Sheffield Public Library
(Revised 8/12/2014)
Library Computer Use Policy
and
Internet Safety Policy
You must read and accept the following rules for internet use in order to use the library’s internet computers.
The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service. Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus-checking software on their own computers, tablets, smart phones, etc. The Library is not responsible for damage to users’ storage devices or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from the use of the Library’s computers.
The library is not responsible for the quality of the information found on the internet. Users must evaluate reliability of sites and the quality of the information provided.
Rules for Internet Workstations (World Wide Web)
1. Patrons may have no more than 2 non-consecutive 1 hour sessions per day. Exceptions may be made for job applications, student aide applications, tests and on-line classes. Any patron with an up-to-date library card from Sheffield Library who is ten (10) years of age or older may use them. Children under 10 must have a parent present in the library to use the computers. The parent must be at the computer with the child for internet access. The patron signing up to use a workstation must be the actual user or be at the workstation during the entire reserved time. You may not use another person's name or library card to use an Internet workstation. One person per workstation unless a parent is accompanying a child.
2. Rules regarding signing in and out are as follows:
1. PATRONS MUST BRING AN UP-TO-DATE LIBRARY CARD.
2. There should be no fines or overdue books on the patron’s card.
3. Patrons from out of region may use a GUEST PASS.
4. Patrons may log on to any available computer by entering their library card number and their name.
5. If no computers are available, patrons my reserve the next available computer by scanning their barcode at the reservation station.
6. Patrons my select any computer or a computer with scanner when reserving a computer.
7. Patrons should click the End Session button when closing a session. Patrons should never log the computer out or turn the computer off.
8. PATRONS ARE EXPECTED TO END THEIR INTERNET WORKSTATION USE ON TIME. Patrons will receive a warning 10 minutes before a session ends. Some files are quite lengthy and take time to transmit. Please be aware of your reserved time and be prepared to immediately exit from the workstation when the next user arrives. A patron may end a session before their time is up by clicking the End Session button and the OK button to confirm they want to end the session. Patrons should never log the computer off.
3. The Library's Internet workstations are for browsing the World Wide Web.
1. You may not upload files to the WWW other than small files such as photos or short video clips. Uploads must not violate copyright laws.
2. You do not have the ability to send or receive e-mail (except web based e-mail).
3. You may not view material that is inappropriate for public viewing.
4. You may not download files to the computer's hard drive. Information can be saved to a floppy disk (3 1/2 in. high density), burned to a CD/DVD, or saved on a flash drive. You may bring your own disk or may purchase one from the library for $1.00. Printouts may also be made at a cost of .20 per page for black and white, $1.00 per page for color.
5. You may not connect most devices (Flash drive, portable drive, MP3 player, phone, etc.) that require installation of software on the library's computers. If you connect a device that asks for installation, contact library staff for help.
6. If you wish to hear sound on any public computer, you must provide your own headphones/ear buds. On some computers these must be connected to the audio extension cable attached to the top of the computer. On computers without an extension cable you may plug into the front audio jack (green) of the computer. If you do not have headphones/ear buds, they may be purchased at the circulation desk for $1.50.
4. Patrons must not attempt to alter any software or hardware settings or save information to the hard drive. Do not disconnect or remove any hardware connected to the computer. Do not move the computer. Do not attempt to breach computer security or to gain unauthorized access to the library’s network or computer systems or any other network or computer system.
5. All patrons must follow the rules listed below in the Internet Safety Policy.
Failure to abide by these rules will result in the loss of access to the library's internet workstations.
For users over 18:
1st violation: Banned from use of the library’s computers for 1 month
2nd violation: Banned from use of the library’s computers permanently
For users 18 and under see Library Internet Safety Policy
Library Internet Safety Policy
Sheffield Public Library
Use of Library Computers by Minors
Minor – anyone under the age of 19 (as defined by Alabama State Law, Code of Alabama 26-1-1)
a. Minors may not view or download any material that is considered harmful to minors. This includes but is not limited to sites containing pornographic material, sexually explicit material, child pornography, or any other material that is considered harmful to minors.
b. When using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion groups and any forms of direct communication on the internet, minors should not transmit data that would compromise their safety.
c. Minors are prohibited from using the library’s internet computers for any unlawful activities including hacking, identity theft, false representation for fraudulent or illegal purposes, and violation of copyright. Inappropriate activities include, but are not limited to, bullying, illegal downloading or uploading of copyrighted material (movies, TV shows, music, etc.), and accessing obscene material. All computer users must comply with federal and state laws.
d. Minors should not disclose their own personal information without the consent of their parent or guardian. They may not disclose anyone else’s personal information without the permission of that person or in the case of a minor that person’s parent or legal guardian. Minors should be careful about the personal information they share on social networking sites such as Face Book, MySpace, Twitter, etc.
e. All public access computers at the library and the library’s Wi-Fi are filtered. No filter is perfect and parents of minors should be aware of this. The filter is set to be compliant with CIPA and NCIPA requirements.
When applying for a library card for a child age 10-15, parents must sign for the child to have access to the library’s internet computers.
Penalties for violation of Internet use policy for minors include:
1st violation: banned from use of the library’s computers for 1 month & a letter will be sent to the child’s parents.
2nd violation: banned from use of the library’s computers for 3 months & a letter will be sent to the child’s parents.
3rd violation: banned from use of the library’s computers for 6 months & a letter will be sent to the child’s parents.
