Use a computer
COMPUTER AND INTERNET POLICIES
The Hull Public Library has eight computers available for public use. They all contain the online catalog. The library has one laser printer for library and patron use.
1. The computers will be open for public use during regular library hours.
2. Children age seven and older may use the computers without parental supervision. Internet may be accessed by children age nine and under if accompanied by a parent.
3. There is a printing charge of 15 cents per page for black and white printing and a charge of 1.00 dollar per page for color printing.
4. No food or drink is allowed near computers.
5. The library assumes no responsibility for the confidentiality of information saved to the hard drive of the computer. All communications stored on the hard drive are the property of the general public.
6. The library staff reserves the right to suspend a patron’s computer privileges for inappropriate use of the computers or programs.
I. Introduction
Welcome to the Hull Public Library's Internet Access. To best utilize the availability of Internet resources and to insure fair accessibility for all library patrons, please follow these Internet Access Guidelines, which include our Internet policies, rules and procedures.
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Hull Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the Hull community. It is in response to this mission that the Hull Public Library offers public access to the Internet.
The Hull Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet. The Library cannot be responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own risk. A content filter is present on library computers to meet the federal guidelines of the “Child Internet Protection Act.”
Library policy provides Internet access equally to all library users. Users should be advised that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public. The library also affirms the responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of library materials and resources. Some information found on the Internet is of mature nature and not suitable for children. PARENTS or GUARDIANS, not the library staff, are responsible for the information selected by children.
Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the validity of the information you find.
II. Staff Assistance
Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning Internet access, computer jargon, or computer use. We may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.
Have fun exploring the Internet but please remember that many times you will find the specific information you need in our books, periodicals, CD-ROM databases, or other resources.
III. Guidelines
Special Note: Patrons using the computers and the Internet through the Hull Public Library must conform to the following guidelines:
1. Patrons that have a valid library card on file are allowed access to library computers and function. Guest cards are available at the front desk. Guests will need to sign a Computer Use User Agreement Form for computer access. Patrons younger than 18 must have his/her parent or guardian come to the library and sign the internet Access Form to be eligible for Internet Access.
2. Children age seven and older may use the computers to search and play games without parental supervision. Children nine and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when accessing the Internet.
3. Patrons must sign in at the desk to use the Internet. Visitors to Hull must register at the desk to receive permission to use the computers. Please check with the Librarian on duty before using the Internet.
4. Patrons may use the Internet for one hour at a time. If no one is waiting to use the computers patrons may sign up for additional time.
5. You may access your email on the library computers.
6. Only one patron may be on a computer at a time, unless it is a parent/guardian assisting a child or it is students working together on a project.
7. No food or drink is allowed in the library and therefore not by the computers.
8. Do not reset or restart the computers.
9. Do not add or delete programs or icons.
10. You may not bring your own software programs to use on the computers. This will help prevent computer viruses.
11. You may not download and run any programs from the Internet on the library computers.
12. Do not alter the computer’s settings or system files.
13. Software owned or supplied by users may not be installed on library computers.
14. Users may not save their data on the hard drives of the library computers.
15. CD-R’s are available to purchase from the librarian for .25 cents.
16. Information can be printed at a charge of .15 cents per sheet for black and white and $1.00 per sheet for color. This must be paid to the librarian before you print.
17. You are responsible to pay the costs if you gain access to any service via the Internet, which has a cost involved or if you incur any other types of costs while using the Internet.
18. The Hull Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computer.
19. Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in the loss of your computer privileges. Misuse includes sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics, which may reasonably be construed as obscene. It also includes abusive language or pictures, software piracy, violation of copyright laws or unauthorized use, attempts to learn the password of other users, any form of “hacking” or other unlawful activities, and destruction or alteration of data belonging to other users. The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the library staff.