Public Policy Manual: Section 6

Internet and Computer Workstation Policies

6A. Conditions and Terms of Use

Users of the public computers and tablets are responsible for their own choices. Parents and guardians are responsible for the use of these resources by their own minor children. (AUP) (Acceptable Use Policy appears on the screen at the beginning of each session for the patron to acknowledge.) See also Appendix A.

Users shall not:

  • misrepresent themselves as another person
  • attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others
  • seek unauthorized access to any computer system
  • damage or alter software components of any network or database
  • upload information to a library computer's hard drive
  • modify any library screens or programs (AUP)

The library reserves the right to charge for printing. (AUP)

Users may bring their own paper and envelopes or use library-supplied paper. The printing charge regardless of whose paper is used is 15¢ per page.

Users may bring their own storage devices and media for the purposes of uploading, downloading, or storing data. Documents saved to the computers’ hard drives are erased on a regular basis. The library is not responsible for damage to a patron's storage device, media, or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the library's computers.

Library staff assistance with technology is available as staff time permits.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the reproduction of copyrighted material. The user of the public computer is liable for any infringement. (AUP)

Misuse of the library's computers and/or the internet may result in loss of library privileges. (AUP)

The library accepts no responsibility for unauthorized access or modification of accounts or materials accessed through the library’s computers or networks.

a) Public Computers

The following uses of a public computer at the library are prohibited:

  • illegal purposes
  • displaying or disseminating graphics or materials which may reasonably be construed as obscene (AUP)

The sending of any information, including name, address, and credit card numbers, via the internet is at the sole risk of the user. (AUP)

Use of a public computer is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Patrons wishing to recommend access to a site disallowed by the library's internet management software may use the "Request for Addition of a Title/Source" form to request addition of the site. Likewise, patrons wishing to recommend that access to a site be denied may use the "Request for Reconsideration" form.

The library reserves the right to end a public computer session at any time. (AUP)

b) Wireless Internet Access

Free wireless internet access is provided to patrons and guests. Patrons are responsible for configuring their own wireless equipment.

c) Early Literacy Stations

No library card is required.

Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Computers in the Youth Services area are intended for patrons under the age of 18.

6B. Circulating Laptop Computer and Tablet Policies

The Greene County Public Library circulates laptop computers and tablets for use by Greene County Public Library patrons within the library.

a) Eligible Borrowers
  • Circulating laptops and tablets are available for current Greene County Public Library patrons who have a non-delinquent library card with a limit 10 status or higher. Visitors or guests without a valid Greene County Public Library card are not eligible.
b) Borrowing Guidelines
  • Circulating laptops/tablets must be used in the library. They may not be taken out of the building.
  • Circulating laptops/tablets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No advanced reservations will be accepted.
  • The loan period is 2 hours.
  • Circulating laptops/tablets may not be borrowed for other individuals.
  • Only one circulating laptop/tablet is loaned out per person.
  • Patrons borrowing laptops/tablets are responsible for them the entire time they are loaned out.
c) Return Procedures
  • The circulating laptop/tablet must be returned to library staff at the public service desk.
  • The staff will check the circulating laptop/tablet for any damage. If damage has occurred, charges will be assessed accordingly.
  • All circulating laptops/tablets must be returned to the public service desk 15 minutes before the library closes. There are no overnight loans on laptops/tablets.
d) Fines and Liability
  • Patrons are responsible for all costs associated with damage, loss, or theft of the circulating laptop/tablet.
e) Printing and Saving
  • Patrons may save their data to their personal storage devices or to their personal web space. Data saved to the laptops' "C" drive will be deleted once the laptop is powered off.
  • Patrons are encouraged to save their work frequently. Battery failure may result in lost work.
  • Printing is available with the laptops at 15¢ per side of page. All print jobs are sent to a networked printer.
f) Additional Guidelines
  • Patrons may not install their own software or change system settings.
  • Greene County Public Library is not responsible for damage to personal storage devices or for the loss of any data.
  • Greene County Public Library is not responsible for the cost or loss of any paid applications downloaded to tablets.
g) Conditions and Terms for Use for Laptops

Patrons must use circulating laptops/tablets in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Acceptable Use Policy. See also Appendix A.

6C. Circulating Mobile Hotspots

The Greene County Public Library circulates mobile hotspots for use by Greene County Public Library patrons.

a) Eligible Borrowers
  • Circulating mobile hotspots are available for current Greene County Public Library patrons at least 18 years of age who have a non-delinquent library card with a limit 10 status or higher. Visitors or guests without a valid Greene County Public Library card are not eligible.
b) Borrowing Guidelines
  • The loan period is 21 days. Express hotspots circulate for 2 days.
  • Only one circulating mobile hotspot is loaned out per household.
  • Circulating mobile hotspots may be reserved on a patron’s valid library card.
  • Circulating mobile hotspots maybe renewed up to 10 times. Express
    hotspots may not be renewed.
  • Overdue circulating mobile hotspots may be deactivated within 24 hours after due date.
c) Return Procedures
  • The staff will check the circulating mobile hotspot for any damage. If damage has occurred, charges will be assessed accordingly.
d) Fines and Liability
  • Patrons are responsible for all costs associated with damage, loss, or theft of the circulating mobile hotspot.
  • If the hotspot is not returned in good working condition, with all included parts and in the original packaging, the patron will be charged a $50 replacement fee.
  • Damaged devices or parts will be charged at full replacement cost.
  • An overdue charge of $1 per day ($10 max) up to the full replacement cost of $50 will be charged for a hotspot that is not returned. Overdue charge for express hotspots is $5 per day ($30 max) up to replacement of $50.
e) Additional Guidelines
  • Patrons may not change system settings.
  • The library or service provider is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed, transmitted, lost, or damaged while accessing the internet via the hotspot.
f) Conditions and Terms of Use for Mobile Hotspots
  • Patron use of the hotspot is subject to the service provider's Acceptable Use Policy, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Use, and the Greene County Public Library's Internet Use policy. It is the patron’s responsibility to read and abide by these policies.
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