Use a computer

The Stanhope Public Library (SPL) endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community. It is within this context that the library offers public access to the internet.

The following guidelines describe the terms of access to the internet through computers provided on premises at SPL or through its wireless connections and constitute official institutional policy on this matter.

SPL makes internet resources accessible to all patrons. The staff of SPL helps patrons navigate, identify, and access resources on the internet. The staff reviews and recommends good sources of information on the internet and develops or subscribes to special tools in order to assist customers in using the internet. As needed, SPL staff members also conduct classes for adults and children to instruct them in the effective and safe use of the internet. The library’s goal is to make the public computers at all SPL locations available to as many patrons as possible. To accomplish this, SPL controls the amount of time any patron can use the public computers on a given day and users of the library’s wireless network are required to abide by the terms of use.

SPL does not monitor and has no control over the information available through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own discretion and risk. Individual patron access to the internet through SPL computers or wireless connections is unsupervised and unmonitored by SPL staff.

All internet resources accessible through library channels are provided equally to all adult (age 18 and older) library users. Internet access for patrons under 14 must be authorized in writing by a parent or guardian; this corresponds to library policy for patrons under 14 obtaining a library card.

Parents and guardians – neither the library nor its staff – are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Only parents and guardians may restrict their children – and only their children – from access to internet resources accessible through library channels. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s internet sessions.

As a participant in ARPA grant, CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) procedures are required as part of the SPL Internet Policy. SPL complies with federal law and Neighborhood Internet Protection Act mandating the use of filtering software in public libraries. Internet filters are software programs that block access to content that is considered inappropriate for viewing in a public place. It employs filtering software to protect against the visual depiction of pornography, obscenity, and child pornography. Per the previously stated statutes, other types of content subject to filtering include:

·         Matter on the internet that is inappropriate for minors.

·         Unsafe or unsecure direct communication forums including email and chat rooms.

·         Unauthorized websites or applications used for “hacking” and other unlawful activities.

·         Unauthorized attempts to disclose, use, and disseminate personal information about minors or any other protected group.

·         Any web-based software programs that may be harmful to the SPL network or computer equipment.

SPL will employ filtering measures on any publicly accessible computer that may display or disseminate harmful content to minors.

No filtering software is totally accurate. Filters may falsely block material that is appropriate in a public library setting, or they may fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material. Patrons may submit a Request for Reconsideration of a Website to block or unblock a specific site. SPL will respond to questions and concerns regarding the filter’s accuracy by communicating with the filtering software vendor towards improving its product.

SPL follows state and federal law regarding privacy of library users’ records and information. It is the library’s usual practice to erase all customer use records, except those essential for library business operations. The library will release records, including those relating to internet usage, only as required by law. When a computer session is ended, all information about that session is ordinarily deleted. The library does not, as part of its regular practice, retrieve any information, including websites visited, passwords, credit card numbers, or any other information a patron has entered. At the end of the business day, all computer use and reservation records are normally erased.

In order to insure a positive library experience for everyone, the SPL requires that all patrons shall:

·         Use computers only for lawful purposes.

·         Refrain from viewing pornographic visual materials or content that by contemporary community standards would be considered obscene.

·         Observe the established computer time limits.

·         Respect the security of the network.

·         Respect the configuration of computer equipment at the library. Downloading or installing nonstandard software programs is prohibited.

·         Keep virus protection software up-to-date on personal devices or other mobile devices using the library’s wireless internet connection.

SPL believes that the reading and viewing activity of children is ultimately the responsibility of parents who guide and oversee their own children’s development. SPL does not intrude on that relationship, except when mandated by law. Parents are encouraged to read and follow these tips for “Internet-wise” parents:

·         Take time to learn about the internet.

·         Take individual or group internet classes, which are always available to families.

·         Explore cyberspace with your children.

·         Provide clear guidelines – let your children know if there are subjects that are off limits.

·         Learn how to evaluate the internet – read books and magazines and take a class offered by the library.

·         Teach your children safety rules for dealing with strangers online and appropriate ways to deal with online businesses.

·         Ask a librarian – librarians have always bee expert at selecting materials for children.

Stanhope Public Library WIFI

Public wireless is available during business hours at 600 Main Street. The library’s wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your device can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library’s network. The device owner is responsible for setting up their equipment to access the SPL wireless network. Library staff is not permitted to handle your device or peripheral equipment. Library staff is not allowed to configure patrons’ devices, nor can they provide more than general assistance in getting connected to the wireless network.

