Library Computer and Internet Use

It is the mission the Schoolcraft Community Library to make library material accessible to meet the needs and interest of the community it serves.

The Library’s public, free, open access computers and internet service are accessible in accordance with the ALA “Library Bill of Rights” and the associate interpretation of “Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks” are made available as information and educational resources that supplement other library resources.

This policy provides an explanation of technologies available along with General Usage Policies, Patron and Staff Responsibilities that support the right to use the Library’s public access computers and Internet.

Access to the Library Patron Internet stations shall be made available to all patrons.

Schoocraft Community Library Internet System

• Internet stations at Schoolcraft Community Library are designed to access the resources on the World Wide Web. Access to e-mail accounts both to send and to receive mail will be provided only under the Web.
• The library will provide access to newsgroups and social networking sites as long as patrons comply with laws regarding Internet pornography and other applicable laws.
• Time Limits:
  • 1 hour use of library computer if another patron or employee is waiting to use.
  • 2 hours total use per day during regular library hours.
  • 15 minutes before closing computers will be shutdown. No new sessions will be allowed at that time and ongoing sessions should be finished before library closes.
• The Library has developed an “Internet Users’ Policy” and all users of the Library’s Internet computers and access points must follow them.

General Schoolcraft Library Computer Usage Policy

• The Library staff may be able to provide basic help regarding computers and the Internet, but cannot provide in-depth assistance.
• The Internet offers access to volumes of valuable information sources. However, not all sources provide accurate, complete, unbiased or current information.
• The Library does not monitor or control the content of the material accessed through the Internet. It cannot be held responsible for its content.
• Not all information found is accurate, complete, or current, legal or philosophically acceptable to all individuals. The Library assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages arising from the use of information found on the internet or any communications sent through the Library’s Internet computers.
• The library does not provide any monitoring or filtering software.
• Responsible use of the Internet at the Library includes, but is not strictly limited to the following:
  • Use of resources for educational or informational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
  • Respect the privacy of other patrons by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, networks, sites, or information systems, including so-called “hacking”, credit card or retail fraud, and any other unlawful uses or activities online and by not damaging or altering software configurations.
  • Respect intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise controlled software or data residing on the Internet.

Printing

The Library will establish printing costs for all patrons and post these in an accessible area. Patrons are to pay at the circulation desk.

Patron Requirements

• Adult Patrons must present a current Schoocraft Library Card or a government institution issued license or identification card to use a library computer or Internet access. For patron’s without a current library card, a copy of patron’s identification information will be held in a covered folder for one week from the date of sign-in. Photocopies of driver’s license will be destroyed after a period of one week.
• Minors must have a “Parental/Guardian Approval” on file to sign-in and use Library computer of Internet access.
• Patrons must sign-up for computer use in person at the Library Circulation Desk.
• Patrons must obtain a PIN number at the Circulation Desk.
• Once the PIN number has been entered, patrons must confirm they have read and Agree to the Library’s “Patron Computer and Internet Usage Policy” as presented on the Login Screen. Agreement with this policy states that patrons will abide by the policy and responsibilities presented in this document and on the login screen.
• Patrons are NOT to use Library computers assigned to Library Director and/or staff members.
• Patrons are responsible for saving their own work on a mobile storage device such as a flash drive. The library cannot provide mobile storage devices to patrons.
• Patrons MAY download and print (see Printing section of policy) materials from the Internet if it does not violate copyright laws. The Schoolcraft Library is NOT responsible for any loss of or damaged to downloaded data.
• Patrons will NOT open ANY e-mail on a Library computer when sender is unknown to minimize potential virus attacks on library computer and network.
• Patrons are responsible to abide by all laws pertaining to copyright and illegal activities while accessing the internet from a Library computer or Internet access point.
• Patrons should respect the privacy of others who are using a computer or while using a computer themselves. No excessive noise or playing of music without headphones is permitted in the library. Patrons may be asked to leave the library if they do not adhere to this policy.
• Patrons have the right to view material and use information in a responsible manner.
• Children: As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The library does not provide any monitoring or supervision of Internet usage. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to discuss Internet use in relation to family values and boundaries with their children.
• Patrons are responsible for the security of any confidential or personal information while using a computer at the library. The library is not responsible for any items viewed by others while patron has information on a library computer.
• To provide compliance with P.A. 212 of 2000 (MCLA 397.606), viewing of materials that may be harmful to minors is prohibited on all Library computers. This includes materials that may be considered obscene (as defined in MCLA 722.673 and 722.674). The size of the computer areas and placement of computers allow patrons of all ages to view any of the computer screens. Therefore, this prohibition extends to ALL patrons.

Patron Restrictions

• Patrons are not to install or use personal software or alter the setup of the library’s computers and equipment used to access the Internet at the library.
• Patrons are not to save or store personal information and data on library computers. Such files must be deleted by the patron before logging-off the computer.
• Patrons must refrain from transmitting threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.
• Patrons must not alter hardware, software setting for security or other computer system functions installed on the Library’s computers.
• Patrons will not bring food or drink to the library patron computers or area.

Loss of Privileges

Any violation of the Library’s Computer and Internet Policy will result in loss of computer and Internet Privileges. The denial period is intended to be progressive. The progression is as follows:

• 1st Violation – Up to 30 days
• 2nd Violation – Up to 60 days
• 3rd Violation – Up to 90 days

The Library Director may deny computer use privileges for up to 1 year for any violation. Repeat violations may result in entire loss of ALL library privileges. A person denied access may appeal to the Director within five days of the date of the written notice. Refer to the policy on “Appeals” for further information.

Staff Responsibilities

Staff members are to call police immediately if they observe anyone using computer to engage in suspected illegal activity while using Library computer or Internet access. Suspicious behavior includes, but not limited to: Viewing or sending pornographic materials, engaging in fraud or attempting to harm or infiltrate another computer system with the intent to do harm.

Patron’s personal information left on Library computers will be immediately deleted, unless it is part of an investigation of suspected illegal activity.