Bemis Public Library Computer Rules and Procedures

• A computer sign-in and reservation system is used for all public computers on the lower level of the library. There is a uniform 30-minute time limit per login. Instructions on how to use the sign-in and reservation system are available at the lower level Reference Desk and at the reservation station located next to the printers.
• The charge for printing is $.10 per sheet of paper; $.50 per page for color printing.
• Users may save files to their own flash drives. The Library is not responsible for any damage to data, including viruses, which may occur when using a Library computer.
• Only one person may use a single computer in the computer lab; no more than two people may work together at a computer station outside of the lab.
• Children in fifth grade and under must be accompanied by an adult to use the computers outside of the computer lab; children in fifth grade and under are not permitted in the computer lab. Unfiltered computers, #1-4, are restricted to users age 18 and up and the user is required to present a valid photo ID.
• Only programs owned by the Library may be used in the computers.
• When using programs that produce sound, headphones must be used.
• Limited assistance in using computer programs may be provided by staff as time permits.
• Using a library card number other than your own, without the permission of the owner of the card, is prohibited. First offense will result in being banned from the Library for two weeks. The police will be contacted for the second offense.

Bemis Public Library Internet Access Policy

General Guidelines

The Library provides public access to a variety of information resources, including those available on the Internet. The Internet is a vast and unregulated global information network. It contains a wide variety of material and opinions from diverse viewpoints. The Library does not monitor use of the Internet, nor does it have control over the content of Internet sites. The Library assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource.

Since the Internet is not subject to any form of regulation, users may encounter sites they consider offensive or controversial. To help eliminate some of the accidental encounters with these sites, the Library has installed Internet filtering software that is designed to block access to such material. All computers in the Children's area are filtered. Internet users in the Adult area have a choice of using a filtered or unfiltered Internet station. Please see a librarian at the Reference Desk if you have a question about which computers are filtered or unfiltered. BE ADVISED THAT NO FILTERING SOFTWARE IS TOTALLY FOOLPROOF, AND IT MAY OCCASIONALLY FAIL TO BLOCK ACCESS TO A SITE AN INDIVIDUAL MAY DEEM AS INAPPROPRIATE. It may also occasionally block access to a site not considered offensive. A Request to Change Internet Access form may be obtained at the Information Desk.

Internet users must be cautious in the selection of sites they choose to use. The Internet is not secure or private. The Library is not responsible for any misuse of personal information you provide online.

Bemis Public Library requires that Internet workstations be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, not invading the privacy of others, and not engaging in any activity that is harassing or defamatory. The Library is a public place that is shared by people of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to balance the rights of individuals to access a wide range of information resources with the right of patrons and staff to work in a public environment free from harassment. The Library may terminate an Internet session if sites are accessed which are inappropriate for viewing in a public setting.

The Library is not responsible for any damage to patron devices, including viruses, which may occur when using a Library computer.

Children's Use of the Internet

As with other Library materials, restriction of a child's access to, and use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, not the Library or its staff.

Parents should supervise their child's use of the Internet. All the computers in the Children's area are filtered; however, NO FILTERING SOFTWARE IS FOOLPROOF. Users may inadvertently or accidentally be exposed to sites which a parent may find to be personally objectionable or inappropriate for their children. Filtering software is not a substitute for parental involvement in a child's use of the Internet.

Rules

Computers should not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which are obscene. Users who access the Internet and other electronic services on Library computers are responsible for using them in an ethical, legal and considerate manner.

Users who access the Internet and other electronic services on Library computers are responsible for using them in an ethical, legal, and considerate manner. Prohibited use of Library computers includes, but is not limited to:

• Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment for the public or staff.
• Representing oneself as another person online.
• Using the Internet to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials.
• Viewing, displaying, or printing explicit graphical images which are in violation of Federal or Colorado law.
• Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or others, including adding, altering, or deleting files on Library workstations, hard drives, or other Library computer equipment, and propagating computer worms or viruses.
• Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords, or alter the configuration of Library workstations in any way.
• Violating copyright laws or licensing agreements.
• Using the computers for any other illegal purposes.

NOTE: Failure to comply with the above rules, procedures and policies, or the Library's posted Rules of Behavior, may result in the patron's temporary or permanent loss of Library privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.