COMPUTER & INTERNET POLICY 

Updated and Effective January 1, 2012
The Library welcomes all members of the community who wish to use the computers
 but use of the Minoa Free Library Internet is a privilege, not a right.
 Violation of the rules or other inappropriate use will result in cancellation of this  privilege.  

PLEASE NOTE: Wireless Internet use is free. Printer services are not available for Wi-Fi.

GENERAL
The Minoa Free Library provides public computers offering Internet access and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc. It offers these in fulfillment of its mission to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational and educational needs of its diverse community and to respond to advances in technology and the changing needs of its patrons. All computer users must conform to general rules and Patron Code of Conduct. 
Please adhere to the following:

* Computer usage is for one hour at a time only. The hour may be extended at the discretion of the staff if no one is waiting for a computer. Please ask a member of the staff if you wish to extend your computer time. Catalog/Short Use PC may be used for 15 minutes only. 

* There will be no more than two individuals at a computer workstation, and noise must be kept to a minimum.

* Children will be allowed to use computers for work-related purpose for an hour at a time. For game purposes, children may use computers for one-half to one hour, at the discretion of the staff.  Children who have been on the computer playing games for a half-hour may be asked to relinquish use of the computer when an adult is in need of computer time.

* Computer usage is free of charge except for consumables such as printing. The first printed page per day is free and the cost is 10¢ per page thereafter for black and white. Pages printed in color are 25¢ each. Since all printed pages are counted, be sure to verify what you are printing (by using Print Preview or other process that specifies what will be printed.)

* All library computers have security software. Users may not upload or download their own programs to the computer. Users are not to "Save" any pictures or documents to the computer; a USB Flash Drive is available for temporary usage.

* Computer users must not use the library's computers for any unlawful or illegal purposes. The viewing of child pornography 
is a criminal act and may be punishable as a felony. 

ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET
The Internet can be a valuable resource in informational and recreational pursuits, but it is also an unregulated medium that changes often and unpredictably. Information found on the Internet may be erroneous, incomplete, duplicitous, outdated and/or offensive to some. Minoa Free Library does not monitor Internet use and assumes no responsibility for information retrieved from the Internet. Library users access the Internet at their own risk and the library is not responsible for any direct or consequential damages as the result of Internet use. Please note the following:

* Access by Children: Minoa Free Library provides equal access of all materials to all users. Only parents or guardians, not the library or staff, may restrict children's use of the Internet (or other library materials). The library does not stand (I) in loco parentis. Parents concerned with their children's Internet usage must supervise and advise their children themselves.

* Security: All Internet users should be aware that the internet is not necessarily a secure medium, and all transactions, including transmission of financial information, may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties.

The following rules apply to all Internet Users:

* All of the library computers are set up in full view of the public and the staff. Should anyone (other patrons or staff) find what is being viewed offensive in accord with overall community standards, the user shall be asked to sign off of the computers for the rest of that day. Continuing or repeated use of offensive material detected during or after Internet sessions (for example, by graphic pop-up windows coming up for the following user) will result in loss of computer  privileges. 

* Use of the Internet for activities that violate any applicable laws is prohibited.

* Users must respect intellectual property rights, any consequences of copyright infringement reside with the individual user, and the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.