Stanhope Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, other than the content provided on the Library’s web site. Internet resources offer links to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. A good information consumer evaluates the validity of all information found.

The library affirms the right and responsibility of a parent or guardian to determine and monitor their child’s and only their child’s use of library materials and resources. Internet access for those 17 and under is possible by parent or guardian permission given at the time the library card is issued.

The library does not serve as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) but serves as an Internet access point. The library cannot guarantee a connection to the Internet and/or specific site.  Please be aware that we are unable to guarantee the privacy, confidentiality or safety of personal bank accounts, id numbers/passwords, financial accounts, etc. while using our public computers. Patrons should use caution when using public Internet computers.

The Stanhope Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.  The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the library’s connection to the Internet.

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STAFF ASSISTANCE

As with other library tools, staff may help patrons access the Internet and offer suggestions on starting a search. Because of time restrictions, the library staff does not provide in-depth, on-the- spot training concerning the Internet, computer technical language, or personal computer use. Patrons are expected to be knowledgeable in basic computer operations.

ACCESSING WORKSTATIONS

Before using any computer, users must sign in at the station they wish to use or at the circulation desk if there is a waiting list, with a valid Stanhope library card. First-time users will receive a copy of the Computer/Internet Policy.

Iowa residents without a permanent address can receive a restricted access card. These patrons can use the library computer services; however, they are unable to check out materials.

Computers may be used for a half-hour time period. If, at the end of that time, no one is scheduled to use the computer, the current user may schedule additional time.

No more than 2 people will be permitted at a workstation at a time.

Latecomers forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time. Anyone more than 5 minutes late will lose his/her entire reserved time.

Only library staff will shut down public use computers.

Users shall obey all local, state, and federal laws.

Users shall treat library staff, library computers and Internet access in a responsible manner to help preserve the availability of such services.

Users shall obey the library’s policies and procedures.

Users must use their own computer library card to access the library’s computers.

The library staff reserves the right to terminate a person’s use of the computer for any reason.

Children in the 2nd grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older to use the computer.

RESTRICTIONS

Due to limited resources, access to chat rooms is prohibited. Food and drink are not allowed in the computer area.

Email is available to patrons through any online account, such as Yahoo, Hotmail, Juno, etc. Use

of the library’s email account is prohibited.

In accordance with U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) users may not copy or distribute electronic material without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.

The use of the Internet in the library must be for legal and ethical purposes.  Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:

    Violation of another user’s right to privacy;

    Use of sounds that are disturbing to others;

    Receiving or displaying text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as indecent or obscene and that might be harmful to minors. Users are advised to refrain from accessing sites that are prohibited by law to minors and which minors in the library may inadvertently view.  Since the Internet access computers are located in public areas which must be shared by library users of all ages, background and sensibilities, the library staff reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images which violate this computer use policy.

o Iowa Code, Chapter 728.2, “Dissemination and exhibition of obscene materials to minors” states: “Any person, other than the parent or guardian of the minor who knowingly disseminates or exhibits obscene materials to a minor, including the exhibition of obscene material so that it can be observed by a minor on or off the premises where it is displayed, is guilty of a public offense and shall upon conviction be guilty of a serious misdemeanor.”

The first violation of these restrictions will result in one verbal warning. A second violation will result in the user being prohibited from Internet use in the library.

Collection of Information on Use of Library Computers (PCs)

Information is collected on usage of public computers in the Stanhope Public Library. The library retains information on the computer reserved, and the date and time of every public computer session. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies with a valid court order.

Computer systems

Breach of the system’s security is defined as tampering with the password, icons, introduction of viruses, hacking, etc. Such activities will result in the loss of computer and Internet privileges at the library and may result in legal action.

Changes must not be made to the setup or configuration of the software, hardware or printers. Users are not permitted to unplug network connections, install, delete or modify library hardware

or software.

Saving or downloading files to the network is prohibited.

VIOLATIONS

Violations of the Internet Policy will result in permanent loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility.  Illegal acts involving library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

By using the Stanhope Public Library’s computers, you have agreed to this policy.

X.        Meeting Rooms:

    There shall be no use of library space by outside individuals or groups unless it is a library related event or if library staff is present. An exception to this rule may be acquired by special permission from the Library Director and Library Board.

Please note: The City of Stanhope provides community meeting space for various functions. Stanhope Community Building provides space primarily for social, recreational, and youth functions.