Internet Use Policy

Our Internet and computer use policy is now available online in PDF format.

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Special information concerning Wireless Internet Access

Wireless users are subject to applicable portions of this policy, including the sections concerning inappropriate or illegal usage, copyright issues, and use by children.

Patrons who are interested in Internet Service Providers for home use should follow this link to our ISP information page.

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Miscellaneous Internet and Computer Use Rules

Visitors

In certain instances, users age 18 or older and without a library card may be granted temporary Internet privileges by leaving their driver's license or other form of identification at the circulation desk in exchange for a Temporary Computer Card. Temporary cards will be issued at the discretion of library staff.

Age requirements

Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian signature on their Internet Use Agreement Form and are not allowed to use temporary access cards. There is no other age requirement.

Checkout Times

Patrons are limited to one hour of computer access per day. Users in the adult computer area may be granted extensions to their current session for work involving time consuming tasks (taxes, job applications) provided there are no patrons on the computer waiting list. Time extensions will not be given to patrons under the age or 18 nor to users in the Children's area. The Library cannot guarantee that users will have enough time to complete online tasks.

Behavior and Conduct

When using a computer station, please be courteous to other users and those waiting for an open station. We ask that users respect the privacy of others both in the Library and online. If you have passed your hour time limit and other patrons are waiting for computer access, you will be automatically logged off. Users may not switch between computers without first signing off of their current computer. Patrons must use their own library card to access the public computers; use of another patron's library card in order to gain access to Library computers is considered to be a form of identity theft and will result in both cards involved being banned from all computer access. Your card will be blocked from computer access if it has expired or has fines of $5.00 or more.

General usage

The Library is not responsible for interruptions to Internet service beyond our control, including but not limited to problems with network lines and web servers, hardware failures, power outages, or any other problems with the Internet outside of our facilities. Problems with hardware and software in the Library will be dealt with as staff and time permit.

In the event that deliberate misuse results in damage to Library computer equipment, the library will hold the user(s)liable for any necessary repair / replacement costs, which could exceed $1,000.

Installed Software and Hardware

All public workstations currently run Windows XP SP2, with Internet Explorer 7 and FireFox 2 as available web browsers. Anti-virus software is used on all machines. Additional software includes Adobe Acrobat Reader, Java, Flash & Shockwave browser plug-ins. Microsoft Office 2000 is installed on the public computers, offering Word, Publisher, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Sound and other audio functions are disabled on all public computers except for the Children's Game Computer. The Library does not provide headphones for public use.

Users may request the addition, by Library staff, of content-specific software or "plug-ins" if it is required to view a website that does not violate our Internet use policy. The Library does not offer support to patrons who are having difficulties with software and/or services which violate any portion of this policy, and cannot guarantee that other requested software will be installed or supported.

Browsing Limits and Filters

Library Catalog stations are limited to the online-catalog and related online and electronic resources. Web-based email access may be available on these computers if all public Internet stations are in use.

A filter is used to block access to pornographic websites, and other sites that may violate the terms of this policy. Since no filtering software is perfect, we expect patrons to know what is and is not appropriate for viewing in a library setting. It is not possible for the Library to monitor and control information on the Internet; therefore, the Library cannot be held responsible for information obtained through the Internet, or any consequences arising from such use. In addition, illegal use of Library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities, and will be reported by the Library to the appropriate authorites. The Library cooperates fully with legal investigations regarding computer use.

At times the filter(s) may prevent access to a legitimate site, in which case patrons may ask that staff temporarily disable the filter. An additional local filter also blocks sites which have been shown to be inappropriate for viewing in a public library setting, or detrimental to library service, but for one reason or another are not blocked by the regular filter. If you are attempting to access a site that you know exists or should be available, but the site does not display, it may be blocked locally.

The use of chat services and online games will not be supported by Library staff. Chat programs are not available; please look for web-based alternatives.

E-mail

The Library does not provide e-mail service to patrons. If patrons have Web-based email accounts (i.e. accounts with Yahoo or Hotmail, and some college/university accounts) they may access them from the public Internet stations. AOL Webmail is not recommended by Library staff. Patrons may also sign up for these free services while at the Library. Staff members may be able to assist you with the process if time permits. Email services which require the use of a separate program, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird, are not accessible. The use of public computers for sending unsolicited email ("spam") is expressly prohibited; any users found to be engaging in this or any other illegal activity will have their Internet privileges permanently revoked.

Security and Privacy Issues

The Library temporarily stores a daily URL history of all websites visited. This is used to evaluate computer usage statistics and the effectiveness of our filtering and security measures, and as a means of enforcing and determining the validity of claims involving breeches of our Internet Use Policy. The URL history records do not include patron information.

Printing

The Library uses a networked printer system. Patrons are able to print documents from any computer, then pick up their printouts at the circulation desk. Printouts currently cost $.10/page for black & white printouts (default) and $.20/page for color printouts (regardless of page content). Patrons are responsible for all pages printed. Print jobs are not actually printed until the patron requests the printouts at the front desk. If you have questions about printing procedures, please ask a staff member before you print. In the event of a printer malfunction, patrons will not be charged for unusable printouts.

Help and Technical Support

Library staff members are usually available for Internet and computer assistance, although they may not be familiar with every application patrons want to use, and every situation which may arise. In cases where in-depth instruction is needed, Library staff will attempt to provide further resources for users to study.

Policies which apply to the purchase and circulation of Library materials do not apply to the Internet.

Library staff members reserve the right to override this policy in exceptional situations.

Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in a loss of Internet privileges.