DeKALB | Andy Sears, a senior history major, went to print an assignment at a Reavis computer lab before class, only to find all the computers occupied.

Instead of using the computers for school work, many students were using the computers to visit Web sites like MySpace, Facebook and YouTube.

“A few days ago, I needed to finish a paper before class,” said Lisa Haske, a senior early childhood studies major. “I was in the learning center, waiting for a computer, and one user was on Facebook, MySpace and AIM while there was a line of people who were waiting to use the computers.”

Elizabeth Leake, associate director of Information Technology Services, said lab attendants will intervene in the rare instance where students are viewing objectionable material or breaking lab rules, but will not kick students off who are using the computers for recreational purposes.

“To date, our mission does not include patrolling what is viewed on the Internet by guests,” Leake said.

Sears said he would feel rude if he were to ask another student who was using a lab computer for recreational purposes to leave so he could use it for class work.

“NIU students use common sense and courtesy when using shared resources,” Leake said. “Beyond providing tools in support of NIU’s academic mission, our labs provide a safe place for students to correspond with their family via e-mail, establish communities within Facebook and even play games when they need a well-deserved break.”

Haske said all students are paying for use of the computer labs and it is impolite for students to use the computer for recreation while other students are waiting to work on homework.

Leake said that in unattended labs, students are expected to abide by an honor system that homework comes first.

Leake said that if a lab is full, students can ask the on-duty attendant to help them find another lab with vacant computers.

“There are labs in 26 locations across campus,” she said. “Rarely are they all full.”