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COMPUTER POLICY AND REGULATIONS
Hiawatha Public Library
INTERNET
Consistent with its mission, the Hiawatha Public
Library will provide opportunities to explore the World Wide Web and
the Internet in the library. The Internet enables the library to
provide access to information beyond the confines of its own
collection.
| 1. |
Use of the Internet
computers is available by reservation or on first-come,
first-served basis. Reservations may be made up to 24 hours
in advance for a one-hour block of time. It may be possible
to extend that time if someone else does not need the
computer. Due to the limited number of Internet stations
available people will be limited to a maximum of 2 hours a
day. |
| 2. |
Use of the E-mail computer
is available on a first-come, first served basis.
Reservations are not accepted. Each session is for 30
minutes. Any individual may use the computer for a maximum
of 60 minutes a day. |
| 3. |
Patrons requesting use of
the Internet or E-mail computers will need to present a
valid library card in good standing and will sign a usage
agreement that will be kept on file. An individual must
check in at the front desk before using the Internet or
e-mail computers. . When done with the Internet they must
sign out at the front desk. Failure to do so may cause fines
to accrue on the patron's library card. |
| 4. |
The library assumes no
responsibility for the use of the Internet. Just as
libraries do not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of all
written material in their collection, they do not do so for
electronic information. Parents or guardians are responsible
for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by
their children. |
| 5. |
Parents/guardians may
restrict their children and only their children-from access
to Internet resources accessible through the library.
Parents/guardians are advised to supervise their children's
Internet sessions. |
| 6. |
Sending and/or receiving
e-mail is permitted on the library's Internet computers, but
the library does not provide e-mail accounts. |
| 7. |
Personal software programs
cannot be used on library computers. |
| 8. |
Personal diskettes, CDs, and
flash drives may be used on library computers. |
| 9. |
Software cannot be
downloaded from the Internet. |
| 10. |
Printing is available for
$.10/pg. It will be printed to a shared laser printer that
is kept at the front desk. |
| 11. |
No more than two people at a
time are allowed at a computer. All minors at the
internet/e-mail computers must have parental approval.
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| 12. |
Sometimes library staff can
help with basic computer use, but we will not provide
detailed information on software and its use. The library
reserves the right to require anyone who wishes to use the
computers to be knowledgeable in their operation.
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| 13. |
The use of the library
computers must be for legal and ethical purposes. Examples
of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to the
following: " Destruction of or damage to equipment, software
or data belonging to the library; " Violation of computer
system security and/or system configuration; " Violation of
another user's right to privacy; " Violation of the
copyright laws of the United States; " Use of sounds and
visuals that might be disruptive to others. " Receiving or
displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be
construed as indecent or obscene. " Accessing "adult only"
sites is not allowed. |
**Violations of the computer use policy may result
in loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial
responsibility. Illegal acts involving library computers may also be
subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. It
is against the law Iowa to download or provide child pornography, or
display pornography where children may see it. (Iowa Code, chapter
728.2)
- The Internet is an unregulated medium. It
offers access to a wealth of material that may be personally,
professionally and culturally enriching to people of all ages.
However, the Internet also allows access to material that may be
offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.
- Library staff cannot control the
availability, accuracy, or currency of information links, which
often change rapidly and unpredictably. Each individual must
evaluate the validity and reliability of the information.
PUBLIC USE COMPUTERS Public Use Computers are
available for using Word, Excel, and Power Point. Please check in at
the front desk before using these computers. A sign-in and sign-out
sheet is provided. Computers are available on a first-come, first
served basis. Library diskettes are available for a nominal fee.
Rules 8-13 of this document will also apply to use of these
computers.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees 12/1/98
Revised 10/7/99
Revised 2/12/02
Revised 7/9/02
Revised 1/14/03
Revised 5/11/05 |