Computer Resources

PURPOSE

In order to facilitate research, learning, and recreational pursuits, the Mahopac Public Library offers a variety of resource formats and services, including public access to computers, information databases, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. In order to assure equitable and appropriate access to these computers and various electronic resources and in order to balance the provision of a safe, welcoming, comfortable environment with the principles of open access, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Failure to comply with these policies, guidelines, or procedures may result in the suspension of computer and/or Library privileges.

Illegal use of computers may result in prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

ACCEPTABLE USE

Disclaimer: Users access Library computer hardware, software, and documentation at their own risk. The Library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user’s personal storage devices, or electronic transactions of any type that are related to the public’s use of the Library’s computer resources. The Library does not guarantee the privacy or confidentiality of electronic transactions of information.

Responsibilities of computer users:
• Users are not permitted to store or copy any software or other data on the hard drives of the Library’s computers, or to alter the programs currently installed on the Library’s systems, or to access any aspect of the Library’s network without authorization. Anyone tampering with any Library hardware or software may be denied access to Library computers in the future and also may lose their Library privileges or be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.

• Users may not infringe upon the rights and privileges of other Library patrons. Some Internet sites are inappropriate for viewing in the public library setting. Library staff reserve the right to end Internet sessions when legally prohibited or inappropriate materials are displayed.

Internet access:
• The Internet is a vast, constantly changing network of information. The Library is an Internet access point and does not guarantee a connection to the Internet, or to a specific site, or the quality, accuracy, authenticity, or timeliness of the information located by the user. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate the information found on the Internet.

• The Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to, or use of, information obtained through electronic information systems. Provision of access does not imply Library sponsorship or endorsement.

• Parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for supervising their child’s use
of the Library’s computer resources sessions. Parents and guardians are reminded that the Library is not responsible for the supervision of minor patrons and that such minor patrons may be able to access age-inappropriate or unlawful materials via the Library’s computers.

Copyright: United States Copyright Law prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, audio files, images, programs, or data) in violation of the Copyright Law.

Filtering: The Library has implemented software filtering on its public Internet-accessible computer terminals. The installed software protects against access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, and materials that are deemed “harmful to minors”. Users should be aware, however, that all currently available filtering software results is a degree of “underblocking” (i.e., permitting access to certain materials that fall within the aforementioned categories) and “overblocking” (i.e, denying access to certain constitutionally protected materials that do not fall within the aforementioned categories). The Library has attempted to select filtering software that best complies with Federal statutes while providing Library patrons with the broadest possible access to constitutionally protected speech and information. The Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity, pornography, or materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can the Library guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that have legitimate research or other value. In order to help address the overblocking problem and to enhance users’ access to constitutionally protected speech and information, the Library requests that all users, both adults and minors, contact the Library at reference@mahopaclibrary.org (or such other contact point as the Library shall designate from time to time) to request unblocking of an incorrectly blocked site. In addition, any user who is 17 years of age or older may disable the filtering software in order to obtain unfiltered Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose by following the instructions provided on the computer screen or by contacting a member of the Library staff.

UNACCEPTABLE USE

Disclaimer: Patrons may not use the Library’s computers in an unlawful manner. Any
Responsibility for any consequence of illegal use lies with the users. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Examples of unacceptable uses included but are not limited to the following:
• Display of materials inconsistent with the mission of the Library or inappropriate to a public setting including, but not limited to, sexually explicit materials.
• Harassment of others.
• Libeling or slandering other users.
• Destruction of, or damage to, equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users.
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others.
• Use of eavesdropping or spying (spyware) software.
• Use of computer communication facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.

GUIDE TO AVAILABLE COMPUTER RESOURCES

The following computer resources are available. Some restrictions may apply.

• Online Public Access Computers (OPACs): allow users to search the catalogs of Mid-Hudson Library System’s member libraries; request and renew materials; check their records; and, through the Advanced Search option, access a selection of electronic journals and resources.

• Quick Internet computers: allow users to search the Internet for 15 minutes per hour. No storage devices are permitted.

• Pre-school computers: allow children through Grade 3, accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult, to use a variety of pre-loaded age-appropriate software that focus on problem solving and literacy skills.

