Approved by Library
Board: April 21, 2005
Approved by Guthrie
City Council: July 5, 2005 (Resolution 2005-16)
Computer Policy -
The
Guthrie Public Library provides computers for public use. Computers are
available for document preparation and access to various electronic resources
including the Internet, library catalogs and databases.
Conditions and Terms
of Use in the Library
-
All computer
users must read the policies and procedures for library computer and Internet
usage and sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. If the user is under the age of
eighteen (18), his/her parent or legal guardian must also read and sign the
agreement in the presence of library staff.
-
Users must treat library materials
and equipment in a responsible manner in order to preserve the equipment and
insure availability for other users. Users must not interfere with the operation
of any computer, including altering, damaging or destroying data or computer
programs or installing or downloading software to the computers.
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Users must not use any
library computer for any illegal or criminal purpose
including copying resources that are protected by
copyright. Such resources may include, but are not
limited to, software, data, text files, images, and
sounds. The library reserves the right to confiscate
illegal copies that are created with library
equipment.
-
Users must not access,
view, upload, download, or otherwise distribute or
knowingly receive materials that are pornographic or
obscene. In accordance with the Children’s Internet
Protection Act, users must not access, view, upload,
download, or otherwise distribute or knowingly
receive visual images that are harmful to minors.
-
Users may transfer
files to a diskette in drive A: after the disk has
been scanned for viruses by the library staff.
Diskettes must be in good condition to avoid damage
to the computer. Files may not be transferred
directly to the hard drive (drive C:).
-
Staff will gladly
assist Internet users but cannot provide extensive
instruction. During certain hours of operation,
staff time may be severely limited.
-
Users may use free
e-mail sites available on the web for public use.
-
Material may be printed
using the public access printer. Fees for printing
are determined by the City Council.
-
The
Internet is an unregulated medium that offers access to a wealth of material
that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of
all ages. The Internet also enables access to some material that may be
offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. The library cannot control or monitor all
material accessed by patrons and networks via the Internet; however, in
accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, Technology Protection
Measures will be utilized. Such measures will include filtering software and/or
hardware. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining content
suitability of unfiltered sites. Users are encouraged to inform library staff if
visual images that are pornographic, obscene, or harmful to minors are
unfiltered. Adult users may request that a staff member disable the filter for
their use.
-
Parents of
minor children have full responsibility for their child’s use of the library’s
Internet terminals. Just as parents are encouraged to discuss appropriate use of
other library materials, the library encourages parents to discuss with their
children the appropriate use of electronic resources available through the
Internet. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the hazards of
releasing personal information on the Internet.
-
Because
the library’s ability to provide Internet access is limited, the library
reserves the right to allow or restrict access to selected sites to insure the
most efficient use of resources. The library also reserves the right to ask
users to refrain from displaying computer images that are inappropriate for
public viewing.
General Information Regarding Use
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Computers are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Patrons with a fine of
$5.00 or more may not use the public access
computers. Patrons with fines or fees older than 90
days will be Temporarily Barred from library
services until their account is paid in full.
-
All users are required
to check in and out with library personnel and must
show their library card indicating the type of
access they have on the computer (Internet or
General Use). Temporary users (visitors or residents
needing computer access for a short period of time)
may access the Internet by submitting their driver’s
license to library staff. Record of the temporary
user’s name and state of residence will be logged to
confirm their signature acknowledging compliance
with the Acceptable Use Agreement is on file.
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There is a one-hour
time limit per session unless no other users are
waiting. That period may be shortened based on high
usage or peak periods as determined by the library
director or his/her designee. Users signing up for a
second period of the day will be permitted computer
use until such time as another patron signing up for
his/her first use of the day requests a computer.
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No more than two people
may be seated at a computer workstation.
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All users must be
logged off fifteen minutes prior to closing of each
business day.
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Users leaving the
computer for more than five minutes will be asked to
give up their time at the computer for other users.
Failure to Comply with Policies and Procedures
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Failure to comply with this policy will result in
the loss of computer privileges and possible legal action.
-
Users are financially responsible if
noncompliance results in damage to library computers, equipment and software. A
bill for technical support, repair and replacement of equipment/software will be
issued to the user.
-
All restrictions may be
appealed to the Library Board for review and
consideration.
The Friends’ Computer Lab is
available for training purposes. Fees for use of the
lab are determined by the City Council. As staffing
allows and demand requires, the computer lab may be
used for overflow public access computer use.
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