Computer & Internet Policies

COMPUTER USE POLICY 

These policies apply to all users of computer/internet resources in the library, North Aurora residents and non-residents.

Public access computers are available for use when the library opens and remain available until five (5) minutes before closing.   The latest a new session may be reserved is 15 minutes before closing.

Users may reserve a computer session up to twenty-four (24) hours in advance.  Reservations will be held for ten (10) minutes.  Time slots are 60 minutes in length.  Extended usage times, in 15 minute increments, may be given if equipment is available.

The Library is not responsible for damage to a user’s program or storage devices (floppy disks, memory sticks, or other external storage devices, etc.).  No user files may be stored on library equipment, and files are automatically erased from the hard drive at least daily.

Library staff assistance is limited to basic instruction only.  Staff members do not provide extended computer or application training sessions except by appointment or during scheduled classes.  Scheduled computer training classes and printed resources about the Internet are available in the library.

·     Adults 18 years of age and above working independently are to use the equipment located in the Adult Services Department.

·     Children 12 years of age and above working independently are to use the equipment located in the Adult Services Department.

·     Children less than 12 years of age are required to use the equipment located in the Youth Services Department.

·     Adults and Children working together are urged to work together on equipment in the Youth Services Department

·     Users under 8 years of age (i.e. seven (7) years of age and under) are required to have adult supervision while using a computer or accessing the internet.

·     Children 8-17 years of age are allowed access only with parent (or guardian) permission obtained by their signing a Computer/Internet User Agreement Form at the time of library card registration with the Circulation Department of the Library.

INTERNET POLICY

In accordance with its Mission Statement, The Messenger Public Library of North Aurora provides materials and services to community residents to meet their educational, recreational, informational, and social needs.

The Internet is not governed, restricted, or regulated.  The Library encourages Internet users to be informed consumers and to evaluate information retrieved from all online sources.  The staff of the Library does not control or monitor material that is accessed on the Internet. The library does not use internet filters on library computers.  Information may or may not be accurate, current or complete.  It may also be considered offensive or controversial.  Parents may find some material objectionable.  Therefore, parents should work closely with their children to select appropriate material.  A parent or guardian must sign an Internet User Agreement for minors under 18 years of age upon registering for a library card.   

Guidelines for Use:  

• Priority is given to North Aurora library card holders.
• Non-residents of North Aurora will be charged $3.00 per hour for computer usage. 
• Non-residents may be asked to show a photo ID for proof of age if it appears they may not be at least 18 years of age.
• Non-residents will not be charged for using the Internet Express Station which may be used by anyone at least 18 years of age for one fifteen minute session.  A maximum of one additional fifteen minute session at the Express Station may be used if no other patrons are waiting.
• Wireless Internet access is available to all library users (resident and non-resident) free of charge. Library users must utilize their own computer/laptop and be familiar with the firewall and pop-up blocker settings on their laptops.
• Users should limit viewing to sites that are appropriate in a public setting.
• Users are to be aware of the proximity of other patrons and staff and are to avoid disturbing them in any way.
• We reserve the right to limit usage to two hours per day.
• To access a computer, each patron must use his or her own library card and this account must be in good standing.
• There is a limit of two simultaneous and registered users per Internet computer.
• Users are responsible for complying with all copyright laws.
• The computers are equipped with anti-virus software.   However, the library does not assume responsibility for any virus that may be acquired during use.
• Printing of material costs $.0.10 (ten cents) per page for black and white and $1.00 per page for color prints.

Use of the Library’s computers must be for legal and acceptable purposes.  Computer users must also abide by other library policies with regard to patron behavior and deportment.  Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to:

• Users not being respectful of each other’s privacy
• Harassment, libeling, defamation, or slandering of other users
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users
• Use of someone else’s library card or library card barcode number to access a computer
• It is not acceptable to use the computers for any purposes that violate U.S. or State laws, or to interfere or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: propagation of computer viruses and worms, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
• The Messenger Public Library reserves the right to monitor patrons’ use of the Internet to reasonably ensure compliance with the Library Internet Use Policy. The library reserves the right to classify any action, access, or operation on the Internet as inappropriate. The Library reserves the right to suspend or revoke Internet use privilege if a patron fails to comply with the Internet Use Policy.

Minors (Age 17 and under) Internet Use Policy:

The Library is mandated by federal law to monitor a minor’s use of the Internet. All access and use restrictions applicable to adults are also applicable to minors.  In addition, the following restrictions apply to minors:

·     Children under 18 years of age are allowed access and permission only if a parent (or guardian) has signed an Internet User Agreement Form when registering for a library card.

·     Adults and Children are urged to work together on equipment in the Youth Services Department.  Adults working independently are to use the equipment located in the Adult Services Department.

·     Children under the age of twelve (12) are required to use the equipment located in the Youth Services Department.

·     Minors shall not access materials deemed harmful to minors.

·     Use of direct electronic communication (email, instant messaging, or chat) by a minor may be monitored from time to time and in the event the library staff believes a minor’s safety or security is at risk, such privileges will be suspended or revoked.