5.21 Internet and Computer Use

The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library offers access to the internet and public computers as a part of its commitment to the role of the public library in the technology age. Public access computers are available during regular library hours. They automatically shut down promptly at closing.

All computer users must read the Internet and Computer Use Policy. They need to sign in using the Computer Use Form, agreeing that they understand and will abide by the policies and rules for use.

Children, ages 12 and under, must be accompanied by a parent or an adult, 18 years of age or older, to have access to a computer and use the Internet. As with library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or adult.

Only one person will be allowed at the computer at a time. The only exception is a parent or adult working with a child under the age of 12 or in computer class instruction situations.

Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors is not allowed.

Time may be reserved up to one day in advance, in one hour increments. Additional time may be available if no other customers are waiting to use the computers. Patrons that are late for their scheduled reservation will forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time. Those who are more than ten minutes late may lose their entire reserved time.

As time permits, library staff may assist with Internet searches and/or provide computer help. Computer users may be referred to library materials or local classes for additional assistance.

Patrons may print pages at a preset cost per page. Patrons are accountable for all pages printed. It is the customer’s responsibility to use print previews to monitor and manage the number of pages that need to be printed. Library staff will provide assistance as needed or requested.

Problems with computer equipment, software, or web filtering must be reported to library staff immediately.

Patrons may not use library computers for conducting a personal for profit business or for conducting any unlawful activities.

Computer users are prohibited from accessing images of a graphically explicit sexual nature that may be reasonably construed as obscene and in violation of current law (Mo. RSA 573.010, Section 573-060).

Filtering software has been installed at the network level to block materials and applications that are deemed offensive. Adults, 18 years and older, may request that filtering be turned off on sites that do not fall into the restricted categories.

Computers users are not permitted to bypass our filtering systems, disable any library installed software, boot into another operating system, or run any software or command from a pre-boot environment. Misuse of any library computer or intentional damage to library equipment or computer system will result in the loss of computer privileges and may result in suspension of library services. Library staff reserves the right to terminate or restrict library privileges for abuse of these policies.

The Internet is a global entity. Providing this service to library users does not constitute any endorsement by the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library System. The Library shall have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed on the Internet from library equipment. Internet users are reminded that:

· Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.

· Filtering software does not block all materials that users might find offensive.

· Public library workstations are not private or secure.

See

4.72A Fees and Limits

5.21A Internet and Computer Use Handout

5.21B Computer Use Sign in Sheet

5.22 WIFI Use

All users of the wireless network must abide by the Internet and Computer Use Policy. Access to the wireless network is provided to customers during regular library business hours only.

· Internet content is filtered in compliance with CIPA laws.

· The library cannot guarantee a wireless device will work with our wireless network.

· Use of the wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.

· Library staff will not assist customers with their personal devices. If assistance with a device is needed, the library suggests contacting the company that made the device.

WIFI users will need:

· A wireless network card.

· Their own headphones to listen to any audio.

· An anti-virus program installed on their computer or personal device is recommended.

· The latest updates for their operating system is recommended.

· Personal devices must conform to 802.11/g standard.

In order to access the library’s in house wireless network, computer users:

· Must read the Internet and Computer Use Policy and sign in using the Computer Use Form agreeing that they understand and will abide by the policies and rules for use.

· Must sign-in at the circulation desk in order to receive the access code for the network.

Open access wireless service is also available from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., 7 days a week, outside each library location. No password or sign in is needed. Computer users will need to select the “BLRL—open” network. All library rules and warnings apply.

Wireless printing is available at the Aurora, Cassville, Monett, and Mt. Vernon locations. For locations that don’t have wireless printing, files can be sent through personal e-mail service, saved on a jump drive, or stored in the cloud and then accessed on a wired computer to print.

Be careful of the personal information you provide over the Internet as it may not be entirely secure. You are responsible for the safety of your equipment from device configurations, security, viruses, hoaxes, data files and the many other risks that can be downloaded from the Internet through the library’s wireless network.

DO NOT leave your device unattended inside or outside the library. The library system assumes no responsibility if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Use of the library’s wireless network for any unlawful act is prohibited.

See

5.22A WIFI Use Handout

See

5.23 Policy Addition Approved by the Board of Trustees, August 20, 2020

5.21 Policy Changes Approved by the Board of Trustees, August 18, 2022