ComputerUseGuidelines

COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES

November 29, 2005

SIGN IN: Check with LIBRARY STAFF to sign in and out.

· A current library card in good standing is needed if you are a resident of Franklin County. Your library card is used to hold your turn if there is a line. We cannot take requests for certain computers if they are in use already. We will only put your library card in line if you will take the next available computer.

· If you are blocked from checking out by fines or overdue items, you may not use the public computers until charges are cleared.

PLEASE DO NOT:

1) Change computer settings or compromise security.

2) Visit sites that others may find offensive in a public setting.

PENALTIES: Use of public computers is a privilege, which includes the responsibility to follow library policies. If Library staff members become aware of library policies being violated, the following actions will be taken:

VIOLATION	UNDER 18	ADULTS	ACTION (example)
1^st	End session, no computer use for one month, Letter sent to parents	End session, no computer use for one month	Enter note in system. VIOLATION#/ TYPE/DATE: 1^st violation/#2/9-29-01
2^nd	End session, no computer use for two months, Letter sent to parents	End session, no computer use for two months
3^rd	Will need parent to accompany until 18	Computer privilege permanently revoked

PLEASE DO:

1) Report previous use(s) that day when signing up.

2) Maintain a reasonable noise level that will not bother others.

3) Only one person should be at a computer unless two people are working together.

4) Ask for help if the computer locks up or there are any other problems. Library staff will assist with questions as time and knowledge permits.

5) Notify library staff if you need to briefly leave the computer, or the computer may be re-assigned.

6) Print only the pages you want.

7) Close all windows when you are done.

4. TIME LIMIT: Public use computers are issued for ½ hour. If no one is waiting at that time, you may continue use. If a waiting line develops, you will be asked to finish at the check-out time that was issued, or to finish in five minutes or less if it is past the check-out time that was issued. Patrons are expected to respect the 5-minute notice. The computer may be shut down when the time is up if it has not been honored.

5. FAIR USE: The goal of the library is fair use of the public computers for everyone.

After you have used 30 minutes on one floor, please do not go to the other floor to sign up again. One 30-minute use per day is encouraged to give others an opportunity to use the computers. If there are open computers, you may be permitted to use one again, but must finish immediately if it is requested.

PRIORITIES: Priority is given to patrons who are using the public use computers for the first time that day. The library is dedicated to enriching the lives of its patrons through education, research and providing patrons access to tools to fulfill these needs. Library staff will use discretion in giving priority to patrons using computers for research, educational and job-related needs over patrons using chat rooms or playing games.

PRINTOUTS: Printouts are 15 cents a page. Please check with library staff if you are unsure how to print or how many pages will be printed. Some web pages can be lengthy, and it is possible to select desired pages to print. All pages that are printed need to be paid for. Check at the desk to pick up printouts and pay a library staff member.

SIGN OUT: Patrons are responsible for the condition of the computer from the time they sign on to the time they sign off, so be sure to check with a librarian to sign out.