Access to Computers, Internet, WiFi
Desktop computers:
On the main floor, the Library has eleven (11) desktop personal computers (PCs) with internet access and equipped with Microsoft Office software (Word, Publisher, Excel). Adults, and students in the ninth grade and up, may use these computers with a valid RCLS library card or guest pass. Children in the sixth through eighth grade must have signed permission from a parent or guardian; children in fifth grade and lower are asked to use the computers in the Children’s Room on the lower level.
Laptops:
The Library also owns laptop computers for use in computer training classes offered at the Library. Patrons may use their own laptops and connect to the internet wirelessly. In-floor power outlets are located below most worktables on the main floor.
Computer time limits:
To ensure fairness and equitable access, the Library’s desktop computers are programmed in timed sessions. Each patron is entitled to up to two (2) hours of computer access per day, subject to availability. Additional time past the initial half hour is automatically offered in 15-minute increments, providing there is no reservation on that computer. Extensions beyond two hours are possible depending on availability, and are handled case-by-case at the Help Desk.
Computer reservations:
Patrons may reserve a desktop PC up to a day in advance by calling the Help Desk at 986-1047, ext. 3. The patron’s valid library barcode is needed to hold the reservation, and the card must have less than $3.00 in fines on it. A reservation expires ten (10) minutes after the start time, rendering the computer available again for other patrons.
Saving files:
Patrons who need to save their work are strongly encouraged to bring a portable flash drive. The public computers do not permit saving documents on the hard drive. Documents saved in the “temp” file are erased automatically overnight.
Printing and Scanning:
Prints cost $0.15/page for black and white, and $0.25/page for color. The cost is deducted from money that the patron puts on his/her Library account before printing. Patrons may pay for prints with cash or by check. Scanning may be done on the copier in the Copy Center; patrons should supply their own flash drive to save the document.
Internet Access:
The Library’s public computers all have internet access. No filtering software is used. Library access to the internet is governed by the Library’s Internet Use Policy. Signed permission by a parent or guardian is required for a child in the 8th grade or younger to use the internet at the Library.
Wireless Internet Access:
The Library provides free wireless internet access in the building only, while it is open.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Approved by the Board of Trustees – October 20, 2009
The Albert Wisner Public Library makes the Internet available as part of its continuing effort to ensure that all members of the community have the right and means to free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental to a democracy. The Library affirms its traditional role in not censoring or monitoring use of its resources regardless of format. None of our Internet terminals are filtered.
Who is eligible?
- You are eligible to use the Internet if you have a valid RCLS library card. If you are not eligible for an RCLS card, you may request a temporary guest pass.
- Access will be by appointment in 45-minute blocks of time on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional blocks of time, up to two hours daily, may be available to patrons as the schedule allows and at the Library’s discretion.
- No more than one person may use an Internet workstation except when necessary for research purposes, and at the Library’s discretion.
Making reservations:
- Internet reservations may be made by telephone or email (warref@rcls.org) or in person, no more than 24 hours ahead of time.
- Patrons who cannot keep scheduled appointments should call to cancel as a courtesy to others who may be waiting.
- Patrons who are more than 10 minutes late for a reservation forfeit their time.
Youth policies:
Patrons in 12 th grade or below must satisfy the following special requirements:
- Users in grades 9-12 may use the Internet without parental approval on file.
- Users in grades 6-8 must have a signed parental agreement on file. The consent form must be signed in the presence of Library staff.
- Users in grade 5 or under must use the Internet work stations in the Children’s Room and abide by the following policies:
- Any Internet user in the Children’s Room must have a signed parental agreement on file. The agreement must be signed in the presence of Library staff.
- The Internet terminals in the Children’s Room are not filtered. It is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian to monitor their child’s Internet use.
- The Internet terminals in the Children’s Room are reserved for the use of children in grade 5 or under. All others should use the computers located on the main level.
- Parents/guardians must be present to assist with using the computer and observing the Library’s Internet policy.
- Users will need a library card or a guest pass to log on.
Staff assistance:
- Library personnel are available for basic assistance. Users who desire more extensive help may schedule a specific appointment at the Help Desk.
User responsibilities:
- Users should allow themselves ample time at the end of their session to print or save their work.
- Copies are .15 per page for black & white copies and .25 per page for color copies.
- Users may not use their own software, hardware or peripherals except wireless devices, and personal memory drives.
- Users may not download or save files to the computer’s hard drive.
- Computer settings and configurations may not be changed.
- Due to considerations of privacy and system management, the functions of ftp (file transfer) and software downloading are not available. Information, text or other programs available on the Internet may be downloaded and/or printed from the Internet through the Library’s computers.
- As with all formats of information, patrons must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements, and abide by general rules of acceptable Internet conduct. Acts or behavior which may jeopardize the Library’s Internet account or access to resources will result in revocation of Internet privileges.
The Internet changes daily. Information is not often verifiable as accurate, and patrons should be aware that errors and intentional misinformation do occur on the Web. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy of information gathered on the Internet.
Due to the emerging nature of these services, policies are subject to change without notice and at the Library’s discretion. The Albert Wisner Public Library offers Internet access for information gathering only. It is strictly prohibited to use the Internet for illegal or criminal purposes. Any unauthorized use will result in immediate suspension of Internet access. Users agree to comply with all federal, state and local laws, including those related to obscenity, pornography or delivery to minors material deemed harmful to them. Violaters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Users understand that Internet information may contain both written and pictorial information offensive to themselves or to others.
Updated 11/2/09