Maury Loontjens Memorial Library

COMPUTER USE POLICY

 Board Approved May 2010

    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.

*Computer services are available for everyone: patrons and visitors can access the Library Catalog, the Internet, software programs and databases using our network. The computer room provides services for adults or children over the age of 14. Younger users have access to computers in the children’s room.

*Computer use is managed by software programs. A warning is displayed when computers are ready to shut down. We strongly recommend flash drives/USB devices as a way to protect your work. Computers can shut down for circumstances that are beyond the library’s control. All work will be lost if not saved on a device.

Computer Users must follow the library’s rules of conduct as well as the following:

    -Users are required to agree with these rules upon signing onto the computers
    -Library cards are required to use the Internet or word processing stations;     patrons       not qualified for a library card can obtain a guest pass with a photo I.D.
    -Respect individual time limits placed on each user (time modification requests must go through a staff member)
    -Payment for all printing is required regardless of equipment failure
    -Computers are not to be used for illegal activities, viewing or printing               inappropriate or offensive materials as determined by community standards (this includes viewing materials harmful to minors in violation of federal, state and/or local laws)
    -Users must comply with International, National and State Laws governing             copyrighted materials
    -Users cannot attempt to modify or gain access to system files, passwords or data            including attempts to bypass filter blocks or the software management system
    -No personal conversations or talking on cell phones in the computer room
    -Users may not misrepresent themselves by using other patron names or accounts
 
Users not following the rules will be subject to a verbal warning. Patrons who chose to ignore warnings will be subject to the loss of computer privileges for up to 30 days.





.

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.