Independence County Library Guidelines for Patrons' Usage of Internet and Public Computers

1. Use of the library's public computers requires presenting a current Independence County Library card and signing in at the circulation desk.The library's public computers are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.Patrons are limited to one (1) hour of use if others are waiting to use the computers.If a patron is asked to give up his/her computer two (2) times because of a high demand for computers, he/she will not be allowed on any computer again that day.
2. Use is limited to a maximum of two (2) persons at a time per single public computer, with the exception of a parent and children.Children under the age of twelve (12) require parental/guardian supervision at all times while using the library's computers.
3. If internet searching results in disruption of library services, or if patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the patron's session and ask patron to leave library.
4. All library public computers' equipment and software must be used as installed.Users are not permitted to add, delete, or modify the installed hardware or software.
5. If any public computer user abuses, misuses, or engages in any use of the public computer equipment or software not authorized by the site, or introduces a virus, the user will be prohibited from using this service for six (6) months. If a second violation occurs, the patron will be prohibited from using the computers indefinitely.
6. All users are liable for the cost of repair or replacement, as needed, if they permanently or temporarily damage any equipment or software.
7. Users may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that might reasonably be construed as obscene by community standards, as determined by the Library Board of Trustees.
8. Users are to respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting themselves as another user, by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, by not seeking authorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
9. The cost to print is twenty (20) cents per page, which helps cover the high cost of printer cartridges.Users are responsible for every page they print, even unwanted pages, so it is highly recommended that they use the "Print Preview" option before printing.From "Print Preview" one can target and reduce the number of pages to be printed.
10. Information downloaded to a flash drive or CD from the library's public computers may contain viruses.Users should be aware of this possibility and should have virus protection software installed on their personal and home computers.
11. The Independence County Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's flash drive, CD, DVD, or personal computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computers or Internet.
12. Users may not always be able to access information they wish to view on the Internet for various reasons.Some of the possible reasons are:
    • Server problems with their desired website
    • The website is limited to a particular institution
    • The website is no longer available
    • The library's internet connection is temporarily unavailable
    • The library's firewall and virus protection may block certain sites
    • Certain types of websites are restricted on the library's computers
    1. The Independence County Library makes no guarantees, neither explicit nor implied, with respect to the information available on the Internet, nor is the Independence County Library responsible for any user misuse of copyright or any other violation.
    2. Misuse of the library's public computers or internet access or violation of any of these policies will result in the loss of public computer use privileges for that individual.