Lilly Library Internet Workstation Usage Policy
Approved & Revised by the Board of Trustees, September 2010

Lilly Library welcomes all users of our public Internet computers. The staff will provide help and advice on using the computers, as appropriate. The Internet is an un-moderated medium, and includes information that may be erroneous, out-of-date, controversial or sexually explicit. The user is responsible for identifying and/or avoiding such information, not the library staff.   The public Internet computers are “public” and not private.  The computer users are advised not to transmit or save any sensitive personal information on these computers.  Lilly Library does not guarantee the privacy of any transmissions made or any information saved on these computers.  Emails cannot be guaranteed to be secure, free of errors or viruses.

In order to serve the needs of our patrons, the following requirements must be met:

• Any patron who wishes to use a public computer must bring a valid C/W MARS library card, and be in good standing (with fines no higher than 10 dollars and/or no long overdue items).
• For visitors without a C/W MARS card, a guest pass will be issued in exchange for a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, college ID or a travel visa.
• Up to two people may use a computer; library staff have the right to restrict use to one person to assure adequate workspace and a quiet environment for all using the library.
• Patrons sign-on for a computer at the automated reservation station.  Normally, a session is for one hour; extended time may be granted if no other reservations are pending.
• Telephone reservations will not be accepted.
• Children under the age of 12 are required to use the computers in the Children’s Department.

Acceptable Use

Internet resources are to be used in a responsible manner consistent with educational, informational and recreational purposes. Patrons of all ages are expected to use the computers in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others.

Unacceptable Use

Computer privileges may be suspended or cancelled, at the discretion of the Reference Librarian/Children’s Librarian, if a patron is found tampering with the computers, including any violations noted below.  Unlawful violations will be reported to the authorities.

• Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
• Vandalizing the data of other users
• Gaining unlawful access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities
• Invading the privacy of others
• Violating software license agreements and copyright laws
• Violating other federal, state or local laws
• Deliberately displaying obscene images. Due to the public nature of our computer area and the fact that Lilly Library is a family library with many minors present on both floors, viewing obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or graphically violent graphics is prohibited.
• Providing minors with access to materials that are harmful to them
• Violating the automated reservation procedures or using someone else’s library card

Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide guidance to their children for the safe usage of electronic mail (email), chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communication. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that their child does not access sites that may be inappropriate or potentially harmful to the child. The library prohibits such access.

Violation of Lilly Library’s Computer Usage Policies will result in a warning/loss of access to the computers.  Violations will be reported to the Director.  Repeated offenses / severe offenses may result in the loss of access to the library’s public computers  indefinitely.

Staff Assistance

The goal of Lilly Library is to maintain a friendly, helpful and welcoming environment. Our staff will gladly assist patrons in using electronic resources to pursue their intellectual, recreational or educational interests. However, we are not able to provide specialized computer training on a one-to-one basis, and at busy times there may be a limit to the amount of assistance we can provide to individuals without neglecting other patrons.

Wireless Internet Access Point Policy

Lilly Library provides WiFi access for users with portable wireless devices such as laptops and handheld PDAs. The access point will allow users access to the Internet from their portable wireless devices while located within range of the access point.   The access point is located on the second floor in the Reference Area.  Patrons must request a username and password for accessing the WiFi system.  Sessions are limited to two hours; however, patrons may request a new username and password if they need more time.

Library staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via our wireless connection. If a user has problems accessing the internet over this connection, staff will only verify that the library’s connection is operating normally. Staff will not perform troubleshooting on the patron’s own wireless device.

The library cannot guarantee a secure connection to the Internet in a wireless environment, and patrons are advised to use the latest anti-virus protection, spyware and other standard protection software to prevent unauthorized access to their own wireless devices while they are in use. Wireless users are also advised not to transmit their credit card information, passwords and any other sensitive personal information while using the WiFi in the library. Printing access will not be available via the wireless connection. Users may save their data on a flash drive and then take it to one of the library’s computer workstations to print out information.

Lilly Library’s Internet Use Policy governs the use of the Internet over our wireless access points in all areas within range of the connection, both inside and outside the building, on the library’s premises.