Berwyn Public Library

Computer and Internet Policy

The Berwyn Public Library (Library) established this policy to ensure appropriate use of its Computer and Internet resources. The library offers various IT services, including free access to the Internet, in response to its mission and to uphold the public's freedom of access to information.

General Guidelines

1. The Computer Department staff will provide limited assistance so long as the service desk coverage is maintained. If a staff member is alone at the service desk, he/she will make every attempt to help the patron, but first priority is always the department.
2. Patrons requiring detailed assistance are encouraged to use the wide variety of books concerning the Internet, World Wide Web, Office software and other electronic services which are available for checkout in the Reference Department.
3. All computers available for public use in the Computer Department are intended to be used by one person at a time. If necessary, two people may sit together and work on the computers. However, if there are disruptions due to overcrowding, the desk staff will ask all non-users to leave the computer stations.
4. All computers are available for public use in the Computer Department open for service at 9:00 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. during normal hours, and 4:30 p.m. during summer hours. Patrons will not be permitted to use any public computers after the closing time, nor may they register for computer use later than 10 minutes before closing time.
5. The computers are on a first come first serve basis. Reservations cannot be made at this time.
6. Patrons must promptly relinquish the terminal when their time allotted has expired. Patrons are responsible for monitoring their own time.
7. During word processing sessions, patrons are to save their work to a 3.5” floppy disk. 3.5” IBM compatible disks are available for purchase at the Computer Department service desk for .50 cents each. Access to the terminal's hard disk drive will not be provided, so you will need either a floppy disk or email address to save your work.
8. The Berwyn Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or computer, or any loss of data that may occur from patron computer use.
9. Internet transactions involving the use of credit cards are not recommended and conducted strictly at the risk of the patron. The computer staff will not, under any circumstances, provide assistance of any nature when a patron chooses to use their credit card during a session.
10. E-Mail addresses must be obtained from an outside provider.
11. The public computers may not be used for illegal activities or for other activities such as harassment, distribution of unsolicited advertising, creation and propagation of computer viruses, violation of security in regards to any Berwyn Library network equipment, or attempts to make unauthorized entry into other computer systems. Violations of this guideline will result in immediate termination of the patron's computer -privileges.
12. Information on the Internet is retrieved from sites around the world. The library has no responsibility for the accuracy of this information. It may be outdated, controversial or incorrect.
13. Internet traffic on all library computers is subject to the restrictions imposed by the Library's content filter provider, SonicWall .
14. In cases where the Library's content filter inappropriately filters websites please inform the desk staff, and the content filter will be temporarily disabled for the duration of your session.
15. The library reserves the right to shutdown service for maintenance purposes and is not responsible for downtime.

Use of Equipment and Networks

Use of the Internet and all other services available in the Computer Department are a privilege, not a right. The Computer Department uses several layers of security, both client-side and server-side, to protect the library's computers from both inappropriate and negligent use. Any and all attempts to alter, disable, or circumvent security on any of the Computer Department's terminals will result in immediate loss of all Computer Department privileges.

The following activities are unacceptable and will result in loss of all Computer Room privileges and possible legal action:

1. Use of the Internet for any purpose resulting in the direct or indirect harassment of other users.
2. Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the department's computer equipment, software or network security procedures. This includes the installation of software of any nature on the computer terminals not specifically permitted by the Computer Department staff.
3. Use of the Internet in any way that violates a Federal or State law.
4. Use of the Internet in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Berwyn Public Library and network/software providers.
5. Unauthorized duplication of software and/or any other digital file types protected by copyright or violation of software license agreements. This includes the use of P2P networks to file-share copyrighted materials such as music files (MP3s), movie files, or image files.
6. Violation of system or network security.
7. Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to display of offensive audio or visual materials.
8. Fraudulent use of another person's library card or identification to sign up for Internet time or loan of one's card or identification to another for such use.
9. The distribution of unsolicited advertising, a.k.a. spam.
10. Propagation of computer viruses locally on our network, or globally via e-mail or any other sources of digital attachments.
11. Unauthorized entry into computer systems including but not limited to Universities, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), other libraries, federal agencies, etc.

Computer Room Access – Internet Sessions

1. Patrons must register at the Computer Desk for access to any computers. A valid library card or other form of identification with the patron name will be required each time a patron registers to use a computer.
2. Sessions will be limited to 1 hour in length. Patrons will be allowed to remain on the computer until scheduling requires that patron to relinquish his/her terminal. Patrons will be allowed a maximum of 3 sessions/hours per day.
3. Computers will not be assigned. Patrons will be given the first available computer at the time they register. Patrons will not be allowed to be put on a waiting list for a specific computer.
4. Patrons high school age and older will be allowed to use the computers in the Computer Department.
5. Patrons may use the computers in the Computer Department for Internet sessions and/or word processing sessions.

Printing Information

1. The Computer Department offers access to a black-only HP 4200N Network LaserJet printer. Access to color printouts is available through the Computer Department desk.
2. The cost of printing from all Computer Department computers is .10 cents per page. The cost of printing color copies is .50 cents per page.
3. Your printouts will be handled by the staff member in charge at the service desk. Patrons are responsible for the cost of all printouts made, whether intended or unintended. Staff will hold printed copies until paid for by the patron. Patrons are advised to ask for assistance with printing to avoid charges for unwanted copies.
4. Patrons are cautioned not to violate copyright restrictions.

Approved by the Berwyn Public Library Board of Trustees

Effective 6/8/98

Rev. 3/8/99, 6/14/99, 9/13/99, 1/10/00, 4/09/02, 1/15/03, 6/14/2004, 6/12/06