Charles County Public Library Computer Policy
Last Revised: 11/18/2006
PUBLIC COMPUTER POLICY
The Charles County Public Library provides computer workstations for public
use. Computers are provided to meet the educational, personal, recreational
and professional needs of library customers. Please remember that certain computers are designated for catalog searches only.
PUBLIC COMPUTERS ACCEPTABLE USE PROCEDURES
All customers are expected to abide by the following procedures and rules
for computer use in the library.
WHO MAY USE THE LIBRARY COMPUTERS?
1. A current and valid library card is needed to use the computer
workstations.
2. Children under 8 years of age must use computers with a parent or
responsible adult.
3. Customers are responsible for the correct use and handling of all
computer
hardware and software.
4. Staff may limit the number of customers using a computer depending on
space availability and noise level.
TIME LIMITS
1. Computer use is on a first come, first served walk-in basis.
2. Sign-in entitles customers to ONE HOUR of computer use. Maximum use
per day is four hours (240 minutes).
3. At the end of the initial hour, the current customer may continue
unless
there is another request for computer usage. 15 minute renewal intervals are
available
after the initial hour.
PROPER USE OF EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE
1. Customers may NOT store information to the hard drive.
2. Customers may NOT install any software or CD-ROM's onto a library
computer.
3. Software PROGRAMS are copyright-protected and may not be downloaded.
4. Customers should not open multiple Internet sessions.
5. Customers are responsible for damage to or loss of hardware and software
due to negligence. Replacement costs will apply in cases of loss or
damage
to hardware and/or software. Parents are responsible for damages caused
by children under the age of 18.
6. The library is not responsible for loss of personal files resulting from
use of
computers.
7. Use storage media at your own risk.
PRINTING
1. The cost to print is .20 per page for black and white copies. Color copies are available for .50 per
page. Customers
may not provide their own paper.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
1. The Library encourages customers to be responsible and considerate
2. The World Wide Web can provide valuable resources, but information on
the Internet is not warranted to be accurate, authoritative, or factual
3. The Library has no control over and is not responsible for the content
of any
remote sites.
4. Users must be aware that images or text on their computer screen can be
offensive to other Library customers and library staff and is not
appropriate
for viewing in a public and open environment. A staff member may ask
you
to close the web site.
5. The entire responsibility of identifying, evaluating, and avoiding
offensive
Internet sites rests with the customer or with parents of children
using the
Internet.
6. Parents concerned about Internet use by their children need to instruct
their
children on what they consider appropriate use of the Internet.
Librarians can help locate materials to assist parents and children in
learning about safe Internet use
7. Library computers may not be used for illegal activities or for other
activities
such as harassment, distribution of unsolicited advertising,
introduction of
computer viruses or attempting to make unauthorized entry (hacking)
into
other computers.
8. Unauthorized use of library card authentication is prohibited.
9. Computers will be turned off without notice during severe weather
conditions.
10. Computers will be assigned randomly.
COMPUTERS ARE PROVIDED AS A PUBLIC SERVICE. ABUSE OF COMPUTERS OR
PROCEDURES WILL LEAD TO THE DENIAL OF THEIR USE BY THE LIBRARY STAFF AT THE
TIME OF THE INFRACTION. THOSE WHO FAIL TO FOLLOW LIBRARY RULES MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE
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