Computer Use Policy

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are rights of our heritage, guaranteed to each of us by the Constitution and defended by our courts. The right to have access to the diverse opinions and ideas of our human record, both past and present, is essential if we are to intelligently and humanely exercise our rights and responsibilities to make decisions affecting our families, community and nation. Libraries facilitate the exercise of these rights by providing access to information regardless of format or technology.
 

1. General Computer Use

A. The use of any Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library computer or network resource is a privilege and not a right. Users agree to abide by library computer policy standards as defined herein.

B. Users who access informational computer databases via CD-ROM or on-line providers are to adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of these networks and databases. General access procedures are available to library patrons at the workstations. The user is responsible for the correct usage of computer equipment and the tools made available for maintaining the security of information stored on each computer system. Library staff provides limited assistance for basic start-up procedures. The computer user should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of these processes. The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, in respect to any equipment, programs or other materials, their performance, or fitness for any particular purpose. Materials and equipment are provided “as is.” The entire risk as to the quality and performance of computer equipment, programs, and documentation is with the user. In no event shall the Library be liable for actual, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of any equipment, programs, or other library materials.

2. Internet Use Policy

A. The mission of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is to acquire, organize, and disseminate informational, cultural, recreational, and educational materials to patrons of all ages. The public links to the Internet are available to provide patrons with another avenue for information retrieval. The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions. Many sites contain material that is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, or offensive to some people. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable to their needs. In the same fashion, it is the sole responsibility of parents and guardians of minor children to monitor and guide their own children in the use of the Internet through the library’s connection.

B. The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library makes no warranties, expressed or implied, in respect to any equipment, programs or other materials, their performance, or fitness for any particular purpose. Materials, equipment, and connections are provided “as is.” The entire risk as to the quality and performance of computer equipment, programs, and documentation is with the user. In no event shall the library be liable for actual, financial, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use or inability to use the Internet at the library. Parents assume all liability arising from their minor children’s use of the Internet at the library.

C. In order to be in compliance with federal law, the library has purchased and installed filtering software which is designed to:
1. Guard against access by minors to inappropriate materials on the Internet.
2. Guard against unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors on-line.
3. Guard against unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
4. Provide measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials deemed harmful to minors.
5. Assure the safety and security of minors when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communications.

D. The Library Board of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library has approved the purchase and installation of a filtering system, whose parameters are designed to block access to visual images considered to be obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors, and fulfill objectives one through five above. The criteria and determinations of such sites will be set up by the parameters of the filtering/blocking software. Due to the rapid and unpredictable changes on the Internet no written list will be produced. The Library Board and employees of MPHPL are NOT responsible for the information that is accessed and obtained while using the library’s equipment or connection. Library users are responsible for the access points they reach on the Internet. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection.

3. Computer Use Acceptable Use Policy

A. The Library provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases, and the Internet for informational, educational, cultural, and recreational purposes. All users of the library’s computer and network resources, both staff members and patrons, are expected to use these resources correctly and only for legal purposes. The Library has the right to deny library computer and network privileges at any time if the Library reasonably believes that any user is a security risk or has violated these guidelines. The Library reserves the right to set rules, as needed, for these systems and their use.

Examples of unacceptable use are, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations. Individuals using library resources for illegal purposes may also be subject to prosecution.
2. Copyright infringement or violation of software license agreements. Proper credit should be given when using someone else’s words or images.
3. Obscene behavior including public display of obscene materials or materials that could be considered objectionable on computer screens or hard copy.
4. To access, upload, download, transmit or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit language or material that appeals to the prurient interest or any other material that is not constitutionally protected.
5. Use of abusive or objectionable language and the display or transmission of profane, abusive or threatening language.
6. Slander, harassment, obscenity, fraud or theft
7. Attempting to gain or gaining unauthorized access to other computing, information, or communications sources or devices.
8. Downloading, executing, or installing private software or any other files onto library computers. Only library-owned software is allowed on library computers. Patrons may save files to removable media. Although virus protection is installed on all library computers, the user remains responsible for any loss of data or system infection by use of a personal removable media.
9. Violating computer or network system security.
10. Altering software configurations.
11. Intentionally or unknowingly impeding the computing activities of others.
12. Activities that could cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems, including excessive printing and streaming video or music.
13. Perpetrate malicious acts via the network.
14. Misrepresentation of oneself or the library.
15. Neglecting to pay for all pages printed.
16. Misbehaving while using library computers or while on library property.
17. Accessing the Library’s Internet connection or other network resources using a personal laptop without permission.
18. Any and all other matters which the library, in its sole discretion, subject to constitutional limitations, and in consideration of the best interests of the public, determines to be an unacceptable purpose.

B. Computers are shared by many users in the library. To facilitate computer access for all, users must refrain from overuse of the following: connect time, information storage space, printing and processing capacities, and interactive network utilities. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communication is not allowed. Please avoid sounds and visual material which would disrupt others in the library.

