Issues raised by the use of electronic information networks for the publishing of academic work are currently under consideration. These guidelines will continue to be revised in light of these discussions.
Introduction and Definition of Terms
Electronic publishing, like print publishing, reflects on Alma
College. Electronic "publishing" and "publications" refer to
information which is disseminated and/or stored electronically so that
someone else may have access to it, understand it or use it, and the
publisher or source of the information may be identified as Alma
College. "Information" refers to the contents of any electronic file,
including words, visual images, sounds and computer programs.
Publishing includes the use of any means of electronic distribution system, including Gopher, FTP, World Wide Web, computer bulletin boards and discussion groups. Facsimile tranmissions (Fax) can be considered publishing when a message is sent to multiple recipients.
A "publisher" of electronic publications at Alma College may be anyone who is authorized to use or have access to the College's electronic publishing resources. This includes students, faculty, administrators and staff.
College Policies
The overriding purpose of Alma College's electronic publishing
policies is to facilitate the use of electronic publishing resources by
departments, offices, official student organizations and individuals in
their efforts to fulfill the institution's educational mission. Nothing
in this policy is intended to censor free scholarly discourse.
The contents of all electronic publications created or distributed using Alma College resources are governed by Alma College policies as printed in the Manual of Organization and Operation and the Alma College Student Handbook and by local, state and federal laws. In addition, Alma College's access to network resources is governed by the current Acceptable Use Policy.
Copyright Laws
Publishers should not infringe upon others' intellectual property
rights. Copyright laws apply to electronic publishing as well as to
print publishing. Permission must be received to publish information
created by another author. Photographs of an individual may not be
included without the permission of the individual.
Use of Electronic Publishing for Personal Business
Alma College resources may not be used to create electronic
publications primarily for personal business or personal gain, except
as permitted by College policies. However, the College does allow for
personal publications that provide information about an individual that
is relevant to that individual's role or educational activities at the
College.
Complaint Procedure
Complaints about the contents or format of electronic publications
should be made to the Communications Committee. When a complaint is
received, committee members will review the publication in question.
The Communications Committee will determine the appropriate course of
action with final decisions reviewed by the Executive staff. If a
publication is found to be in violation of College policy, revisions
will be suggested to the author.
If no resolution is accomplished in modifying the publication, the author's publishing privileges using Alma College resources may be suspended or revoked. In extraordinary circumstances, the College may suspend an author's publishing privileges in connection with material suspected of being in violation of Alma College policy before the review takes place.
