1. The Library’s public access computers are available on a first come first serve basis. The Library uses an automated reservation system. All patrons must sign in at reservation terminal to reserve a computer. A waiting list for each age group will be on display at one end of the computer bank for that assigned age group.
a. All computer users are required to have a Bastrop Public Library card or guest card to sign in. No guest cards are issued to children or teens.
b. Patrons must use their own library card barcode number or a guest card number to reserve a workstation. Identification is required to request a lookup of your card number.
c. Do not use someone else's library bar code number to access a computer. Any patron who uses someone else's library card barcode number or a guest card number not issued directly to them is subject to losing their computer privileges.
|
2. Patrons sign-up for 30-minute blocks of time. After completing the first 30-minute reservation, a Patron may continue to use their workstation for an additional 30 minutes if there is not a waiting list. A patron may sign-up for a total of four 30-minute time slots or a total of two hours per day.
3. The Library’s computers are designated Adult, Teen and Children’s computers.
a. Children’s computers are in the Children’s area of the library. Adults and Teens are not allowed on Children’s computers, but a parent or sibling may assist a child on a Children’s computer.
b. Teen computers are located directly outside of the HEB Teen Room. Adult and Children are not allowed to use the Teen’s computers unless prior permission is given.
c. Teen and children are not allowed on the adult computers unless accompanied by an adult.
4. If you leave before your allotted time is over, please log off computer. This will keep others from using your allotted time. Log off by clicking the start button at the bottom left of the screen and choosing the "log off" option.
5. You may check and send email on the library computers only if you have your own web-based email account (such as yahoo mail or hotmail).
6. The library has no plug-in access for laptop computers with modems, but laptop users may access the wireless Internet anywhere inside the library.
7. It is the mission of the Bastrop Public Library to provide unrestricted access to informational, educational, cultural and recreational library materials and services; however, we are also committed to being sensitive to the rights of all of our patrons.
- Therefore, accessing sites containing pornography or other graphics or text that is unsuitable or that may offend other library users or staff is not acceptable.
- Patrons who violate this computer use policy will be asked to exit the site immediately.
- Patrons who continue to violate this policy will lose their computer privileges.
- Patrons are encouraged to report policy violations.
8. Parents are responsible for overseeing their children's use of the library’s public access computers.
a. The children’s and teen’s computers have filters that block certain sites and/or content. Internet filters are an imperfect safeguard against pornography and other objectionable materials. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children who are using library computers. Parents need to caution their children in providing personal information over the Internet.
b. Staff is not responsible and does not monitor the content of Internet sites visited by either children or adults. Adult computers are not filtered.
c.Children may request assistance from a librarian to search on an adult computer if the subject they are researching is blocked by the Internet filter.
9. Do not alter hardware, software, desktop, or web browser settings on the computers.
10. New diskettes may be purchased at the Check-Out desk for $1.00 each. Downloading any files or programs to the hard drive is prohibited.
11. Patrons may use their own USB memory sticks or floppy disks to save their personal data.
12. The Library is not liable for damages to personal data, diskettes or other equipment that are damaged when information is copied from the Library’s computers or the Internet.
13. Patrons are responsible for being aware of copyright restrictions while using the Internet. Most information available on the Internet is copyrighted, and therefore protected and permission must be obtained to use the images or text presented.
14. Black and white copies may be printed from materials found on library computers. Color copies are not available. The charge for each page printed is ten (10) cents and must be paid for at the Check-Out desk.
15. The library does not provide CD burners, headphones, or wireless printers for public use.
16. Do not use the library computers to commit a crime. All violators will be subject to criminal prosecution by the appropriate police agency.
Staff will ask anyone violating the above policy to discontinue what they are doing immediately. Those who violate this policy may lose their computer privileges for a length of time determined by the Library Director.
Rev. 03/04/08
Approved by the Library Board: 03/10/08
Approved by the Bastrop City Council: 03/25/08 |
