BASIC RULES FOR COMPUTER USE

 

General Use

• Public access computers are now available, and Patrons are limited to 30 minutes a session, 2 sessions available per day. The sessions may be consecutive if the computer has not been reserved for another patron.

• A valid library card is required to login to a public access computer. If a patron does not have one, a temporary card can be requested at the front desk. 

• A reservation may be made for a public access computer for that current day. The reservation will be forfeited if the patron is ten minutes late.

• Staff will provide reasonable assistance to patrons regarding technology.

• Computers will be turned off ten minutes prior to closing.

• Due to space constraints, computer use is limited to a maximum of two people per computer workstation.

• Use of the Internet for activities that violate local, state, or federal laws is prohibited.

• Display of sexually explicit graphics is inappropriate in a public environment.  The Library reserves the right to ask users to refrain from displaying inappropriate computer images.

• The Library staff is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the computers. Users should report problems to staff immediately.

 

Children

• Computers are reserved for use by children and young adults (through middle school age) only.

• Computers are to be used primarily for research including appropriate web sites and educational software.  Librarians reserve the right to prohibit chat room use and/or any use that violates library policy.

• Computer use is limited to no more than two children per computer. Study groups may request an exception to this rule by speaking to the children’s librarian.  Due to the size of the room, no more than four people may use the room at one time.

• Children may sign up for one half hour per day. If no one is waiting to use the computer, they may stay on for an additional half hour.  If two children are on one computer, they will be considered one user.

• Children are expected to respect another person’s privacy and to observe the library’s rules of conduct.  Failure to comply with these rules may result in loss of computer privileges.

 

Software

• The library cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss of data incurred while using library technology.

• Unauthorized access to the Natalia Veteran's Memorial Library computer system is strictly prohibited. Users will not engage in any such activity or attempt to access the NVML  computer system for the purpose of altering or manipulating hardware or software.

• Patrons must not purposely alter, install, remove or damage computer software or hardware, including library files or settings.

 

Charges

• The cost to repair damage knowingly caused by any patron to library computers or their peripherals will be charged to that patron. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the charges of patrons under the age of 18.

• Printing charges will be 25 cents per page.

 

Privacy

• Use of the Internet and the World Wide Web cannot be considered secure.  Therefore patrons should consider their Internet activity as public information and limit their activities accordingly.

• Non-library files on the computer hard drive, the contents of the temporary folders and the cache, as well as the location bar on the Internet browsers, will be inspected, reviewed and deleted daily.

• The Natalia Veteran's Memorial Library will treat information displayed on its computers and/or printers, including its patron and circulation records as confidential. Requests for disclosure of information will only be honored when required by local, state, or federal law.

 

Sanctions

Users who do not observe these rules may have their library privileges revoked. Appeals may be made to the Library Director who may refer the appeal to the Board of Trustees.

 

Approved by the Library Director in December 2021.