Computer Usage

Computer Use Policy

The computers are for public use. There will be a half hour time limit unless no one else is waiting for a computer. No software may be brought in and loaded onto public computers. Someone needing the computer for school or business have priority. Games may be played if no one is using the computer, you may call and reserve a computer and time. Revised April, 2014

Policy: Responsibilities and ethical use of the internet

Resource shall be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. Transmissions of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulations are prohibited. This includes but in not limited to, copyrighted materials, threatening or obscene materials or materials protected by trade secrets. If in doubt check with the staff person on duty. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited. Sending, receiving, or displaying, text or graphics, which may be reasonably construed as profane, will not be tolerated. Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, or any of the agency or other networks that are connected to the internet. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Use of the computer is on a first come first served basis. You may call and reserve a specific time and computer which you would like to use. There is a half hour time limit per machine unless doing business or school work on said machine. Your time can be extended at the discretion of the staff person in charge. There is a fee for printing per sheet of paper; rates will be posted. If it is for school it will be in black and white and is free. The Atkins Public Library, City of Atkins, Library Board or the Library Director or staff will not be held responsible for any damages the patron suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or patron error or omission. Computer users are responsible for damage to equipment or to library materials and will be billed for full repair or replacement cost of the system if necessary.

Internet Policy, the Rights of Users and Equity of Access

Internet is a vast network of computer networks linking millions of computers around the world. Electronic information flows across boundaries and barriers despite attempt by individuals, governments, and private entities to channel or control it. The constant emergence and change if issues arising from still developing technology of computer mediated information generation, distribution and retrieval needs to be approached by libraries from a context of established policy and constitutional principles. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and foundation for self government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and corollary right to receive, the exercise of these rights by selecting, producing, providing, access to, identifying, retrieving, organizing, providing instruction in the use of, and preserving recorded expression regardless of format or technology. The rights of all users, regardless of age shall in no way be abridged. Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their children. The library does not act in the place or in absence of the parent and is not responsible for enforcing in any restrictions which a parent may place on a minor's use of this resource. Users have both the right of confidentiality and the right to privacy. Users should be advised, however that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public. The library cannot control or monitor information acceded through the Internet and does not accept the responsibility for the accuracy of its content. Users also have a right to information, training, and assistance necessary to operate hardware and software provided by the library when possible. Updated September 17, 2014