Public Use Computing

While the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library is open to the public, the primary mission is to serve the students, faculty, and other members of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) community. Members of the general public are welcome to use the designated community use computers of the library as guests, as well as the WebExpress and Library Catalog Access computers, as long as they abide by the library's rules of conduct and do not interfere with the access for or service to the USFSP community.

USFSP students, faculty, and staff have priority use of all library computers. Users who are not from USFSP or the USF System may be asked to vacate computers if students or faculty are waiting.

Visitors are not permitted to use library computers for accessing social networks, gaming, or other recreational activities, including email for other than research. If observed using the computers for personal or recreational purposes, visitors may be asked to leave and future access to the library's computers may be denied.

Computing services are available in the following areas and may provide access to the Libraries of the USF System Databases, the Internet, and network printing:

WebExpress and Library Catalog Access Computers
Two WebExpress terminals are located on the first floor in the north reference area. Eight computers are located throughout the library stacks on all floors. All stack and WebExpress computers are restricted to USF-based web sites and the USF Libraries online catalog.

Community Use Computers
Available in the reference area are designated community use computers with Internet and library catalog access for the sole purpose of conducting research. These computers also connect to USF System electronic resources. Visitors who have a need to conduct research should ask a library staff member for access to these computers. Library staff will provide access to the computers at their discretion and as time permits. Library staff may request to see a valid ID before providing such access.

Wireless access and laptop checkout
Access to the USFSP wireless network or checkout of library laptops is limited to USF faculty, staff, and currently enrolled USF students.

USF System Electronic Resources
Access to USF System Electronic Resources is available at any time anywhere to anyone with a USF NetID. Anyone without a USF NetID may access these resources only at the Community Use Computers; no remote access is available to anyone without a current USF NetID.

Rev. April 2012 and approved by the Poynter Library Leadership Team