In response to advances in technology, the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County provides access to computer equipment, programs, databases, and the Internet (collectively, the “computer resources”) for information and educational purposes that meet the needs of the community. It is within this context that the Library provides computers for personal use and Internet access.  Library patrons are expected to use computer resources in an effective, efficient, appropriate, ethical and legal manner. Violation of the Computer use policy may result in revocation of computer privileges.

1. The Library computers and their software, including those providing Internet access, must be used as installed.  Installation, downloading, or modification software or hardware is prohibited.

2.  Due to the demand for computers, the library restricts the amount of time allowed at computers for each patron.  E-mail computers are limited to one hour, one time per day, per patron.  Reference computers are limited to two hours, one time per day, per patron.  Time per computer must be taken at one time and may not be split.  Additional computers are provided for express e-mail service with a limit of 15 minutes.  Although they may be used more than once per day by a patron, they many not be used on consecutive sessions.

3.  Computer use in the Children’s Department is limited to children 14 years of age or younger with the exception of an adult who is accompanying a child 14 years or younger into the Children’s Department. Computers in the Children’s Department do not have limited time.  However, if children (or an accompanying adult) are waiting to use a computer, the staff may request a child vacate a computer who has been deemed to have had adequate time on the computer (not less than one hour). 

4.  The demand for the library’s computers may exceed the available supply. Therefore it is necessary to manage computer access fairly and equitably so that all patrons will have an opportunity to use the resource. Sign-in sheets, and time limit software will be used to help accomplish this goal.  Patrons must sign-in to use a computer on a next-available-computer basis.  Computers will not be reserved for persons who are not in the immediate vicinity when a computer becomes available and their name is called.

5.  Patrons may not download files to drives other than designated removable disks or flash drives. Disks and flash drives are available for sale at the front desk of the library.

6. Prompt payment is required by patrons that incur charges for printing.  The library does not extend credit for print jobs.

7.  Patrons will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read the screens of other computer users.

8.  Computers automatically shut off 5 minutes before the library closes, after a 5 minute warning displays on the computer.  The patron is responsible for saving all of their work prior to the automatic shutdown of the computer.

9.  Computers will be turned off without notice during severe weather conditions or as needed.

Disclaimer: Users access the library computer hardware, software and documentation at their own risk. The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user's disks, data etc. or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of library computer resources.

Approved by the Board 1/25/2011