Computer & Internet Policies
Computer Policies
In striving to keep up with the continuing changes in our comminity culturally and educationally, the Bedford Public Library is offering access to 5 public computers and high speed internet service.
The following rules govern access and use of the Library's computers:
- Patron MUST sign name at the front desk. Users must also have a signed Computer & Internet Policy Form on file.
- Users MUST not have overdue books or outstanding fines in order to use the computers.
- Time limit is ONE HOUR if someone is waiting to use the computer. If no one is waiting, time is not limited. Patrons must start shutting down 10 minutes before Library will close.
- If use of the computer results in disruption of library services or if behavior becomes inappropriate for a Library setting, The Library staff reserves the right to end the use of the computer at any time. Only 1 -2 users may be seated at any one computer. Library staff may limit seating to one person per computer due to space or noise considerations.
- Printing is available from all computers for $0.15 per black and white page.
- Each user is responsible for complying with the copyright laws and adhering to software licensing agreements.
- Individual software may not be installed or used to alter or attach equipment to the Library's hardware or attempt to bypass security features.
- Library staff may be able to help with basic computer use and startup procedures, but may not be ale to spend time showing patrons how to use each software programs. If one has never used a computer or if one has specific questions about software programs, free computer classes are offered at the library, as well as reference books and user guides are available.
- Misuse of a computer may result in suspension or loss of computer privileges.
Internet Policies
The Bedford Public Library offers internet services to the community. The Internet is a global and electronic network and the Bedford Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library is not responsible for the availability or accuracy of information accessed from remote network sites. The Library stands by its policy that material selection is an individual matter and parents and legal guardians of minors assume responsibility for determining what is appropriate.
The following rules govern the acces of the Internet from the Library:
- Internet access is available during normal library hours except at times of regular or emergency maintenance and during computer classes.
- users must have a signed Computer & Internet Policy form on file in order to use the computers and access the Internet. If under the age of 12, a parent or guardian must also sign the card.
- If the Internet user chooses to save or download files, it must be to a personal flash drive or disk. The Library is not responsible for any damage to personal devices.
- It is the users' responsibility to comply with all local, state, and federal laws including but not limited to those concerning copyright, fraud, privacy, and obscenity.
- The Library itself does not offer electronic mail (email) accounts or access to chat rooms, news or discussion groups. However, if patron already has a yahoo or msn account such places may be accessed. Library staff can help a patron get one of these email accounts.
- As in the case with other materials in the library's collection, any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Bedford Public Library cannot act as censors or substitute parents. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to provide the oversight to ensure their children's use of the Internet is in an appropriate and safe manner, including th proper use of the expensive computer equipment.
- Small children must be supervised either by a parent/guardian or another adult.
- Absolutely NO PORNOGRAPHY allowed.
- It is illegal by law for under age people to be on such sites.
- As an adult you may have the right to view such sites, HOWEVER this is a public place where children coud be subjected to it or offend other patrons.
- THEREFORE anyone caught on offensive sites will lose Interent privileges for 30 days (1st offense). Second offense will lose privileges for ONE YEAR. Third offense will be PERMANENT.
- Parents will be notified if privileges are supsended for a minor.