Computer and Internet Use Policy
In
order
to use public access computers and the internet at the Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee
Regional Library
patrons
must agree to the following computer and Internet use guidelines.
PATRONS MUST
READ AND AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THESE GUIDELINES BY SIGNING AN INTERNET USE
AGREEMENT
TO BE KEPT ON FILE AT THE LIBRARY BEFORE USING THE PUBLIC ACCESS
COMPUTERS.
Quality of Information: Not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete, or current. It is the responsibility of the patrons to be a good information consumer and critically evaluate any information received via the Internet. Online sources are only one of the many information resources available at the library.
Patrons are encouraged to ask Library staff
for assistance in locating printed information published in books and magazines
owned by Library that may contain additional information on their topic that is
more specific, accurate and current than what can be found on the Internet.
Accessibility:
The Internet is a global network
which offers a wealth of information, but as an unregulated medium it also
enables access to some materials that may be offensive, disturbing, and/or
illegal. The Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional Library does not monitor and has no
local control over the information available on the Internet, and can not be
held responsible for its content or quality.
Filtering: In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all computers at the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library have a technology protection measure installed. The Library will disable Internet filters upon request by patrons 18 or over, for any lawful purpose. The Library Board certifies that all staff members employed by the Library have the authority to enable and disable any technology protection measures used to filter Internet access for the use of adult patrons or staff. Staff is also authorized to unblock erroneously blocked Web sites upon any request by a minor.
Whether a computer is filtered or unfiltered, the library's Internet and
Computer Policy still prohibits access of objectionable material.
Computer patrons should be aware that no filtering system is 100% effective in blocking sites that may be objectionable to any individual. They can also block desired and inoffensive material.
Availability
of Staff Assistance:
Library staff will offer searching suggestions and answer questions, but
cannot provide individual training concerning Internet use or computer skills.
All public computer
resources at the library are provided equally to all library patrons.
Computer Usage
Procedure: To use a public computer, each
patron must sign a computer and Internet use agreement, or have one already on
file, then register at the circulation desk before each computer session. A
current Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional Library card, driver’s license, or
other I.D. is required. Library staff may ask patrons to produce proof of
identification at any point in the registration and check-in process.
Restrictions,
Age Limits and Parental Supervision: Patrons
under the age of 18 must have parental permission to use the Internet. A parent
or legal guardian must sign a parental permission computer and Internet Use
Agreement in the presence of library staff. Minor patrons will also be asked to
sign this form acknowledging their understanding of the guidelines for the use
of public computers at the Library.
Patrons under the age of 12
must have a parent or guardian, or a qualified substitute identified by the
parent or guardian, seated with them while using the Internet workstation.
Approved substitutes need to be noted on the Parent Permission Internet
Use Agreement at the time of registration.
If the approved substitute
selected to supervise a juvenile internet session is 18 or older they will need
to complete the Library’s Computer and Internet User Agreement before they
assist their designated junior user. If the approved substitute selected to
supervise a juvenile internet session is between the ages of 12 and 18 they will
need to have a Parent Permission Internet Use Agreement completed as prescribed
by policy by themselves and their respective parent or guardian.
Parents,
guardians, or other persons having the lawful charge, not the library or its
staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by
their children.
Time Limits: Patrons are restricted to one hour of use per person per day. Time extensions may be granted at the librarian’s discretion.
Not use a computer to harm other people or their work. Patrons may not employ Library systems for the purpose of libel, slander or any form of harassment.
Not damage the computer or the network in any way.
Not interfere with the operation of the network by installing software of any kind.
Not violate copyright laws (not copy software).
Not
view, send, or display offensive messages or pictures (ex. profanity,
pornography, etc.) as defined by
Not disclose or disseminate personal information that could threaten or cause damage to any person or the library.
Not trespass in another’s folders, files, or work without permission.
Not make system setting changes. These include but are not limited to screen savers, backgrounds/wallpaper, icon arrangements, screen resolution, etc.
Not use the library’s computing systems for illegal or criminal purposes. Patrons found to be using the systems for illegal purposes will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Not knowingly infect systems with viruses.
Not try to work around system security, or attempt to implement any security features.
Not have any food or drink at the public computer workstations at any time.
TO BE PREPARED to be held accountable for their actions and for the loss of privileges if the Acceptable use Policy is violated. Patrons can be held financially accountable for any damages/fines which result from improper use of the computing resources.
The Library does not support individual patron e-mail accounts. Patrons must obtain personal accounts from a web based e-mail provider to utilize e-mail service.
Communication
via the Internet is not assumed to be private or privileged information.
Patrons are encouraged to exercise caution in transmitting personal
information over the Internet.
·
Downloading
of files to a floppy, zip disk, or flash drive is permissible. Floppy disks may
be purchased at the Circulation Desk. Data cannot be stored on the hard drive or
the library's network.
Printouts from library computers are .10 cents per page for black and white, and .50 cents per page for color. Copies may be picked up and paid for at the circulation desk. Patrons must pay for all sheets that are printed.
Space around the public computer workstations is limited. No more than two people should be at any one computer at the same time.
Damage to the computer and/or software caused by misuse or improper handling will be charged to the responsible patron.
Patrons
are required to follow all policies and procedures established by the
library. All outstanding charges and overdue material issues must be
resolved before patrons will be eligible to use library computers.
Penalties
for Computer Misuse: Anyone who
engages in inappropriate behavior as defined in this policy will be warned.
Additional penalties may be applied depending on the nature of the infraction
including but not limited to:
Loss of access to computer resources at the Library.
Complete ban from the Library and loss of all Library privileges.
Required
repayment of funds expended in unauthorized use, investigation, and any
repairs.
Adopted
by the Board of Trustees November 24, 2003
Wireless Internet Access at
the Library is available to anyone who complies with the Library’s computer
and Internet use policy and has a laptop or other portable web-enabled device
equipped with a wireless network interface card (NIC).
Computer Usage Procedure: To
use the Library’s wireless connection, each patron must sign a computer and
Internet use agreement, or have one already on file, then register at the
circulation desk before each computer session. A current Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee
Regional Library card, driver’s license, or other I.D. is required. Library
staff may ask patrons to produce proof of identification at any point in the
registration and check-in process.
This procedure will allow
staff to gather statistics on the amount of use the connection is supporting. A
brochure will also be available at the circulation desk to assist patrons with
general questions about connecting to the Library’s wireless connection.
Printing: The
Library does not offer wireless users an option for printing at this time.
Additional Guidelines: Patrons
are encouraged to use headphones when listening to audio files. As in any public
place, patrons should safeguard personal belongings. Cords plugged into a
patron's laptop should not block any library walkway or access to resources and
materials.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees December 4, 2006
NOTE: October 17, 2007
Wireless Access - Locations:
Wireless Access has been installed at all locations of the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library.
Branches are located at St. Marys, Alma, Eskridge, and Onaga.
Mini Libraries are located at
Alta Vista, Harveyville, Olsburg, and Westmoreland.
Wireless
Access - Hours:
Wireless
access is currently available for use only during the hours the Library location
is scheduled to be open.
Copyright 1998 - 2002 Pottawatomie
Wabaunsee Regional Library All rights reserved.
Headquarters: 306 N. 5th
Street, St. Marys, KS 66536 - (785) 437-2778
Comments on this web page? send mail to: 
cremerj@oct.net
Last update: 10-09-2008
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