GENERAL COMPUTER USE

The library provides access to computer technology to give patrons the opportunity to search databases, to use a word processor, and in general to learn about computers. Access to the internet allows patrons to explore a world of information that is not easily and quickly available in other ways. The internet (a rapidly changing, global network of computers) provides information from a wide variety of sources, including educational institutions, governmental units, businesses, non-profit groups, and individuals. Not all of these sources are reputable, current, complete or accurate. Internet users must exercise critical judgment in evaluating information accessed. 
All Orleans Public Library computer systems are filtered to protect against access to obscenity, child pornography, and sexually explicit graphic materials as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2001. Filtering software is not 100 percent effective; parents and individuals must assume responsibility for internet use. The library is not responsible for any direct or indirect consequences or incidents incurred through a patron’s use of the computer or internet access.
 
A special note to parents:
The library believes the internet should be available to children. However, it is the parent’s responsibility to provide the necessary supervision to ensure that their child uses the internet in an appropriate and safe manner. Children in the fifth grade or younger (based on the grade in which the child is currently enrolled or, during the summer, the grade the student has just completed) may only use the computers in the children’s department. If internet access is requested the child must be under the supervision of a parent or other responsible adult at the workstation at all times. 
 
Sign up and time limits:
To use the computer patrons must have a signed internet agreement on file with the library and sign in at the circulation desk in the area where the computer is provided.
Computer sessions are for 30 minute time periods.
Patrons may continue past their allotted time period if no one else has requested use of a computer, up to a maximum of 90 minutes per day.  
 Patrons must immediately surrender their terminal if another patron requests usage and the original 30 minute session has passed. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library staff for patrons who are taking on-line exams, tutoring sessions, typing resumes, etc.
Computers are available on a walk-in basis, or sessions may be reserved in advance.
Patrons will be asked to vacate the computers fifteen minutes before the library closing time.
 
Staff assistance:
Library staff members can provide only limited assistance for basic startup procedures and cannot provide in-depth training concerning the internet, computer language or personal computer use. Most programs provide tutorials within the computer system, offering assistance on how to use the software installed.   
 
General:
Anyone using the computer equipment in an offensive or otherwise inappropriate manner will be penalized according to the current policy for computer use. 
Patrons using the computer must have an Orleans Public Library card and a completed Internet Use Certification and Agreement on file with the Library. 
A parent or guardian must sign the Internet Use Certification and Agreement for minor children. 
Visitor cards may be used for patrons not residing in Orleans or Orleans Township.
 
INTERNET USE AT THE ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Penalties:  Misuse of any computer equipment or the internet connection will result in the loss of the user’s library internet privileges for six months following the first offense, for one year following a second offense, and permanently following a third offense. Very serious violations, as determined by the library staff, may result in immediate permanent loss of internet privileges after only one offense.
 
Policies and Procedures for Registered Patrons:
 
To use the internet you must have a current, valid Orleans Public Library card and be in good standing on material returns and fines. Good standing is defined as having fines and fees less than $5.00 and no books or materials overdue in excess of 3 months. A completed Internet Use Certification and Agreement must be on file with the Library.
 
Visitor cards may be used for patrons not residing in Orleans or Orleans Township.
 
A custodial parent or guardian must sign the Internet Use Certification and Agreement for those under age 18.
 
Children in the fifth grade or younger may only use the computers in the children’s department. They may access the internet connection only when accompanied at the workstation by a parent or other responsible adult.
 
Computer stations are designed for individual use. Only one person may be at a computer at a time. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library staff.
 
You may reserve on-line time in 30 minute increments.
 
Patrons agree to pay the Library the fee in effect for each page they queue to print
 
Rules:
  • Do not pretend to be someone other than yourself.
  • Do not use the library internet connection to:  violate copyright or other federal or state laws, violate the privacy of others, access pornographic materials or sites, access chat sites, transmit or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise illegal materials; encourage the use, sale, or distribution of controlled substances or illegal items
  • Do not use the library internet connection for hacking or scamming, or otherwise interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment.  Disruptions include but are not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising; malicious attempts to harm or destroy the data of another user, the system, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the internet; intentional damage to hardware or software resident on the system; propagation of computer worms or viruses; using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
  • Do not initiate purchases using the library’s computers
  • Do not misuse the library’s hardware or software. Misuse includes, but is not limited to:  changing the configuration of any of the software on these computers; installing software on any of these computers or running programs from floppy disks or CD’s; using the computers and peripherals in a manner that may damage the equipment; altering or attaching equipment to the library’s hardware; downloading files onto the hard drives of these computers; using your own disks in the library’s computers unless the library staff scans them for viruses immediately before use; wasting the library resources (for example: computer supplies, paper, computer access time or computer memory)

Internet Use Disclaimer:  The Orleans Public Library has no control over information accessed through the internet and cannot be responsible for its content. Library patrons use the internet at their own risk. Children’s access to the internet is the sole responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian. The library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect incidental or consequential damages, loss of data, loss of profits, loss of privacy, sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operations, or inability to use the computer system or from its connection to other internet services.