The Drake Public Library has public computers with Internet access. Here is a list of our policies…
Computer and Internet Use Policy
The Drake Public Library provides a limited number of personal computers for public use. The computers are provided to access certain kinds of computerized information and educational tools, and to provide access to basic software tools, such as word processors, databases, and spreadsheets. It is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using the Library’s computers. Access to the Internet is not an automatic obligation of the Library. It is a privilege, not a right, provided for users to support and aid the legitimate research, educational, and recreational needs of the community.
Accessing Internet Workstations
1. Reservations will be accepted no more than one day in advance, and not for a particular computer.
2. Before accessing the Internet, each user must sign in with Library staff. Each user must have a valid library card and have no more than $3.00 in library fines to access the computers.
3. Users will be limited to a total of one continuous hour per day of Internet use when others are waiting for a computer. After 3 p.m. the time limit is 30 minutes if someone is waiting.
4. No more than two people (except for adults with small children) will be permitted at a workstation at one time. Their behavior and conversation must not disturb other users or Library staff.
5. Black and white printouts are 10 cents, colored printouts are 25 cents. Print outs for school are free up to a value of $5. Those unfamiliar with printing from the Internet are encouraged to seek staff assistance when attempting to print for the first time.
6. Users will be asked to discontinue use of the Internet 15 minutes before closing time each day.
7. The Library is not responsible for work or information lost due to computer or system malfunction.
8. To maintain the integrity of programs permanently installed on the hard drive, and to prevent unlicensed use of software, access to the hard drive is prohibited.
9. Computers on the main floor of the library are for patrons 13 years old and older.
User Responsibilities
1. All computer users shall abide by local, state, and federal laws regarding the transmission of obscene, threatening, or harassing materials and messages.
2. 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 data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; Drake Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
3. Computer users will close all programs and leave the workstation immediately at the end of their allotted time or when asked to leave by Library staff.
4. The Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet. Users entering personal information (credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk.
5. Be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding your activities. The Library will only release information on the use of specific resources by members of the public when required to do so by law or as may be necessary for the proper operation of the library.
6. Users assume full responsibility for online financial transactions and the payment of fees for access to any fee-based services.
7. Users assume full responsibility for filing electronic forms.
8. Users must report equipment problems promptly to Library staff.
9. Users should be aware that the validity and reliability of the content found on the Internet rests with the author and/or publisher. It is the user’s responsibility to ascertain the reliability of information found on the Internet.
Access for Children
1. Parents and legal guardians have the right, and the responsibility, to monitor and control their own minor children’s access to the Internet and to information obtained from the Internet.
2. Library staff cannot act in the place of parents in providing care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet or other electronic resources.
3. Children, with or without parents or legal guardians present, do not have the right to view Internet material that is obscene, threatening, or harassing in nature. They may lose their Internet privileges if they persist in viewing such material.
Library computers may not be used to view or transmit sexually explicit materials that appeal to the prurient interest or any other material that is not constitutionally protected, or to conduct other illegal activities. Any library staff member who observes a person viewing such material will direct that person to remove the material from the computer screen and refrain from viewing such material in the future. Any person who does not comply with these directions will be asked to leave the library premises.
The following penalties will be imposed: For a first offense the violator will be excluded for the remainder of the day; for a second offense the violator will be excluded for up to one week. For a third offense, the violator will be excluded for up to one month.
The library currently has five computers on the main floor and five in the children’s area. All Internet computers are filtered by the local school district, which provides the connection to the library. The library also has wireless Internet available to persons who provide their own computer equipment.
Wireless Access Policy
Wireless internet access is provided free of charge by the Drake Public Library for patrons who have the required hardware and software needed for this service. Wireless internet access users must agree to the following conditions:
1. Comply with the Drake Public Library Computer and Internet Use Policy.
2. The laptop owner is responsible for setting up their equipment to access the Drake Public Library wireless network. Library staff is not permitted to handle your laptop or peripheral equipment.
3. The Library will not assume responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library’s wireless service.
4. Library staff is not allowed to configure patrons’ laptops, nor can they provide assistance in getting connected to the wireless network.
5. Virus and security protection is the responsibility of the patron.
6. The library does not guarantee that any particular web site or electronic transaction will work.
7. The library’s wireless network is subject to periodic maintenance and unforeseen downtime.
8. Gambling, pornography and Internet telephony are not permitted on the library’s wireless network.
If you do not agree to the above terms, please disable your wireless connection or turn off your computer.
