Jackson-George Regional Library System
Public Computer and Internet Use Policy
and Customer Guidelines for Public Access Computer Workstations
Adopted June 24 and July 22, 2003 by JGRLS Board of Trustees
The JGRLS provides public access computer and Internet workstations in keeping with its mission. Filters are placed on public access and staff computer workstations throughout the Regional Library System. All public access computer workstations are available to all customers regardless of age. If requested, Library personnel are authorized to override Internet filtering software for adult customers 18 years of age and older.
All customers registering to use public access computers must possess a valid library card and must present that card to staff prior to being assigned a workstation. Public access computer workstation customers must also read and understand the “Public Computer and Internet Use Policy and Customer Guidelines for Public Access Computer Workstations” and other applicable policies as may be adopted by the Board of Trustees.
CUSTOMER GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS (2003; Rev. July 2005)
q Filtering software is installed on all staff, computer lab and public access computer workstations.
q If requested, Library personnel are authorized to override Internet filtering software for adult customers 18 years of age and older.
q Under no circumstances will the filtering software be overridden for any customer under the age of 18.
q Customers who are blocked from borrowing library materials because of fines, lost books or other charges will be prohibited from using public access computer workstations until all fines and other assessments are paid in full and the block is removed.
q After the “Public Computer and Internet Use Policy and Customer Guidelines for Public Access Computer Workstations” are read and understood by the computer workstation customer, a “computer” sticker will be attached to the front of their library card. When attached, the customer will not be required to read the policy/guidelines again.
q Parents/legal guardians who are with their children must read the policy and guidelines to the child and then a sticker will be attached to the child’s library card.
q Children age 10 and above using computers without their parents/legal guardians present must read and understand the policy and guidelines before they can use the computer.
q Children age 9 and under must have their parents/legal guardians come into the library to sign the form below stating that they have read the policies and procedures to the child before the child can use a computer.
• All customers using or viewing public access computers must have a valid library card with a computer sticker.
• An expired card is NOT a valid library card.
• All computer workstation customers must complete the sign-in sheet, including correct first and last name, date and time. Only those customers signed in properly are allowed access to the workstations.
• Unless customers are signed in, they are not allowed to be in the computer area. No more than two (2) signed-in customers are allowed at any single workstation.
• Computer workstations are available at all branch libraries during regular business hours.
• Workstations are available on a first come/first serve basis.
• Access to workstations is limited to a maximum of 60 minutes. If no other customer is waiting, a customer may remain beyond the 60-minute period. However, in this case when asked by library staff to give up a workstation, the customer must do so within 5 minutes. Customers must wait at least thirty (30) minutes after using computer workstations before registering again. However, if a public access computer workstation becomes available during this thirty (30) minute wait period, the customer may sign in again and be given access to a workstation for 60 minutes, or more if no other customer is waiting.
• Workstations are shut down fifteen (15) minutes before closing hour — no exceptions.
• CUSTOMERS MUST LOG ON AND LOG OFF FROM THEIR ASSIGNED WORKSTATION.
• Customers must not attempt to troubleshoot, re-boot or turn off the workstation. If the customer experiences a workstation malfunction, the customer MUST ask library staff for assistance.
• Only hardware and software owned and installed by the library may be used. Modifying, damaging or tampering with the installed hardware and/or software is not permitted and will not be tolerated.
• Library personnel will assist you to the extent that time and the needs of other customers allow.
• Customers are encouraged to bring data disks to save their files. Disks are available at the circulation desk for $1.50 each. The Library is not responsible for any damage to disks or files, or for any lost data connected with the use of its public access workstations.
• Customers must pay 15 cents per sheet for all printing including errors and misprints.
• The printer is loaded with standard 81/2 x 11 white paper stock only — no exceptions.
• Violation of these and other computer workstation guidelines may result in termination of workstation privileges and/or eviction/suspension from the library.
FOR PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN UP TO 9 YEARS OLD:
I have read the above to my child and he/she understands the policies/customer guidelines.
Child’s name:_____________________________________ Today’s Date:_________________
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian:________________________________________________