The purpose of maintaining public access to computers, tablets, Internet, and related hardware and software, is to augment the library’s collection in order to support the community’s needs and activities.

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Relationship to Other Library Policies

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All other library policies apply to computer use, including but not limited to patron behavior policies.

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Disclaimer for Users of the Internet at the Library

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The library cannot control or monitor information accessed through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of its content.

The library reserves the right to terminate Internet access privileges of any person who does not follow its policies and guidelines.  Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:

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1. Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or to other users, including violation of computer system security and/or system configuration.  Users can not install their own software, or alter or attach equipment to the library’s hardware.

2. Using the Internet for any illegal activity or for other activities such as harassment or distribution of unsolicited messages.  All users must obey copyright law and adhere to software licensing agreements.

3. Disrupting the use of workstations by other patrons, violating another user’s right to privacy, or the use of sounds and visuals that might be disruptive to others or display of text or graphics that reasonably may be construed as indecent or obscene.  If the use of a computer becomes disruptive or inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session at any time.

Violations of this policy may result in loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility.  Illegal acts involving library computers may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.  It is against Iowa law to download or provide child pornography, or to display pornography where it may be seen by children.  (Iowa Code, Chapter 728.2).

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Patron Assistance and Instruction

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Library staff may be able to help with basic computer use, but we cannot provide information on the use of each software program and may not be able to help patrons with specific problems in given programs.

The library shall not be liable for handling patrons’ computers.  Patrons must understand how to configure their own computers in order to access the library’s wireless service.

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Children’s Internet Use

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The library cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child.  Only parents and guardians have the right and the responsibility to determine their children’s access to library resources.  Parents and guardians who do not want their children to have access to specific library services, materials, or facilities should so advise their children.  The Keokuk Public Library observes the First Amendment rights of every citizen, as cited in the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights.

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Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)

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All users of the library’s wireless access to the Internet must abide by this policy.  The library shall not be liable for any risk taken by the patron who chooses to connect their own device to the library’s wireless service.

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Responsibilities of Users

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Users of the Keokuk Public Library’s computers and wireless service are required to read and abide by the provisions of this policy including the “Rules Governing Public Use of the Computers” listed below.

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Rules Governing Use of Public Computers

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Patrons with less than $10 in fees and no overdue materials may request computer time at the Front Desk or at the Self-Service Reservation Station.  Reserved time slots are forfeited five minutes after the reservation start time.  Patrons must be prepared to turn the computer over promptly at any time.

Patrons are limited to thirty minutes on all computers. If no one is waiting, additional time may be requested.
The workstations are limited to one user at a time, except for special circumstances such as parental supervision of children’s use and approved tutoring sessions.

Patrons can not permanently save files to library computers; patrons that wish to save should bring their own storage device.  The library is not responsible for any damage to any personal devices.  Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a viruses.

Patrons who wish to print can purchase and retrieve print-outs.  (Refer to Fee Schedule for prices.)
The library’s Internet connection and wireless service may be used only for lawful purposes.  Internet users agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Keokuk Public Library from any claims resulting from their use of the service, which damaged the user or another party.

The library is not responsible for lost data and does not guarantee any supplied program. Users will be held financially responsible for any damage or alteration to equipment or software. Misuse of any equipment, or failure to follow any of these guidelines, including failure to abide by time limits, will result in a loss of Internet privileges.

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Adopted 2/21/1989
Revised 12/20/1989
Revised 6/18/1990
Revised 3/15/1999
Reviewed 12/16/2002
Reviewed 1/16/2006
Revised 10/16/2006
Revised 1/15/2007
Revised 7/16/2007
Revised 6/16/2008
Revised 2/28/2011
Revised 10/19/2015

Revised 10/17/2016

Revised 11/16/2020