Hours: M-F 8am - 5pm
Location: First floor, Steen Library
Phone: (936) 468-4101
The mission of the Ralph W. Steen Library is to offer an array of informational, educational and research support services intended to further the University’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work, and service.
Message from the Director
Since the LINC computer lab first opened in 1992, Steen Library has welcomed the university community and guest users to access the vast collection of electronic resources on computer workstations in the LINC and on other stations in the Infolabs or throughout the building. Beginning this fall, we have made the decision to restrict guest access to computers in the first floor lobby area. Discussions about how we should handle guest access have been underway for more than a year, and there are several reasons why we have implemented this approach.
First, I want guest and community users to understand they are still welcome to utilize the library for their research and resource needs. Steen Library recognizes its role as both a university and community resource. For example, the East Texas Research Center (ETRC) serves a broader purpose by reflecting the university’s role in the community as a research center for materials of regional, cultural, and historical value. The ETRC will continue to work with community members to identify and to acquire materials of enduring value that chronicle the East Texas culture.
So why limit guests to the lobby computers? Our number one priority as part of SFA has always been to provide students, and their instructors, access to the resources and equipment they need to pursue their academic goals. Over the years, providing these resources has become more and more expensive. Students and their families bear the cost of most of these expenses, while members of the general community pay no additional fees for access to the same equipment and resources. Technology fees, the library use fee, tuition and other expenses have all risen exponentially since we introduced public computers into the library. Some have pointed out that members of the community are taxpayers and deserve to be able to use the equipment. We agree, but students should have priority access. We believe that allowing access to lobby computers free of charge is a fair way to allow community access and still make students our priority. Note that members of the Alumni Association, upon request and with a valid Alumni card, are granted full-access guest accounts which allow for access on any of the public computers throughout the building, including the labs. Members of the community are not required to be an SFA graduate in order to join the Alumni Association.
We have had a small minority of guest users over the years who have abused the privilege of using library equipment. Students and library employees have voiced concern on several occasions about guest users behaving irresponsibly or viewing objectionable materials while on the public computers. While inconsiderate and irresponsible behavior is unacceptable in Steen Library, these issues are not the only, or even the most significant, factor in our decision to make this change.
Steen Library looks forward to continue serving all users – SFA students, faculty, staff as well as alumni, members of the community, and visitors. We hope that members of the community understand better why the decision was made to change how we allow guest access and know that we are willing to listen to their thoughts and concerns.
Shirley Dickerson
Library Director