Computer, Internet, Wireless Network Use Policy

Kennedy Free Library

Computer, Internet, and Wireless Network Use Policy

Guidelines

  • Adults and students grade 6 and up (or age 11 and up) may use computers in the library.
  • Patrons are allowed 3 hours of computer time each day. Extensions may be made based on availability
  • Children in Grade 5 and below (or age 10 and below) may use computers in the library. Caregivers are permitted to work with children on computers.
    • Children are allowed 30 minutes of computer use each day.  Extensions may be made at the discretion of the library staff based on availability.
  • Patrons must have a library card in good standing (fines under $10) in order to access the computers.
    • Guest passes are available from the front desk.  Patrons that live in Chautauqua or Cattaraugus County may use a guest pass once and they will need to obtain a library card for future computer use.  Patrons from outside Chautauqua or Cattaraugus County may obtain a guest pass by presenting valid identification.
  • Parents who wish to use the computer must find care for their young children.  Children below age 7 may not be left unattended in the children’s room.
  • Access to the computers is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • One person may use a computer at a time.
  • Patrons requesting to take a proctored examination may submit requests to the library director.
  • No cell phone calls are permitted in computer areas.
  • No food or drink is permitted in the computer area.
  • Patrons must provide their own headphones if they wish to use the sound on the computer.
  • Library staff are not able to perform updates or make changes to patron computers or devices. 

Rules Governing Use

  • Printers and Copiers
    • The cost to print or copy is 10¢ per black & white page and 25¢ per color page.
    • Patrons are responsible for all pages printed.  Use of the print preview function is recommended.
    • Charges must be paid at the conclusion of the session
    • Fax services are available. Cost $1.00 per page.
    • Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user. The Board of Trustees and staff do not assume any liability for copyright violations.
  • Users must respect other users’ privacy.
  • Patrons may not make any changes to hardware, software, or settings on library computers.
  • It is unacceptable to use the Library’s electronic resources for illegal or criminal use. Users must respect the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
  • Use of computers to display or disseminate obscene or pornographic material in the Library is prohibited. Accessing this material will result in a loss of library privileges.
  • Do not turn off library computers.

Access by Children

  • Parents/legal guardians are responsible for their children’s use of computers.
  • Children under the age of 7 may not be left unattended (see Internet Safety Policy)
  • As with all other library materials, parents or legal guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.
  • Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. There may be material on the Internet which parents or legal guardians would consider inappropriate for their children to view.
  • The library cannot assume the parent’s or legal guardian’s responsibility to monitor the child’s Internet use to see if it conforms to the parent’s standards. Only parents may restrict their children from access to Internet resources available at the Library.
  • Parents or legal guardians are advised to supervise their children’s computer sessions and to encourage them not to give out personal information, such as names, addresses and phone numbers.

Wireless Network Use

  •  You will need to bring your own laptop computer or wireless device to the library. Your Laptop will need to have built-in WiFi or you will need to purchase and install a WiFi network card. The Library does not provide wireless cards and does not install them.
  • Most WiFi equipment will be compatible with the library’s WiFi network. The library can make no guarantees that you will be able to connect with the library’s network.
  • To connect to the wireless network, our Wireless access points located in the library communicate with your wireless device. Our wireless network is called “[Insert name]” You should be able to connect anywhere in the library. When your wireless network card senses a signal, a message appears on the screen indicating a wireless network is available. Open your web browser and it will automatically connect to the Internet. When connecting to the Internet you are agreeing to abide by Our Internet use Policy.
  • You are responsible for setting up your own equipment. If you are not familiar with computers or networking, we recommend bringing someone with you who can help you configure your laptop.
  • Bring a fully charged battery; electrical outlets for plugging in laptops are limited.
  • Though the network is designed to cover the entire Library, no guarantee is made for signal strength or availability.
  • Our Internet use policy is still in effect when you are using the Library’s WiFi.

*Remember, other patrons can still see your screen*

  • The Library’s Wireless network is not secure. Keep this in mind as you surf the web. Do not send personal information unless you know the recipient is a reputable business that uses encryption on their website. (Most have a little lock showing in the task bar)
  • There is no time limit on using the WiFi network; stay connected as long as you like.
  • Printing is not available from the wireless network. You can save the information to a disk for printing at home, or send an email to yourself, then sign up for a public computer and print from there. Printing costs are 10 cents a page (Black & White or 25 cents (color).
  • The WiFi Network is intended for use in or on library property. The WiFi is not to be used in residences or businesses surrounding the library.