Black Earth Public Library--Computer Equipment Use Policy

1. Microcomputers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no charge for the use of the microcomputers; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed. That time limit is 30 minutes. Some CD-ROM’s are available just for use in the library. Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computer and software. However, staff are not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals shall be provided when available.

2. A printer is available. Printer copies are free, but there is a limit of 10 per day. To cover the cost of paper and supplies, we would appreciate a donation of $.10 per copy.

3. A copy machine is available for public use. Copy machine copies are free, but there is a limit of 10 copies per day. To help cover the cost of paper and supplies, we would appreciate a donation of $.10 per copy.

4. Problems with the hardware or software should be reported to the library staff. Do not attempt to fix problems on your own!

1. Patrons must be at least 7 years old or accompanied by a responsible, attentive adult or older sibling.

2. Patrons must ask at the circulation desk and sign in before using the computers.

3. Users wishing to save documents created on the computers must purchase a disk at the circulation desk for $1.00.

4. People wishing to use their own disk in the word-processing computer may do so. The library has a virus scan that is updated regularly, but anyone using a personal disk will be responsible for any damage that is caused by any undetected virus.

5. Files and settings on the hard drive may not be changed, copied, deleted or altered in any way.

6. Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs or parameters.

The Black Earth Public Library provides access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the Library's service area. The Board of Trustees has established Internet use policy to ensure appropriate and effective, use of this resource.
Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent within the guidelines. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Library's Internet service; prior to being granted access to the Internet, anyone under 18 years of age, along with a parent or guardian, must sign the Internet Use Agreement. All users must sign the log in chart prior to beginning their session.

The Library’s computers may be used only for legal purposes. Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user shall be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users of all ages are expected to abide by the policies below which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These restrictions also apply in email and chat room environments accessed through library computers. Unacceptable uses of this service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet privileges. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

Transmitting of threatening or harassing materials.
Libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users.
Not respecting the privacy of others by misrepresenting oneself as another user.
Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.
Attempting to crash, degrade performance of or gain unauthorized access to the Library’s computer systems and networks.
Modifying or damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users.
Exposing children to harmful materials. Sec. 948.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, among other things, makes it a crime to expose children to pictures or images of nudity, sexually explicit conduct, or physical torture or brutality that appeal to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest of children, are patently offensive to prevailing adult standards regarding materials suitable for children, or lack serious literary, artistic, political, scientific or educational value for children.

2. Warnings:

      The Internet is a decentralized, un-moderated global network; the Black Earth Public Library has no control over the content found there. The Library shall not censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information, and it is not responsible for the availability and accuracy of information found on the Internet.
      The Library does not select the material on the Internet and has no means or statutory authority to assure that only constitutionally protected material is available on the Internet. The authority to determine what is illegal content rests with the courts as defined in Wisconsin and federal statutes.
      Access, use or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian. Because parent or guardians may feel that information available through the Internet is not suitable for viewing by children in their care, supervision is advised.
     The use of the Internet and electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities shall be reported.

Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural, and recreational needs.
People may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (email) as long as they use a free email service, which shall establish and maintain an account for them. The library will not manage electronic mail accounts for any organizations or individuals.
Internet use is offered in thirty (30) minute sessions on a first come, first serve basis. Each user is allowed one session. If there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of the session, the user can have another session, but once having had the service for 30 minutes, the user must abandon use of the Internet, if another patron requests use of the service.
Users shall respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they shall not use the Internet for illegal purposes.
Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files.
Users agree not to incur any cost for the Library through their use of the Internet service.
Users shall not create and/or distribute computer viruses over the Internet.

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parents (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. Black Earth Public Library supports the right of each family to decide what is appropriate Internet use for their children. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.
The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library.

Use the Internet as a family. Join your children in Internet exploration.
Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
Encourage children to use sites recommended on the Library’s homepage (http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/ber/index.html) and counsel them to avoid sites you consider unsuitable.
Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as for television viewing.
Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, or credit card number) on line.
Provide children with guidelines on acceptable use of electronic resources, including email and chat rooms.
Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.

As it does with other library resources, the Black Earth Public Library will provide basic training on electronic resources. It will also make information available to help parents and guardians in their efforts to exercise their rights and responsibilities regarding their own children’s use of electronic resources. For more information on children and the Internet see Child Safety on the Information Highway (http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm) and Teen Safety on the Information Highway (http://www.safekids.com/safeteens/safeteens.htm) jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Interactive Service Organization.
Parents and children are encouraged to start their exploration of the Internet with the Library’s homepage and the “General Reference” link. There they will find “Kid Friendly Search Engines and Web Sites” for children, chosen by children’s librarians, including those from Madison Public Library. That site may be found at http://www.scls.lib.wi.us/madison/youth/kidsearch.html.

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or date) without the permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the users, the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility from such use.