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Kountze Public Library

Computer and Internet Access Policies, Rules and Procedures

Disclaimer: The City of Kountze/ Library accepts no responsibility for any information viewed on the World Wide Web by a patron, his/her family or the patron using the computer workstation next to, before or after him/her. The Library does not act in place of the parent.

Acceptable Uses of Public Access Computers

The library’s computers are intended for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.

Those who wish to use the library’s computers must have a library record clear of fines and must not have overdue items. A library card is required in order to use the public access computers and are scanned prior to computer sign-in.

Signing Up For Computer and Internet Access

Patrons who wish to use the public access computer workstations for word processing or Internet access need to read the policies, rules and procedures below. After agreeing to uphold the policies, rules and procedures, the patron will be instructed on the sign-in procedures and given a password to access the computer workstations. At the librarian’s discretion, a computer may be assigned for patron use. Patrons should not move from computer to computer without the librarian’s permission. For your privacy, be sure to use control-alt-delete to log off after you have finished using the computer. The library does not assume responsibility for sensitive information left on the computer’s desktop by previous users.  A sheet is kept at the circulation desk for patrons to sign in for computer use. Users should print their first name and last initial, time signed in and time signed out. These sheets are not kept by the library, but are used for patron computer time management and for usage statistics.

Time Limits

At sign-in, patron has one hour of computer time. If others are not waiting, more time can be granted at the discretion of the librarian. If others are waiting to use the computer, patrons who have reached the hour limit will be asked to discontinue their session.

Filtering

At this time, filtering is used on the library’s public access computers. However, in order to use filtered access on the 2 computers in the children’s section, the CHILD profile (which has no Internet icon on desktop) must be used. The ALL profile does allow Internet access on those computers. The City of Kountze/ Library accepts no responsibility for any information viewed on the World Wide Web by a patron, his/her family or the patron using the computer workstation next to, before or after you.

Children’s Access to the Internet

Library staff cannot assume responsibility for monitoring what children view on the computers and Internet. That is the sole responsibility of the parent. Parents are also responsible for informing their children about issues pertaining to child safety and appropriate use while accessing the Internet. Children using the Internet who are not monitored by a parent are responsible for their own actions.

Headphone Use and Disinfecting

Headphones are necessary in the library setting so that other patrons will not be disturbed. Ask a librarian for a disposable wipe if you need to clean the headphones before use. 

 Monitoring and Assistance From Staff

Librarians can provide basic help, such as logging onto the computers, printing, etc. but staff cannot engage in lengthy explanations of programs or other computer usage issues with patrons. Instructional materials for patrons are available to aid them in using the computers correctly. The library hosts computer classes at various times during the year. A librarian can give you information about having your name put on a waiting list for the next available class. The library reserves the right to monitor computer usage in the library.

 Printing from Computers

Printing from computers is allowed. It is advisable to check with library staff before printing. Copies may be picked up at the circulation desk. Cost is 20c per page. There is a limit of 25 copies per patron. If anyone prints over 25 copies, the price is increased to 25c per page.  If you need help in selecting certain pages to print from the computer, please ask a librarian. Patrons must pay for all copies they print out—even those printed by mistake.

Prohibited Behaviors

• No patron is allowed to view sexually explicit or offensive materials  on any library computer. The library reserves the right to monitor the computer user if it is suspected that this is being done.
• No patron is allowed to download files to the computer hard drives or bring disks or CDs from home to use on library computers. Blank Floppy disks and CDs are available for purchase at the library desk for one dollar each so that patrons can save files.
• No patron should violate copyright laws.
• No patron should download an Instant Messenger or enter a CHAT room.
• No computer patron should violate usual library rules such as: No eating or drinking, no loud noise, abusive language, unruly behavior, or cell phone use is allowed in the library. Cell phones may be used in the lobby. 
• No more than one patron per computer is allowed unless at the discretion of the librarian.
• Commercial business activity or enterprise or distributing advertisements using public access computers is not permitted.
• The director/library staff reserves the right to prohibit computer access to any patron who does not appear to be adhering to the proper conduct described above or to any computer user who is disrupting other computer users. By using the public access computers, you are agreeing to the rules and procedures governing their use. Failure to obey the rules may result in the patron being barred from using the computer and/or the library as well.

Termination of Computer Usage

If library staff observes a patron violating the terms of this Computer Agreement, they are authorized to terminate that user’s session.

1. First Warning: Patron is told to cease the offensive or incorrect behavior.

2. Second warning: Patron is suspended from using the computer for that day.

3. Third warning: Patron use is suspended permanently.

(Adopted by City Council Aug. 21, 2003/ Updated 5-2007)