When you
bypass this page,
you are agreeing to this Internet Policy.
Kountze Public Library
Computer and Internet Access Policies, Rules and Procedures
Disclaimer: The City of Kountze/Library
accepts no responsibility for any information viewed on the World Wide Web by a
patron, his/her family or the patron using the computer workstation next to,
before or after him/her. The Library does not act in place of the parent.
Acceptable Uses of Public Access Computers
The library’s computers are intended for educational, informational and
recreational purposes only.
Those who wish to use the library’s computers must have a library record clear
of fines and must not have overdue items. A library card is required in order to
use the public access computers and are scanned prior to computer sign-in.
Signing Up For Computer and Internet Access
Patrons who wish to use the public access computer
workstations for word processing or Internet access need to read the policies,
rules and procedures below. After agreeing to uphold the policies, rules and
procedures, the patron will be instructed on the sign-in procedures and given a
password to access the computer workstations. At the librarian’s discretion, a
computer may be assigned for patron use. Patrons should not move from computer
to computer without the librarian’s permission. For your privacy, be sure to use
control-alt-delete to log off after you have finished using the computer.
The library does not assume responsibility for sensitive
information left on the computer’s desktop by previous users. A
sheet is kept at the circulation desk for patrons to sign in for computer use.
Users should print their first name and last initial, time signed in and time
signed out. These sheets are not kept by the library, but are used for patron
computer time management and for usage statistics.
Time Limits
At sign-in, patron has one hour of computer time. If others
are not waiting, more time can be granted at the discretion of the librarian. If
others are waiting to use the computer, patrons who have reached the hour limit
will be asked to discontinue their session.
Filtering
At this time, filtering is used on the library’s public access computers.
However, in order to use filtered access on the 2 computers in the children’s
section, the CHILD profile (which has no Internet icon on desktop) must be used.
The ALL profile does allow Internet access on those computers. The City of
Kountze/ Library accepts no responsibility for any
information viewed on the World Wide Web by a patron, his/her family or the
patron using the computer workstation next to, before or after you.
Children's Access to the Internet
Library staff cannot assume responsibility for monitoring
what children view on the computers and Internet. That is the sole
responsibility of the parent. Parents are also responsible for informing
their children about issues pertaining to child safety and appropriate use while
accessing the Internet. Children using the Internet who are not monitored
by a parent are responsible for their own actions.
Headphone Use and Disinfecting
Headphones are necessary in the library setting so that
other patrons will not be disturbed. Ask a librarian for a disposable wipe if
you need to clean the headphones before use.
Monitoring and Assistance from Staff
Librarians can provide basic help, such as logging onto the
computers, printing, etc. but staff cannot engage in lengthy explanations of
programs or other computer usage issues with patrons. Instructional materials
for patrons are available to aid them in using the computers correctly. The
library hosts computer classes at various times during the year. A librarian can
give you information about having your name put on a waiting list for the next
available class. The library reserves the right to monitor computer usage
in the library.
Printing From Computers
Printing from computers is allowed. It is advisable to
check with library staff before printing. Copies may be picked up at the
circulation desk. Cost is 20c per page. There is a limit of 25 copies per
patron. If anyone prints over 25 copies, the price is increased to 25c per
page. If you need help in selecting certain pages to print from the computer,
please ask a librarian. Patrons must pay for all copies they print
out—even those printed by mistake.
Prohibited Behaviors
- No patron is allowed to view sexually explicit or
offensive materials on any library computer. The library reserves the right
to monitor the computer user if it is suspected that this is being done.
- No patron is allowed to download files to the computer
hard drives or bring disks or CDs from home to use on library computers.
Blank Floppy disks and CDs are available for purchase at the library desk
for one dollar each so that patrons can save files.
- No patron should violate copyright laws.
- No patron should download an Instant Messenger or
enter a CHAT room.
- No computer patron should violate usual library rules
such as: No eating or drinking, no loud noise, abusive language, unruly
behavior, or cell phone use is allowed in the library. Cell phones may
be used in the lobby.
- No more than one patron per computer is allowed unless
at the discretion of the librarian.
- Commercial business activity or enterprise or
distributing advertisements using public access computers is not permitted.
- The director/library staff reserves the right to
prohibit computer access to any patron who does not appear to be adhering to
the proper conduct described above or to any computer user who is disrupting
other computer users. By using the public access computers, you are agreeing
to the rules and procedures governing their use. Failure to obey the
rules may result in the patron being barred from using the computer and/or
the library as well.
Termination of Computer Usage
If library staff observes a patron violating the terms of
this Computer Agreement, they are authorized to terminate that user’s session.
1. First Warning: Patron is told to cease the offensive or
incorrect behavior.
2. Second warning: Patron is suspended from using the
computer for that day.
3. Third warning: Patron use is suspended permanently.
(Adopted by City Council
Aug. 21, 2003/ Updated 5-2007)
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