VCU Libraries Internet Access: Frequently Asked Questions
- I'm not affiliated with VCU. What sort of access do I have?
- I'm a Friend of VCU Libraries. What sort of access do I have?
- I am a graduate of VCU. What sort of access do I have?
- Where can I find computers with Internet access available for the public?
- Why do most of the public workstations in the library require a login?
- Why does VCU Libraries limit Internet access to the public?
- Are there any other public computers on campus that allow Internet access?
- Who can I talk to if I have comments, questions or concerns about this policy?
I'm not affiliated with VCU. What sort of access do I have?
Visitors from other colleges, universities and high schools and members of the public are welcome to make use of VCU Libraries research collections. Visitors may access the Libraries' catalog and digital resources at guest workstations and may be granted a temporary login at a public workstation for research purposes. Visitors may not use guest workstations or the temporary login in order to play games, surf the Web or engage in other recreational activities.
I'm a Friend of VCU Libraries. What sort of access do I have?
Friends of the Library donor privileges include an eID for use within VCU Libraries facilities. For additional information about Friends of the Library, contact Kimberly Separ at (804) 827-1163 or Antonia FD Vassar at (804) 827-1165, or visit: http://www.library.vcu.edu/development/fol/.
I am a graduate of VCU. What sort of access do I have?
Alumni are invited to join the VCU Friends of the Library. Alumni who are not Friends of the Library have the same access as members of the general public.
Where can I find computers with Internet access available for the public?
Most public libraries in the area and the Library of Virginia have limited numbers of computer terminals available for public use. Access may be restricted to library card holders. For additional information, visit:
Richmond Public Library - Public Computer Access
(http://www.richmondpubliclibrary.org/content.asp?contentID=38)
Library of Virginia - Internet Access Policy
(http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whoweare/visit/policies/inetpol.htm)
Why do most of the public workstations in the library require a login?
In 2006, Virginia Commonwealth University instituted campus-wide authentication procedures for computer workstations at VCU. As a result, students, faculty and staff must use their VCU eID to access computer workstations. Use of the eID login provides VCU affiliates with secure, authenticated access to information resources at VCU.
For information about VCU Libraries privacy policy, please see: http://www.library.vcu.edu/privacy.html
Why does VCU Libraries limit Internet access to the public?
VCU Libraries computing resources are primarily for the research needs of VCU students, faculty, administrators, and staff. The Libraries may authorize other individuals or affiliated groups to have access to its computing resources.
Members of the general public visiting the VCU Libraries are its guests and may use its computers for research, but with limited access to the Internet. When all computer workstations are in use, guests may be asked to discontinue using a computer if VCU students, faculty, administrators, or staff require access.
The Libraries reserves the right to restrict Internet access to sites when those sites consume too many computing resources. Users of the wireless network within VCU Libraries are subject to these same computer resources use guidelines.
Are there any other public computers on campus that allow Internet access?
All other computing facilities on the VCU campus are intended for use by VCU students, faculty and staff, and require an eID username and password issued by VCU Technology Services.
Who can I talk to if I have comments, questions or concerns about this policy?
Please provide us with your feedback using the Libraries' Suggestions form.
Created: July 19,
1999
Revised: October 5, 2005; May 19, 2006; February 7, 2007; April 21, 2008