Policies - Computers

Overview
Guidelines
Use & Conduct

Overview

The Internet is a global electronic network of interconnected computers that enables libraries to greatly expand their information services beyond traditional print collections and resources. The Linden Free Public Library provides Internet access to all patrons in accordance with the library's Open Access Policy and its commitment to the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights.

The Internet is an unregulated medium that contains pictures, materials, and viewpoints some may find offensive. The library maintains a stance of neutrality with respect to material accessed on the Internet, regardless of age; however, sexually graphic images will not be tolerated.

Because the Internet is an unregulated medium, information may be inaccurate, lack credibility, and be outdated. The library disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, authority or timeliness of information and shall have no liability or direct, indirect, or consequential damage related to the use of information offered through the Internet.

(top)

Guidelines

• Never give out information such as home address, telephone numbe,r or school name.
  
• Never allow your child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without
  your permission.
  
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, or threatening.
  

• Remember that:
  • People online may not be who they say they are.
    
  • Everything you read may not be true.
    
  • The Internet does not contain all information and may not be the best source for
    your information needs. Consult your librarian for the best methods of research.
    

(top)

Use & Conduct

Users must sign in and show a valid MURAL library card before accessing a computer for Internet services or Word Processing.

Children’s cards must have a computer sticker

Users outside of the MURAL area must show another form of ID and will be charged
$1.00 per 45 minute session.

Sessions are limited to 30 minutes for the Internet and 1 hour for Word Processing.

Users may continue their session at the discretion of library staff and if no one is waiting.

Signing in signifies a user's agreement to conform to these regulations.

Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials considered obscene by local community standards.

The library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time. Users must end their sessions and leave the terminal immediately when asked to do so by authorized Library staff. All users will be asked to terminate sessions 15 minutes prior to the library's closing.

The cost of printing will be 10 cents per page. **You must pay for everything you print**, whether it's what you intended to print or not. The staff can help you with previewing your print jobs to determine how many pages will print; please ask for assistance before printing.

Installation and/or modification of library software or hardware are strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion from the library. This includes patrons turning the machines on and off without staff assistance. No floppy disks are to be used on internet computers.

Users will be held liable for damage they cause to library hardware or software.

Users will comply with all copyright law and licensing agreements.

Users will respect the rights of others and refrain from attempting to view or read material being accessed by others. They should also refrain from offering advice to, commenting on, or interfering with the privacy of others. Violations of these rules of conduct may result in loss of library privileges for a period of two weeks.

Library staff will assist users, whenever possible, with basic Internet navigation and basic computer and printing functions.

Unless otherwise stipulated by staff, only one user may use a workstation at the same time.

The Library reserves the right to revise its Internet policies and rules of conduct at any time.

Amended by the Linden Library Board of Trustees, June 24, 2002.

(top)

Last Updated: 16-Sep-2004 9:32 PM