In support of its public service mission, the library provides free access to computers and to internet resources.
The internet offers access to many valuable information sources. However, some information found on the internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some. Customers must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found on the internet. The library does not monitor or control the accuracy of information accessed through the internet and assumes responsibility only for the information it creates and provides on its home pages.
Parents/guardians are responsible for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their own children. Consequently, parents must guide their children in use of the internet and inform them about sources they should not use. The library will not monitor a child’s internet use on behalf of the parent. Computers designated for public use in the children’s area of the library are not internet access computers and are therefore safe for use by children.
Users should be aware that the internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, the library does not keep information on the use of specific internet resources by the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the library.
The library staff is unable to assist library customers with solving technological problems relating to their personal computer or specific computer programs or services they may wish to purchase.
Public Computers
The library uses a public computer reservation system to manage reservations and printing from public computers. Cardholders in food standing may use their library card to log on to any available computer. Computer use is limited to one hour during peak times. During slow periods, customers may request that staff extend their session if other reservations have not been made. Customers are limited to two (2) sessions per day.
Customers may print letter-size pages from the internet or their own documents at a cost of $.15 per page.
The Library’s public computers and internet access may not be used to:
• Violate the law
• Send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as inappropriate or obscene
• Harm or compromise the safety, security, privacy, or property of others
• Seek unauthorized access to any computer system
• Alter or damage software components of any network, host server, or database
• Install software of any kind or download plug-ins
As part of the computer usage agreement customers must abide by these policies and are advised that failure to do so will result in the loss of computer and internet privileges at the library. This includes use of another customer’s library card number to log on to a computer.
Laptop Check out Policy
Library laptops are available for check out in two- hour increments. The primary purpose of library laptop access is for computer projects that may take longer than the usual one- hour limit. This includes research, typing papers, resumes, etc. Laptops may be used for short-term use if all of the desktop computers are occupied with a waiting time more than 30 minutes. Library customers must be 18 or older AND have a library account in good standing (no fines or overdue materials) in order to check out a laptop.
Patrons must present their library card AND a valid photo ID in order to check out laptops. The equipment may NOT be removed from the building.
Customers using their personal computer equipment with library wireless service are required to observe the above listed guidelines.
Computer Usage Violations will be dealt with as follows:
• An individual observed, by staff or other library users, displaying an offensive site, a verbal warning is given.
• A second violation may result in the suspension of library computer use for three months
• The third and final violation will result in permanent suspension of library computer use.
Online public access catalog (PAC) computers. Library customers may use the PAC computers to search the catalog or make public computer reservations. Only library staff may the PAC computers to search databases in response to reference questions.
Wireless access
Customers must supply wireless network card devise. Most wireless equipment is compatible. However, the library makes no guarantees as to the compatibility of a customer’s hardware with the library’s network. Printers are not part of wireless accessibility in the library. To print, customers must save their work to a USB drive, then log into a public computer and send the job(s) to the public printer. You may also ask at the information desk about use of the wireless printer.
The library’s wireless network is an open network, and therefore not secure. Information sent to or from a wireless device can be intercepted by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software, within the range of the library’s wireless access point. The library also cannot guarantee the safety of computer communication across its wireless network. The library also assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on a customer’s laptop or wireless device resulting from connecting to the library’s network.
Website
The Nelson County Public Library’s website provides information about the library system’s collections, services, events and ongoing activities, directories, and a variety of databases and resource materials. It also contains useful links to other websites.
In choosing sources to link to our home pages, the library staff follows its materials selection guidelines. However, the library is not responsible for content or changes in content of the sources to which its home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links. The library strives to make its website, current, informative, and easy to use.