough computers to meet demand. By limiting guest access to two hours, we can better meet the need for our computer resources.
Why must a guest be 18 to qualify for guest computer access?
The BU Libraries exist primarily to serve the needs of the university community, and we do not filter our network or the Internet.
Can I have Internet or wireless access if I bring my own laptop?
No. Guest access is limited to desktop computer use; laptop authentication is limited to faculty, staff, and students. Network data drops in the University's Libraries are limited and are in high demand by BU users. Wireless access is only provided to faculty, staff, and students to ensure that adequate bandwidth is available for our primary users.
I am a BU graduate. Do I have any privileges beyond those of a guest user?
At this time alumni are not provided with any special computer network privileges. However, high quality research resources are freely available on the web, and, if you are a current New York State resident, numerous research databases are available to you through the New York State Library and the New York Public Library. Details here. The Library does extend borrowing privileges to BU alumni at no charge. May borrow
books for a 4-week loan period. 15-book limit.
Where do I go to receive an account?
You may obtain a guest account from the Bartle Library Circulation Desk, Bartle Library Information Commons Service Desk, Science Library Information Services Desk, or the University Downtown Center Library-Information Commons Service Desk.
When can an account be revoked?
Instances when an account can be revoked include, but are not limited to, anytime a guest violates the BU Library Computer Guest Account User Agreement. Please read the following policies for more information:
Acceptable Use of Computers
Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
Authentication for Accessing Computing Resources
Binghamton University Computer and Network Policy
Guests may also have their privileges revoked if they are disruptive to other patrons and library staff: A disruptive patron is defined as anyone whose behavior is deemed harassing, threatening, or abusive (either spoken, written, or physically) by the recipient. Disruptive patrons are generally, but not necessarily, speaking in a louder than normal tone and may be using threatening bodily motions (waving hands, pounding fists or books, etc.) or using inflammatory language (cursing, ethnic slurs, etc.) or exhibiting offensive behavior (racial or sexual in nature, etc.).