Flint Public Library

Internet and Computer Use at the Flint Public Library
On the first floor (Adult/YA level) of the library are Internet computer workstations for public use. These workstations are connected to the Internet either through Comcast or through our circulation network, the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC).  To prevent users from tampering with operating systems and peripheral devices, security software has been installed on these computers. If you are interested in saving work on a floppy disk, please consult the librarian about this process before you start your work. For $1.00, you may purchase a floppy for downloading your work.  The Children's Department has computers available for public use as well. They, too, are hooked up to the Internet and can be used by children and their parents during the library's hours of operation.

Computer Use and Internet Policies

1. The Flint Public Library will provide access to the Internet and public use computers during regular library hours.
2. The use of the computers is on a first-come, first-served basis. Users are entitled to a minimum of a ½-hour period and must relinquish use of the computer after ½ hour, if other patrons are waiting.
3. Users must make computers available at the request of the staff.
4. All computer users must check in and check out at the circulation desk and will be encouraged to become registered borrowers.
5. Black and white printing costs 10 cents per page and color printing costs 25 cents per page.
6. Under no circumstances may patrons use their personal software on library computers.
7. Patron misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in the loss of computer privileges.

The Flint's Philosophy Regarding Internet Use (adapted from the Seattle Public Library)
The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching. Library staff members have attempted to identify on the Flint's Home Page specific starting points for searches and links to sources on the Internet which are consistent with the Library's mission and organizational values. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this access and because sites on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect users from information or images that they might find offensive or disturbing.

Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current, or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.

Providing Internet access at public terminals involves adapting what is ordinarily a private instrument, the personal computer, to a public setting. When using a Library computer, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. Users are cautioned that the Library public access computers are located in public areas shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images. Use of library terminals for viewing or disseminating illegal images is not permitted.

Users must understand that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.

Child Safety on the Internet
The Flint Public Library supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their children's access to print, non-print, and electronic information. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children in relation to family values and boundaries and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.

To assist parents, the Library has available Internet links that are appealing and appropriate for children's recreational, cultural, and educational pursuits.

User Responsibilities
All users of the Internet at the Library are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided. Responsible use of the Internet at the library includes:

• Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet
• Using the Library's Internet resources for cultural, educational, and informational purposes
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted data residing on the Internet
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet
• Refraining from damaging or altering the configuration of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library
• Refraining from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet

Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library's Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the Library's Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.