Maury Loontjens Memorial Library

COMPUTER USE POLICY

Approved by Board of Trustees June 2007

      As part of the library’s commitment to meet the cultural, informational and educational needs of the community and in response to the advances in technology in this information age, the Library continues to maintain public computers for Internet access, research, and other services as determined by the needs of the community. Please read specific policies regarding the use of the Internet and the use of computers by children.

      Computer Services are available to all library patrons regardless of having a library card. The library computers provide access to the Library Catalog, the Internet, educational programs, databases and word processing.

      The computer room provides services for adults or children over the age of 14.

Children under the age of 14 can use the computers located in the Children’s Room. (Please see section below on Computer Use By Children)

      The use of USB devices, floppy discs and CD’s are permitted. Any work saved to the computer’s hard drive will be erased. The library has CD’s available upon request for the cost of $1.00 each.

RULES FOR USING COMPUTERS:

1. Computer users will abide by all library rules.
2. All computers are first come, first served. They cannot be reserved.
3. Time limits are placed on Internet Computers and all users are expected to be fair in honoring these limits.
4. Word processing computers have extended time limits.
5. Printing of material is allowed with the charge of $.10 per page. Children doing homework are allowed up to 5 free pages.
6. Users will end their session and leave the workstation when asked to do so by Library staff.
7. Computers will not be used for illegal activities, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene; this includes viewing pornography or displaying any illegal content, or viewing materials harmful to minors in violation of federal, state and/or local laws.
8. The installation, downloading, or modification of software is prohibited.
9. Users will make no attempts to modify or gain access to system files, passwords, or data. This includes changes to computer set-up or configuration of software and hardware.
10. Users will make only authorized copies of software or data, and are responsible for compliance with all international, national, and state laws governing copyrighted materials.
11. The Library reserves the right to restrict access to particular Internet sites.

Computer Use by Children

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what a minor, reads or views on the Internet rests with parents and guardians. As mentioned above, the library uses filters as required by law. It is important to note that the library recognizes that such filtering software is far from perfect; it can allow some inappropriate content to pass through and it can block appropriate sites. Parents should review guidelines with their children to ensure a positive on-line experience at home and here at the library.

Guidelines for Computer Use with Children:

• Use the Internet with your child or children
• Explain what is or is not appropriate computer use
• Encourage children to use the Library’s home page (web.provlib.org/narlib/)
• Limit the amount of time spent on the computer
• Instruct children to never give out personal information
• Educate children on the pros and cons of information found on the Internet. Is the website from a reputable source? Check to see who is providing the information. Also check that the information is current and accurate.

Library Rules for Patron Conduct

These rules apply to everyone in the library. “Library” shall mean all parts of the interior of the library including, without limitation, the entrance and parking lot to the library. These rules may be enforced by suspending the privilege of a violator to use the library.

Library staff will intervene to prohibit any of the activities or behaviors listed below. Violators will be asked to stop each activity immediately. If the activity/behavior continues, he or she will be instructed to leave the library for the balance of that day. Repeat violations can result in one week to one month suspension.

1. Patrons will not steal damage or alter any property of the library intentionally including all equipment, software and programs.
2. There is no tobacco use of any kind.
3. Patrons must refrain from bringing in any food or beverages other than water. Exceptions are made for library programming in designated areas.
4. Patrons will not harass or threaten another person in the library.
5. There is no riding of skateboards, scooters, bikes or roller blades (including “healies”) in the library or on the library ramp. 
6. Bicycles must be parked away from the entrance, the stairway and ramp area.
7. All patrons are expected to wear appropriate clothing including shirts and shoes; Cover-ups must be worn over swim attire.
8. Indecent exposure will not be tolerated.
9. Weapons of any kind are banned from the library except by law enforcement.
10. No sleeping in any part of the library with the exception of young children.
11. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the library.
12. Patrons are not allowed in the library when it is closed. There must be a least 2 staff members present to open the library.
13. Participation in any type of petition is prohibited.
14. Children should be attended at all times and parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Children under 10 are not to be unattended. See Unattended Children Policy.
15. Patrons who disturb staff members or other patrons with behavior, bad language or actions will be warned; if disruptive behavior, language or actions continue patrons will be asked to leave. Judgment is at the staff’s discretion.
16. No swearing, name calling or foul language permitted in the library.
17. No talking or tutoring in the quiet study.

MEETING ROOM RULES

The room may only be reserved  for use during normal library hours.  Entry to the building will not be before 10:00 a.m. and must be vacated by 9:00 p.m.

1. Any individual, group or organization wishing to use the meeting room must complete an application and return it to the Library's Reference Desk at least one week in advance of the scheduled date.

2. After reviewing the application, the applicant will be notified if their request for the use of the room has been approved.  The room cannot be used without prior approval.

3. Any individual, group or organization is responsible for any property damage that may occur when using the room.  Noise must be maintained at a level that demonstrates consideration for the Meeting Room's close proximity to the Library's general reading/study area

4. All individuals or groups are responsible to the their own set-up and clean-up.  The room must be left clean and in orderly condition.  All meetings must be terminated fifteen minutes prior to closing  and the building must be vacated by closing. 

5. NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED IN THE MEETING ROOM OR ANYWHERE IN THE LIBRARY

6. ROOM CAPACITY MUST NOT EXCEED 20 INDIVIDUALS.