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Library Policy

District Facilities Policy

All Seattle Colleges Policies apply to the library.

Use of Seattle College District Facilities (Policy Number 250)

Computer Use

Computers in the library offer high-speed access to the Internet in support of academic research. The Library's computer equipment is provided to current students, faculty, and staff to access library collections and other information resources and services in support of curriculum and research needs. Students, faculty, and staff may check out laptop computers for wireless access to the Internet via secure login. The library's subscription databases do not require login when used from campus desktop computers.

Computing resources will be used in accordance with College policies and local, state, and federal laws. These laws and policies cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files; copyright; and harassment. Users who refuse to comply with the following guidelines may be asked to leave the library:

Library computers are reserved for the exclusive use of Seattle Central College students, faculty, and staff. Library staff may approach individuals or make general announcements to ensure that computers are available for students doing research related to coursework at Seattle Central. At the discretion of a librarian, visitors may use the computers for brief periods for college-related purposes, such as:

  • Completing  financial aid applications
  • Registering for classes
  • Obtaining academic transcripts
  • Completing academic incompletes
  • Working on course assignments from another Washington state community college

Visitors who who abuse this privilege will be asked to stop using the library’s computers for the day.

Computer Use in a Learning Environment

The Library supports and promotes individual intellectual freedom. As part of an academic institution serving students, faculty, and staff, the library balances the right of the individual to pursue information with its mission to provide an atmosphere for teaching and learning.

Use of library computers for purposes other than course-related research (e.g., personal e-mail or research) is allowed on a space available basis as long as the use does not interfere with student research. Due to the public nature of the Library, anyone using a computer in the library should demonstrate respect for individuals’ rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation or harassment.

The Library may take steps to maintain an environment conducive to study and research.

Guidelines

Librarians will use four factors to determine when a user should be prevented from viewing content on computers in the library. If the content is suspected of including images of child pornography or obscenity, campus security is notified immediately. Otherwise the following factors apply:

  • Type of user
  • Nature of the use
  • Effect on learning environment
  • Effect on individual learning

Factors in favor of allowing the use:

  • The user is student, faculty or staff at Seattle Central.
  • The information is being used for academic purposes related to teaching and learning at Seattle Central or Seattle Community Colleges.

Factors in favor of suspending use:

  • The user is not affiliated with Seattle Central.
  • The use is not related to a course or college activity.
  • The content is mainly images that are easily viewed by other users.
  • Another library user or staff has complained about the images being displayed.
  • Limiting use would not interfere with a college-related learning activity.

 Adapted with permission from "UW Libraries - Computer Use Policy."

The Library adheres to the following document which is appended to and part of the Collection Development policy:  Section IVA., Appendix III: Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

Laws of the State of Washington

  • RCW 9a.52.110  -  Computer trespass in the first degree.
  •  RCW 42.52.180  -  Use of public resources for political campaigns.
  •  RCW 42.17.260  -  Documents and indexes to be made public.
  •  RCW 42.52.160   -  Use of persons, money, or property for private gain.

            Revised Code of Washington (RCW)

  •  WAC 292-110-010  -  Appropriate and inappropriate use of state resources.

            Washington Administrative Code (WAC) - Rules and regulations for all state agencies

Food & Beverages

The consumption of food and beverages is prohibited in most public areas of the library. Beverages in no-spill/covered containers are allowed in the library. Users may consume snacks only in the following areas:

  • Study lounge
  • Room C

Exceptions to the uses described above must be approved by a Librarian, a Library Supervisor or the Library Dean.

Fragrance Free*

Study Rooms

The library has six small group study rooms at Broadway Edison and three study rooms at the Health Education Center. Current students can book study rooms online through a link at the top of the library’s web pages. Booking requires email confirmation. Students must check in at the Circulation Desk to access a reserved study room.  

We request that you cancel your reservation if it is no longer needed. We may automatically cancel your room booking if you haven't arrived 15 minutes after your booking begins. 

The library works with the Accessibility Resource Center for access to study rooms for documented accommodations. The Library Dean will approve these requests on a case-by-case basis. 

Description of Rooms 

Broadway Edison 

Each study room has an adjustable height table for accessibility, a whiteboard, and a large monitor that can connect to a laptop. Cables and whiteboard markers are available for check out at the Circulation desk. 

  • Rooms B, C, F and G (capacity 4) 

  • Rooms D and E (capacity 7) 

Health Education Center (Pacific Tower) 

Each study room has a whiteboard. Whiteboard markers are available for check out at the Circulation desk. 

  • Large Group Study (capacity 8) 

  • Silent Study (capacity 4) 

  • Small Group Study (capacity 4) 

Policies 
  • Study rooms may be booked online for a daily maximum of two hours (120 minutes) at Central and three hours (180 minutes) at the Health Education Center.  

  • One reservation per day per group is allowed. Reservations may be made up to 3 days in advance. Individuals in the same group may not make multiple bookings to avoid this policy. 

  • Late arrivals (after 15 minutes): the library may cancel a booking and to make it available to other groups.  

  • Group study rooms are for groups only. With permission from a library staff member, rooms may be reserved for individuals for purposes such as accommodation or videotaping. 

  • Groups should book the room that matches the capacity of the group so that larger rooms are available to larger groups. 

  • Users agree to follow library policy and to leave the rooms neat and tidy for the next user. Disruptive behavior may result in the loss of study room and/or library privileges. 

 

Revised 12.28.2022 

Noise

The Library strives to provide a variety of study and research environments in order to satisfy both contemplative and collaborative needs. Loud voices, ringing cell phones, and other disturbances that prevent others from pursuing their study or research goals are prohibited. Appropriate noise levels for various library locations are listed below:

Silence:

  • Carrels in classroom room C and at the southwest and west ends of the library next to the circulating book stacks

Quiet conversation/discussion:

  • Tables at the southeast end of the library next to the periodicals and reference stacks
  • Study Lounge in the southeast corner
  • Lounge area at the library entrance
  • Group study rooms for the use of two or more students
  • Tables at the northwest end of the library next to the Library Open Computer Lab
  • Classroom A (Reading Room) unless scheduled for a workshop or meeting
  • Classroom T (Computer lab) unless scheduled for a workshop or meeting

Paging

The public address system is reserved for official library communication and emergencies only. When a page is requested, a librarian will decide if a situation warrants the use of the public address system or a physical search of the library for a patron. If a librarian is not available, a supervisor or full-time technician will make the decision.

The library may refer non-emergency requests to page individuals to Campus Security.