STAFF ASSISTANCE

            

Library staff will be pleased to assist you in accessing the Internet and, attempt to assist you in getting to the right place. However remember that we cannot provide in-depth training concerning the Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use. We may, however, be able to offer suggestions to help you search and to answer questions.  For security reasons we are unable to aid in some internet functions such as accessing email, personal records, online purchasing, etc.

           

 GUIDELINES

 1. The Internet access computers are normally available during regular library hours, subject to periodic maintenance or staff need. They are, however, shut down one half hour before closing.

 3. The Public Access Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. Time is allowed in 30 minute increments. When the original ½ hour is within five minutes of expiring, if no one is waiting, an additional 30 minutes may be added to the patron’s time by a member of the library staff. Maximum time allowed per day/session is 3 (three) hours. 

5. All Public Access Computers may be used for purposes other than accessing the Internet. Our computers are intended chiefly for research and education. Patrons using one for purposes other than those listed above may be asked to relinquish the computer if another patron needs it for its intended purpose.

8.  You may not use your own software programs on the Public Access Computers, nor may you download programs from the Internet or open attachments from email. This helps prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers.

9. Files may only be saved to disk, CD, or USB device.  Any outside media for saving files must be scanned for viruses by a librarian before you will be allowed to use it on our computers.  If the media has been removed from the library at any point, it must be scanned again before it can be used again.  

11.  All printing--whether from word processing, desktop publishing, Internet text or pictures--from any computer is 25¢ (twenty-five cents) per black and white page. The Print window allows the patron to select which pages to print, so a patron is responsible for paying for ALL pages printed. Printing from a color printer, if available, must be approved by the library staff, and costs $2.00 (two dollars) per page. (Photocopies are 25¢/page/side copied.)

12.  You may not always be able to go places on the Internet you want to visit.  There are many reasons, among them:

•  There are too many Internet visitors, and the host computer has closed or limited access from the “outside world”. 
• The database or resource is licensed to a particular institution, in which case you would need to be affiliated with the institution in order to gain access.
• The host computer has changed its address or has closed down.
• The library’s Internet connection may be temporarily and periodically inoperable due to technical difficulties.

13.  All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided.

 

Responsible, ethical use of such resources includes the following:

• Using resources for educational and informational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purpose.
• Not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
• Respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at the library by not interfering with their use.
• Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
• Not sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be interpreted as obscene.

14.  Misuse of Internet access or any library equipment will result in loss of your computer privileges, and may be punishable by law*.

 

Booker Public Library