To resolve security, performance and other issues that affect the OSU community, the OSU Office of Information Technology must be able to trace network activity that originates from an OSU computer back to the user. Specifically, users of workstations, laptops, dial-up modem pools, wireless networks, VPN concentrators, and proxies are required to authenticate before they can access the Internet.
Guest Computer Access
With the reduction in PC's for COVID-19 concerns Casual (2-hour) guest passes for visitors have been eliminated. Research users are reduced from 1 day to 2 hours (non-renewable). Research users include those with a valid ID from Big10 or other universities, Friends of the Libraries members and others with demonstrated and documented research needs.
Federal Government Agencies increasingly are placing their publications on the web. Many of these publications are not distributed to depository libraries in tangible (print) format. The OSU library catalog contains a growing number of records for "Internet-only" government publications. Also OhioLINK catalog contains records for many of the "Internet-only" publications that GPO has cataloged. In order to access these documents via an OSU networked computers in OSU Libraries it is necessarily to authenticate. OSU Affiliates do so by user name and password. Non-OSU users must get a Guest Authentication account from staff at Library Circulation Desks to use designated computers when available in campus libraries. Guest users must at time of request show a valid picture ID such as a U.S. driver's license, State of Ohio ID, School ID, or passport. The guest account authorization must be used in the location where it is issued by the user it is issued to. It is good for a set amount of time and will automatically expire at the end of that time period. Availability of guest accounts may be restricted during peak Library use such as end of semester and Exam Week, so it is wise to check ahead concerning pass availability. Internet access is provided as a courtesy to guest users for purposes of scholarly research. Users are required to follow the policy on Responsible Use of University Computing and Network Resources.
The following rules apply to using computers within the University Libraries
- Computing resources in the University Libraries are provided primarily for the use of the students, staff, and faculty of the Ohio State University and for the public use of the United States Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Collection. To help manage the availability of Internet computers for this purpose, chat groups, dating services, and online games are not permitted.
- OSU students, staff, and faculty have priority for all computers. The Library reserves the right-to refrain from issuing guest access and/or limit the amount of time a guest may occupy a computer during periods of high demand, to be determined at the discretion of the Library staff. To access U.S. Federal information, consult circulation staff in Thompson Library. (614) 292-OSUL (6785). Guests are expected to comply when asked by Library staff to relinquish a computer.
The University Libraries reserves the right to deny use of computers and/or to have non-compliant patrons leave the library if they are found to be in violation of any part of this policy. In addition, reported misconduct, including but not limited to viewing of pornographic materials, loud, threatening or any disruptive behavior, (see Visitor Code of Conduct) will be reason for denial of any future guest privileges, these and other acts may also be reported to Library Security and University Police as appropriate. Repeat offenders and/or abuse of guest accounts will result in denial of future access privileges.
Consequences of Misuse
The University Libraries reserves the right to deny use of computer equipment and/or to have non-compliant patrons leave the library if they are found to be in violation of any part of this policy. In addition, reported misconduct, including but not limited to: viewing of pornographic materials, loud, threatening or any disruptive behavior, (see Visitor Code of Conduct) will be reason for denial of any future guest privileges, these and other acts may also be reported to Library Security and University Police as appropriate. Repeat offenders and/or abuse of guest accounts will result in denial of future access privileges.