Computer and Internet Policy
Introduction
Sewickley Township Public Library offers the use of computer equipment and the Internet to the public as a free service. In order to ensure fair use of the library equipment, all patrons must comply with this policy. All users (persons operating, viewing or assisting others) of the computer terminals must present a valid Library card in good standing.
Agreement to Policies
Any patron wishing to use the Sewickley Township Public Library computer equipment must first read and sign the Computer and Internet Policy. By signing this agreement and subsequently presenting their Library card, users agree to the conditions set forth regarding the use of the computer terminals and related equipment and the Internet.
Minors
All minors (those who have not reached 18 years of age) may operate, view or assist others in using the computer terminals and Internet only if their parent or legal guardian completed and returned the Minor’s Computer and Internet Usage form to the Library.
Violations
All violations of these policies will be noted in the patron’s card file. Three violations will result in permanent loss of computer and Internet privileges. Additionally, violators may face legal action and/or loss of other Library privileges.
Filters
All schools and public libraries are required to have Internet filters in place as part of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Act 197 (HB 2262). Filters are used to block access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, or material that is harmful to minors. The Sewickley Township Public Library uses Cybersitter software on all computers to comply with these regulations.
Although Cybersitter does filter out most material that is harmful to minors, it occasionally filters out other websites that do not contain objectionable material. If you are unable to view a website as a result of this filtering software, please let a Library staff member know and we will be happy to temporarily disable the filtering software for you.
Limitations
Since the Internet is an unregulated global electronic network, Sewickley Township Public Library has no control over its content. Although the Library uses Internet filtering software, there is the potential that material of a controversial, offensive and/or inaccurate nature may still get through. The Library is not responsible for the availability, accuracy or content of any accessed information.
Sign-In
All computer users (persons operating, viewing, or assisting others) must complete the sign-in sheet located at the end of the computer table. Violation of this policy will result in the loss of privileges. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Privacy Disclaimer
The Library does not provide monitor privacy screens and no expectation of privacy is guaranteed. Internet users are expected to respect the needs of other Library patrons. If Internet users disrupt other library services, or their behavior is inappropriate for a library setting, the Library reserves the right to end the session.
Length of Session
If other patrons are waiting to use a computer terminal, a maximum session length of one (1) hour will be enforced. Duration limits apply to all individuals sharing a terminal during a single session. If no other patrons are waiting, the user may continue to use the terminal until another patron signs in to use the terminal.
Printing
Users will be charged for each printout to cover the cost of toner and paper. The print action requires several steps; it is therefore assumed that all printing is intentional and the patron must pay for ALL printed sheets, regardless of content. Users should ask for assistance before printing, if necessary. The cost of each printed page is $0.20 for black and white and $0.50 for color.
Diskettes
The hard drive is not available for saving files. Disks may be purchased from the Library for $1.00. Downloading is done at the user’s risk and the Library takes no responsibility for any loss of data.
Restrictions
Users will not use computer terminals to:
- Violate copyright or software laws
- Engage in any illegal activities
- Use their own software at computer terminals
- Alter, remove or damage the configurations, software or hardware of Library computers
- Violate or attempt to breach the security of any computer system
- Engage in any illegal activities
- Misrepresent themselves on the Internet
- Harass others, either at Sewickley Township Public Library or on the Internet
- View sites that contain text or pictures that are inappropriate in a public setting where others may accidentally view screens, in accordance with Pennsylvania law
Legal Restrictions on Pornography, Terrorism and Other Illegal Activities
Internet users are responsible for ALL material viewed. The Library assumes no responsibility. Users may be charged criminally if found engaging in illegal activity. Users may not access the Internet for any unlawful purposes as defined under section 3933 of the Criminal Code of Pennsylvania.
Violating this policy results in immediate and permanent termination of computer use.
Revised August 15, 2005