C. The computer hard disk drives are for the storage of Library software and information. Computer users should not save files on the hard drive but should use their own removable storage. Any unknown files will be purged by Library staff.

D. The library cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal and credit card information transmitted over the Internet. Users are cautioned to guard closely the security of personal information, credit card numbers, computer accounts, passwords, and other types of authorizations when using the Internet. Users are cautioned that purchasing goods and services through the Internet using credit cards can result in unwanted financial obligations or fraudulent uses of the information given out.

E. The library will treat all information stored on computers as confidential (whether or not that information is protected by the computer operating system). Disclosure will be made when: 1) approved by the appropriate library administrator, 2) authorized by the owners of the information or 3) required by local, state or federal law. Viewing of information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.

F. Children in sixth grade and under must have a Computer Use Agreement card on file signed by a parent or guardian. Children under third grade must be under the direct supervision of a person over the age of thirteen in accordance with MPHPL’s Child Supervision Policy. Children in sixth grade and under must use the computers in the Children’s Services area unless accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or older and approved by Library staff.

G. Students entering grade 7 through young adults under the age of 18 must have a Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or legal guardian on file to access the Internet. Patrons with Parental Consent Forms on file will be issued a Computer Use card to be presented every time they wish to use the Internet.

H. It is understood that all patrons using library computers will have a basic knowledge of how to use it.

I. Additional equipment may not be attached to library computers unless otherwise authorized by Computer Services staff.

J. Time Limits: Maximum time allowed per day per patron is not to exceed one hour of use per day for Internet or two hours of use per day for Internet combined with other programs such as word processing. Each individual is limited to two hours maximum computer use per day, regardless of how many terminals or connections are used and where they are used. This includes computer and network use in any department or building. Time limits will vary at each location and will be posted clearly by each station. If a patron consistently ignores or goes over their allotted time, or if they attempt to use stations or connections in other departments or buildings after using their maximum allotted time, they will be denied computer and network privileges.

K. Workstations in certain locations may be designated for specific uses, such as “research only” or “genealogical research only.” These workstations may not be used for general Internet browsing, email, chat rooms, or other non-designated purposes. Any library staff member who observes a person using a workstation for a non-designated purpose will direct that person to cease using the workstation in that manner and direct them to the appropriate department.

L. All users must sign in when using any computer workstation. No more than 2 persons may use a computer together.

M. Meeting Rooms: Patrons wishing to use the Library’s Internet connection for meetings scheduled in Library meeting rooms are required to abide by the Library’s policies stated in this document. Patrons must have a signed Computer Use Agreement on file. Those wishing to use the Library’s connection should request so when booking the meeting room. First-time users should schedule to meet with a member of the Computer Services Department or Branch reference staff before their scheduled meeting date.

N. Computer Help: Because everyone’s personal or professional set-up is different, staff will only be responsible for assisting and helping with our own in-house equipment and/or programs. Staff cannot give technical advice over the telephone about equipment or software people have in their homes. Staff will be able to help patrons find books on the software if available.

O. Personal laptops or devices
Patrons wishing to use the Library’s connection using their personal laptops or other equipment may only do so in designated locations and must use the Library’s wired network connections. Patrons must request use at the reference desk and have a signed Computer Use Agreement on file. Library Computer Use, Study Room, Meeting Room, and any other applicable policies must be abided. Usage time is not to exceed two hours per day. Patrons must have the knowledge to set personal equipment to automatically acquire a network address (DHCP or BOOTP). Library staff may not change patron equipment settings. Modem connections are not available.

P. Library Laptops
1. Library laptops are for use within the building.  Library laptops may not to be taken out of the building.
2. You must be at least 16 years old to use a library laptop.
3.  A valid library card from one of the approved library systems ( list available at the
     reference desk) or  a credit card and valid drivers license are required to use
     library laptops.

Q. Wireless Connections
The Library’s wireless connections are secure and only available using library equipment. Breaching the Library’s wireless connections using personal equipment is strictly forbidden.

R. Printing
Charges for printing are 10¢ per page for black and white and 50¢ per page for color. Patrons are responsible for paying for all pages printed. Pages printed and not paid for will be charged to a patron’s record. Patrons should ask for assistance if unsure how many pages a document contains.
 

4. Consequences for violation of library policies.
Vandalism and/or violation of these policies will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. First offense will result in loss of computer and network privileges for six months. Second offense will result in loss of computer and network privileges for an additional six months. Third offense will result in permanent loss of Library computer and network privileges. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. If a patron’s misuse causes damage to occur to Library property or equipment, penalty fines will assessed at the cost of repair or replacement (including labor) and all library privileges will be denied until payment is received in full.

(Approved by Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Board action 09-13-2001. Amended by Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Board action 04/08/2004. Amended by Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Board action 04/14/2005.  IC 20-2-8)