• Accessing workstations
• Programs
• Printing
• Behavioral guidelines
• Staff assistance
• Legal consideration
• Internet
• User responsibilities
• The library
• Computer systems

 
It is the intention of the Urbandale Public Library to provide a safe online environment for patrons using our public computers.  Please be aware that we are unable to guarantee the privacy, confidentiality or safety of personal bank accounts, id numbers/passwords, financial accounts, etc. while using our public computers.  Patrons should use caution when using public Internet computers.

Accessing workstations:
Before using any computer, users must sign in at the station they wish to use or the sign-in station if there is a waiting list, with a valid Urbandale or Johnston library card (fines must be less than $10.00 and the card must not be expired). It is strongly recommended that library cards are not loaned to others.

Those who do not meet the qualifications for a library card will be put on a computer with a guest card.

Iowa residents without a permanent address can receive a restricted access card. These patrons can use the library computer services; however they are unable to check out materials.

One public access computer is available for users without a library card. There is a ten minute limit on usage of this station.

Two computers are available with the Microsoft Office Suite on a first come first served basis and are limited to four hours per day. These two computers do not have Internet access and are available for use without a library card.

Computers may be used for a two hour time period. If, at the end of that time, no one is scheduled to use the computer, the current user may schedule additional time.

Internet users are limited to 4 hours per day.

Computer time for use with a flat bed scanner and proctored exams may be reserved no earlier than 1 week in advance.

No more than 2 people will be permitted at a workstation at a time.

Latecomers forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time. Anyone more than 5 minutes late will lose his/her entire reserved time.

Only library staff will shut down public use computers.

Do not make any attempt to alter or damage computer hardware or software.

The library staff reserves the right to terminate a person’s use of the computer for any reason.

Children in the 2nd grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older to use the computers.

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Programs:
Only library software may be used. Library computers have the Microsoft Office 2003 Suite and Internet Explorer.

Information may not be saved/downloaded to the library’s computers. Users must use a portable storage device to save information. Disks and CD-RWs are available for purchase at the reference desk.

Also, files may be downloaded onto the patron’s portable storage device.

The library uses virus checking software; however, this is not a guarantee of complete virus protection.

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Printing:
All printing (including that from the Internet and library software programs) is 10¢ per page, black and white and 50¢ per page for color, regardless of who provides the materials.

Printing must be completed within one’s allotted time period and prior to library closing time.

Users must pay for all pages released from the printer regardless of content.

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Behavioral guidelines:
Resources are not to be used for illegal purposes.

All users must respect the rights of others. Interference with other computer users will not be tolerated.

Cell phone use at public Internet computers is prohibited. Those using a cell phone will be asked to leave the building.

Changes must not be made to the setup or configuration of the software, hardware or printers.

Users are not permitted to unplug network connections, install, delete or modify library hardware or software.

Misuse of the computers or Internet will result in loss of privileges. Anyone abusing the computers or printers will be charged repair or replacement costs, whichever is lesser and may result in legal action.

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Staff assistance:
The library staff cannot provide in-depth computer training, but will attempt to answer basic questions or help users locate resources on the Internet.

Patrons are expected to be knowledgeable in basic computer operations. Library staff is unable to offer individualized instruction and cannot assist users with downloading or e-mail problems.
Click here for more information on computer classes.

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Legal consideration:
Activities that violate local, state or federal statues are prohibited.

In accordance with U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) users may not copy or distribute electronic material without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.

The Urbandale Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.

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Internet:
The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the library’s connection to the Internet.

Staff will assist library users in getting started on the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching as time permits.

The library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information on the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Therefore, users are encouraged to evaluate the validity of information accessed.

Since the Internet access computers are located in public areas which must be shared by library users of all ages, background and sensibilities, the library staff reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images which violate this computer use policy.

Internet access computers will not be used for unauthorized or illegal purposes.

No one may send, receive or display text or graphics, which may reasonably be construed as obscene. The authority to determine what is illegal (obscene) content rests with the Polk County Attorney or the Iowa Attorney General (SEC.728.6, Code of Iowa).

Individuals may not harass, libel or slander others, misrepresent oneself as another user, or plagiarize copyrighted information on the Internet.

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User responsibilities:
Users shall obey all local, state and federal laws.

Users shall treat library staff, library computers and Internet access in a responsible manner to help preserve the availability of such services.

Users shall obey the library’s policies and procedures.

Users must use their own library barcode to access the library’s computers.

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The library:
The library affirms the right and responsibility of a parent or guardian to determine and monitor their child’s and only their child’s use of library materials and resources. Internet access for those 13 and under is possible by parent or guardian permission given at the time the library card is issued.

The library does not serve as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) but serves as an Internet access point. The library cannot guarantee a connection to the Internet and/or a specific site.

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Computer systems:
Breach of the system’s security is defined as tampering with the password, icons, introduction of viruses, hacking, etc. Such activities will result in the loss of computer and Internet privileges at the library and may result in legal action.

Saving or downloading files to the network is prohibited.

By using the Urbandale Public Library’s computers, you have agreed to this policy.

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Approved Urbandale Public Library Board of Trustees 9/26/2005