The Alanson Area Public Library

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Alanson Area Public Library Computer Use Policy and Internet Guidelines.

February, 2009

Welcome to the Alanson Area Public Library’s public access computers. We provide Internet access and access to Open Office, which allows the same applications as Microsoft Office. To maximize computer availability, and to ensure fair accessibility for all, please follow these rules and procedures.

General Computing Rules and Guidelines

·        You must first accept this computer use and Internet policy in order to use any of the workstations.

·        You must sign in at the computer sign-in sheet at the circulation desk, with your first and last name, to use the computers. These sheets are saved in our records for one year.

·        You will be assigned a computer. Do not switch computers without first alerting the Library staff that you will be moving.

·        There is a one-session limit on the computers per day. These sessions may last up to an hour. If you are performing legitimate research, word processing, or other office applications, it may be possible to extend your session beyond the one-hour time limit. However, those using the computers for game playing, personal correspondence (e-mail), or other networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook will be held to the single one-hour session per person, per day.

·        You may not use your own software programs on the computers.

·        You may bring your own USB drive for use on the computers. However, the USB drive may not be used for digital cameras, mp3 players, Ipods, or any other peripheral items.

·        A printer is available for printouts. Prints are .20 cents per page for black and white copies, and .30 cents per page for color copies. Please pay for prints at the circulation desk.

·        Computing resources may only be used for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to:

Harassment of other users or library staff

Libel or slander of other users

Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users

Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.

Unauthorized copying of copyright protected material.

Exchange or duplication of software programs protected under copyright law

·        There is absolutely no eating or drinking at the computer workstations!

·        Please also be advised that these are public computers used by many people. The library warns users of the risk involved when using services such as Internet banking or services where the use of a password/PIN is necessary, as this may result in access to your personal information by others. The library will not be held responsible for any misuse which results from using these computers for personal Internet services.

General Internet Guidelines

·        The Library is a public forum designed for public inquiry and therefore must not deny access to information protected under the First Amendment. On the other hand, text or images that may be reasonably believed to be prohibited by Michigan law should not be displayed in the library. The library will attempt through its policies to keep such materials from being accessed and displayed on library computers. However, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines, we will choose the least restrictive means possible so that valid information and protected speech are not inadvertently blocked.

·        Internet access in the library by minor children under 18 years of age must also comply with Michigan law. Public Act 212 requires that the library utilize a system or method that is designed to prevent a minor from viewing obscene matter or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. We have and continue to provide unfiltered Internet access to our patrons. However, our workstations are monitored by library staff and are in full view of staff and other patrons. We use time limits and limits on games and chat rooms to help ensure the safety of minors who may use our computers. In this way, we hope to continue to provide unfiltered Internet access. If parents or guardians have concerns about what their children are accessing on the Internet, we recommend that they personally supervise their children’s time on the computer.

·        Please note that neither obscenity nor child pornography is protected by the First Amendment. Neither of these should be viewed at any time by anyone on library computers. If a library staff member judges that a user is viewing either of these, the user will be asked to leave the library and will have privileges suspended until an investigation is completed.

·        There are to be no chat rooms accessed by anyone at anytime.

·        Patrons cannot use the library computer or Internet connection to commit a crime.

·        There is to be no downloading or uploading of files of any kind.

·        While patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish, the library must also be mindful and respectful of the rights of other patrons (particularly children), to not be exposed to material and images they (or their parents) may find personally unsuitable. Therefore, staff members will request that a patron remove any images or text from an Internet workstation screen if, in the staff member’s judgment, the image or text is displayed in such a way that other patrons, particularly children, cannot avoid viewing it in the course of carrying out their business in the library.

·        Any patron who is asked to remove an image or text from the monitor and then continues to view unsuitable images or text, will be asked to leave the facility. If there is a repeated offense, the patron will lose computer privileges for one month. Any and all offenses after the month suspension will result in losing computer privileges for one year.

·        Loss of Privilege may be appealed to the Library Board.

General Wireless Access Guidelines

1. Wireless Internet access will allow you to:

·        Have immediate Internet access using your own computer rather than waiting for an available library computer

·        Connect to the Internet without time limits

·        Download files onto your own computer

·        Use your own software and have access to your own files

2. Be aware:

·        Wireless users must comply with our Computer and Internet Policy.

·        Although the wireless hub is routed through our firewall, the wireless connection is less secure than a hard-wired connection. Be a savvy user! (See below)

·        Printing may be available through the wireless hub. Ask at the reference desk for a copy of the print drivers.

3. Be a Savvy User

The Internet is a public communications network. Public wireless networks or “hotspots” are generally not secure from your laptop to the Wireless Access Point. There can be unscrupulous parties between you and anybody you communicate with. Wireless Internet access poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks because data is broadcast over radio waves. Wireless users need to take steps to secure their personal information and machines. The Library cannot assure the safety of your data.

Savvy wireless users will:

·        Not transmit any important information that may be misused such as credit card number, social security numbers, home address, passwords, etc.

·        Have a firewall on their personal machines

·        Avoid having disks, folders and files “shared”

·        Have anti-virus software installed on their machine and configured to do frequent updates automatically.

·        Not leave equipment unattended.

4. Wireless Netiquette

The wireless network is intended to be a shared resource. If you use a large amount of bandwidth, you take it from others. Be considerate.

·        Do not download large files over the wireless connection

·        Do not stream video or audio over the wireless connection

Last modified: 01/14/10