ODU Libraries Policies & Guidelines

The ODU Libraries support the principle of intellectual freedom, defined as “the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. The principle provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive and disseminate ideas.” (ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/intellectual)

In support of this principle, the following guidelines apply to the use of computer terminals in the Libraries:

• There are no filters on computers in the library. Controversial materials are not screened out.
• Library users have the freedom to search and view content and/or conduct activities on library computers without restriction, with the exception of:
  • Conduct which violates pertinent State and Federal policies and statutes; and
  • Conduct which violates any of the ODU policies listed at the end of this guideline, or other applicable policies and standards.

The complete list of ITS Computing Policies and Standards can be found under “Additional Resources,” below. Computer users are responsible for knowing and following these policies a at all times.

Note that the ODU Policy on the Use of Information Technology Resources (3500) states that [Information technology] “privileges are granted to support the University's mission of instruction, research, and service; for conducting the business and administrative functions of the University; and to support student life.” The Acceptable Use Standard states, “In accordance with Virginia Code § 2.2-2827: Restrictions on state employee access to information infrastructure, account holders may not utilize University-owned or University-leased computer equipment to access, download, print or store any information infrastructure files or services having sexually explicit content except to the extent required in conjunction with a bona fide, University-approved research project or other University-approved undertaking.”

Users of library computers should be mindful of viewing content or conducting activities that create a harassing, threatening, or intimidating environment for other users. A user who needs to access explicit content for legitimate research purposes may be asked to relocate to a different computer if their activity is impeding the work of other Library users.

Currently, library computers are only available to ODU-affiliated users with appropriate MIDAS credentials. For internet access, the public may use their own devices on ODU’s public Wi-Fi network, while users associated with institutions of higher education may use EduRoam to connect their personal devices.

Additional guidelines for use of public access computers at Brickell Medical Sciences Library:

The Edward E. Brickell Medical Sciences Library, Eastern Virginia Medical School has three workstations available for use by the public. These computers, with access to Brickell Library and other specified web resources, are provided to further the educational, research and health information needs of public clients.  Priority use of these workstations is given to EVMS community faculty without an EVMS network account, area healthcare providers, patients and family members of patients at local hospitals, and students/faculty/staff at local colleges and universities.

All public clients are required to present Circulation staff with a valid government, school or employer issued picture ID. No exceptions will be made. Clients will be asked to sign a login sheet, which constitutes an agreement to abide by all applicable library and institutional policies as well as the following restrictions:

• Public access workstations are to be used only for biomedical or healthcare-related research. All other uses are strictly prohibited. As these workstations are in a very public location, clients are advised against using them to view personal/private health information.
• Inappropriate use will be determined by a library staff member. Clients found to be inappropriately using the workstations will be asked to leave the library. Further action may be taken depending on the severity of the offense.
• Workstations are only available during the library circulation desk’s staffed hours. Workstations must be shut down 30 minutes before the end of the library’s staffed hours.
• Clients 14 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the workstation; these clients cannot be left unsupervised. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the library to serve in loco parentis (in place of parent) and the library is not responsible for the well-being of unsupervised minors
• Clients must notify staff members when they are ready to leave; staff will log off the user from the workstation and terminate the session.
• A reasonable amount of free printing from the workstations is allowed to clients. Library staff determines what constitutes excessive printing and will instruct the client to terminate printing.

Related University Policies

ODU Policy 1530: Code of Student Conduct
ODU Policy 3500: Policy on the Use of Information Technology Resources
ODU Policy 6600: Standards of Conduct for Classified Employees
ODU ITS Standard 09.1.0: Acceptable Use Standard

Additional Resources

ODU ITS - Computing Policies and Standards
American Library Association – Intellectual Freedom Standards for Academic Libraries, an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

updated 2/10/2025 tah