• Youth Services Internet computers: allow children through Grade 12 with either a valid library card from one of the Mid-Hudson Library System’s libraries or a student I.D., or with a parent in the Library, to use the Internet and a variety of software programs including, but not limited to, the Microsoft Office suite of products.

• Public Internet computers: allow users with either a valid library card from one of the Mid-Hudson Library System’s libraries or a visitor pass, to use the Internet and a variety of software programs including, but not limited to, the Microsoft Office suite of products.

• Wireless Access: wireless access is available throughout the Library but the Library does not guarantee connectivity. Users of wireless access agree to the terms of the Library’s Computer Resources Policy and use such access entirely at their own risk. The Library will in no way be responsible for damages resulting from such use.

• Laptops: a limited number of Library-owned laptops are available in prescribed areas of the Library under supervision of Library staff.

• Computer Lab: the Computer Lab is designed for onsite Library sponsored trainings and workshops. Other groups and organizations may request to use the lab by submitting an Application for Meeting Arrangements to the Library Director. The group or organization must agree to the terms of the Computer Lab, the Computer Resources, and the Meeting Rooms policies in order to use the Computer Lab. A member of the Library’s staff may be required to be present during such use and additional fees may apply. For questions regarding such fees, contact the Library Director. [See also Computer Lab and Meeting Rooms policies.]

• Local History Room computer: allow users to research genealogical and historical information online under staff supervision.

PROCEDURES

The following procedures guide the use of the Library’s computer resources.

• In order to access the Library’s computer resources, users must sign in, either on a paper log (Quick Internet, pre-school computers) or through the online reservation system. Library-owned laptops, the Local History Room computer, and the Computer Lab may be used only under direct staff supervision.

• When a user has signed in, the computer will ask if you agree with the Computer Resources policy. If you agree, then click on the Agree button. You will be logged on and have access to certain computer resources. Further, by clicking on the Agree button, you release the Library and hold it harmless, in advance, from any and all damages, direct and indirect, arising from your (and your minor child’s) use of the Library’s Internet/wireless connections. Your further agree to all terms and provisions of this policy and to abide by all rules posted by the Library for use of the Internet/wireless connections. If you do not agree, then you will not be able to log on and computer access will be denied.

• Youth Services Internet and Public Internet computers may be used for a one-hour time period. If no one is waiting, then users may Refresh for additional time in one-hour increments. Users must log off before their sessions time out in order to ensure the privacy of their computer use activities.

Pre-school computers may be used for a half-hour time period. If no one is waiting, then users may sign in for additional time in half-hour increments. The Quick Internet may be used for 15 minutes in any given hour. Users may return for additional 15-minute intervals after an hour has elapsed between intervals.

• The Youth Services and Public Internet computers are set to automatically turn off 10 minutes prior to the Library’s closing time. All other computers will be manually turned off at 10 minutes prior to the Library’s closing time or at other times deemed necessary at the discretion of the Library Director.

• No more than two (2) people at a time are permitted at a computer.

• Most of the computers have audio capability. Sound must not disturb other users or staff. You may use your own headphones or earbuds, or you may purchase headphones at the Checkout Desk.

• There is a fee for printing from the computers. This fee applies whether the user brings paper or uses the Library’s paper. Printing from the Youth Services Internet and Public Internet computers requires prepayment at the Youth Services Information and Reference Desks respectively. Printing from the Quick Internet requires payment at the Information Desk when printing is completed.

• Users may not save documents or personal files to the Library’s hard drives or network; security software erases the browsing history, files, bookmarks, and cookies with each logon. All documents must be saved to a storage device belonging to the user. You may purchase a CDRW disk, a floppy diskette, or a USB flash memory stick [in the future] at the Reference Desk or at the Checkout Desk. The Library is not responsible for the use of such storage devices or the loss of data attempted to be saved to them. No storage devices are permitted on the Quick Internet and Pre-school computers.

• Library staff are not responsible for providing individualized or in-depth computer training. They will attempt to answer basic questions and help users to locate resources on the Internet, including the Library’s own online databases. However, they may not be able to troubleshoot specific hardware or software problems. Computer classes and drop-in help are available in the Computer Lab. Information about these options is available at the Information Desk and on the Library’s calendar of events.

Policy Adopted: May 28, 1997
Revised: August 25, 1999; March 26, 2008; February 16, 2011; April 27, 2011

Click HERE to return to the Library Policies page.