Computer Use Procedures & Policies

Computer Use Procedures

OVERVIEW: 16 computers are available for public use at the Grundy Library. Content filtering is enabled on 3 library computers.
All computers have:

• Floppy and CD-R/RW / DVD-R/RW drives
• Windows XP operating system
• Microsoft Office 2002 package (with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, FrontPage)
• Computer software including Encarta and educational games

HOW TO USE LIBRARY COMPUTERS:
Go to the Reservation Station at the Information Kiosk in the lobby area to secure a computer. Scan your library card under the scanner and then use the mouse to enter your PIN number (Please note: You CANNOT make a reservation without your physical library card.). Proceed to the assigned computer at your reservation time. Enter your library card number using the keyboard and click "OK". Next, the Computer Use Policy will be displayed. Please read and abide by these rules. Once you have read the policy, click on "Accept." The remaining time left in your one hour session is displayed at the top of the screen. If no one else has reserved the computer you are using, you can extend your session in 15 minute intervals for up to 1 additional hour; the computer will prompt you if a time extension is available. Each user is allowed 2 sessions per day.

If you need to get up from your computer, you may want to lock it so no other person can walk up and start using it. To do this, click on the “Lock” button next to the time remaining at the top. Enter a password that you will use to unlock the computer. You must enter it twice, then click “OK”. To unlock the PC, enter the password you set and click OK. Note: If you are idle or the system is locked for more then 10 minutes, it will be logged off and that will count as one session.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• All patrons must have their library card in order to use a computer.
• Library cards must have less than $5 in fines and no overdue items.
• Computer use is offered in 1-hour sessions on a first come first served basis and by reservation.
• Reservations can only be made in the library for up to 2 days in advance.
• Reservations made and not used count as one session.
• Only one person is permitted to use a computer at one time in the Quiet Area (Computers 1-8).
  

Printing: Please collect and pay for all copies at the public printer. Your library card # is required. The cost is 10 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color.

Saving/downloading: Requires a floppy disk, USB memory stick, CD or DVD. If you do not have one, they can be purchased at the Check Out Desk (Floppy disk = $1, Memory stick=$8, CD-R =$1, DVD-R=$2).

Sound: Please bring your own set of headphones or purchase a pair at the Check Out Desk for $2.

External hardware/software: Due to the wide variety of available products, library personnel are unable to instruct on the use of hardware and software supplied by patrons.

Computer Use Policy

• Patrons must abide by the Procedures for Computer Use, the Computer Use Policy, the Internet Policy and the Patron Policy in order to use the library’s computers.
• Patrons may not alter or reconfigure the library’s hardware or software in any way.
  
• Patrons will be accountable for any malicious use or damage to hardware, software, and data. Any and all damages to library’s hardware and software will be charged to the person using the equipment.
• Availability of some or all of the library’s resources is dependent on technical issues that may be beyond the control of library personnel.
• Compliance with all federal, state, and local laws is mandatory.

Users who violate this policy will be warned the first time. A second violation will result in being banned from using Library PC’s or network for 4 weeks. A user may be permanently banned for serious or repeated offenses, and law enforcement authorities may be called.

Internet Use Policy

• Patrons must abide by the Procedures for Computer Use, the Computer Use Policy, the Internet Policy and the Patron Policy in order to use the library’s computers.
• Patrons will be accountable for any malicious or illegal use of the Internet.
• The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library is not responsible for the accuracy or the content of any information found on the Internet. Users are responsible for determining the value and accuracy of online information. Particular caution should be exercised when:
  • obtaining financial, medical, or legal information from the Internet
• disclosing personal information
• Library personnel do not monitor or supervise Internet activity.
• As with other library materials, it is the parent or legal guardian of minor children who must assume ultimate responsibility for supervising access to Internet resources in the Library.
• Compliance with all federal, state, and local laws is mandatory.
• Access to inappropriate materials, defined as text or graphics, which may be reasonably construed as obscene or constitute pornography, is strictly prohibited. Including materials belonging to individuals that do not originate in the library as well as materials procured through use of library resources. The Grundy Foundation, in its sole discretion, shall determine what materials are considered inappropriate.
  
  

PROCEDURES FOR USE OF WIRELESS NETWORK

OVERVIEW: The library offers a free wireless network available to library users with wireless-enabled laptop or other wireless device. Laptops must be equipped with a wireless Network Interface Card (NIC). Use of the wireless network requires a valid library card number and PIN, no overdue materials, and fines less than $5. The wireless network is accessible from anywhere within the library as well as outside on the lower and upper park areas. Detailed printing instructions for the wireless network are available at the Information Desk. Wireless printing fees are 10 cents per page for black and white, and 50 cents per page for color.

SECURITY: Wireless transmissions can be intercepted easily. For ease of use, the library’s wireless Internet access is not encrypted or password protected. We do not recommend that you use our connection for banking, credit card transactions, investments, and other information that you wish to protect. It is your responsibility (not the library’s) to make sure that your data is kept secure.

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