COMPUTER AND INTERNET POLICY

 

The purpose of maintaining public access to computers, the 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

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

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:

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 cannot 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.

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Violations of this policy may result in the 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

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

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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.

 

Children’s Internet Use

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 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)

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

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

Patrons with less than $10 in fees and no overdue materials may request computer time at the Front Desk or sign in on their own with their library card.  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.

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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.

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Patrons cannot 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 viruses.

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Patrons who wish to print can purchase and retrieve printouts.  (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.

 

Internet Hotspots

Only registered library cardholders in good standing and active at least 30 days may borrow a hotspot.

Only one (1) hotspot per household may be checked out at any given time.

The card holder must be 18 years of age or older to check out a hotspot.

The cardholder must have a current, working phone number and/or a current, working email address to check out a hotspot.

The hotspot loan period is for seven days and there are no renewals.

If a hotspot is not returned by the due date, the library will deactivate it the next day and the library will take steps to recover their property.

Patrons will be responsible for all applicable replacement costs and fees if the hotspot is lost, stolen, or damaged while checked out.  The library will not accept replacement hotspots purchased by the patron.

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Adopted 2/21/1989

Revised 12/20/1989, 6/18/1990, 3/15/1999

Reviewed 12/16/2002, 1/16/2006. 10/16/2006

Revised 1/15/2007, 7/16/2007, 6/16/2008,2/28/2011

Revised 10/19/2015, 10/14/2016, 11/16/2020

Revised 7/17/2023

Revised 3/18/2024