Policy for Computer and Internet Use
The Colorado State University Libraries provides free access to the Internet to support the scholarly, education and information needs of the University’s diverse community of library users. The Internet provides access to a vast array of information, ideas, and research tools, including materials beyond the scope of resources selected by the Libraries.
While the Internet presents material that is personally, culturally and professionally enriching for all ages, it also provides access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, inaccurate or even illegal under United States or Colorado law. As with other library materials, librarians and staff do not endorse any viewpoints represented on the Internet. They are not responsible for the content of Internet resources other than those developed on official Library Web pages or sites selected for inclusion in the Library’s online catalog. They are also not responsible for censoring access or protecting individuals from controversial or offensive material. Librarians and staff will offer assistance, guidance and instruction on using the Internet as a research and information tool. Parents, legal guardians, or care providers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet and for intentional or inadvertent viewing or reading of other users’ screens. It is the responsibility of users to analyze and scrutinize information on the Internet for reliability and point of view.
Access is granted subject to University policies and local, state, and federal laws as noted in the University’s Acceptable Use Policy for Computing and Networking Resources.
To encourage the free exploration of ideas, which is central to the University’s education and research missions, the Libraries endorse:
- American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights which supports access to information and denounces censorship, labeling materials based on content, and restricting access to information.
- Code of Ethics of the American Library Association that states "We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted."