MOORE
COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
INTERNET
and COMPUTER
PROCEDURES
and GUIDELINES
STAFF
ASSISTANCE
Library staff will be glad to assist
you in accessing the Internet and, as our experience grows, attempt to assist
you in getting to the right place, but remember that we cannot provide in-depth
training concerning the Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use. We
may, however, be able to offer suggestions to help you search and to answer questions. For security reasons we are unable to aid in
some internet functions such as accessing email, personal records, online
purchasing, etc. Due to library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not
always be available. The library does
have books that contain helpful information.
Have fun exploring the Internet but
please remember that many times you will find the specific information you need
right here...in our books, periodicals, encyclopedias, etc.
GUIDELINES
1. The
Internet access computers are normally available during regular library hours,
subject to periodic maintenance or staff need. They are, however, shut down one
half hour before closing.
2. All
users must have a record on file with the library, either in the form of a
library card or a “Computer Use Only” card, which must be used to log-on to a
computer. Temporary cards are available
at the circulation desk for visiting, non-resident patrons.
3. The Public
Access Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. Time is
allowed in 30 minute increments. When the original ½ hour is within five
minutes of expiring, if no one is waiting, an additional 30 minutes may be
added to the patron’s time by a member of the library staff. Maximum time
allowed per day/session is 3 (three) hours.
4. If a
patron allows their time to expire before notifying library staff, due to
security functions in the Cybrarian software program used on library computers,
the patron will be unable to log back on to any library computer until the
following day.
5. All
Public Access Computers may be used for purposes other than accessing the
Internet. Our computers are intended chiefly for research and education.
Patrons using one for purposes other than those listed above may be asked to
relinquish the computer if another patron needs it for its intended purpose.
6. The
Online Catalog terminal may not be used for Internet access. It is designated for catalog searches by
patrons and staff, or to access the Moore County Libraries website only. No printing is allowed from this terminal.
7. The
terminal designated “E-mail” is available for e-mail only, and may not be used
for other purposes. Patrons may use it for 30 minutes only, and must log-on at
the terminal.
8. You may not use your own software programs on
the Public Access Computers, nor may you download programs from the Internet or
open attachments from email. This helps prevent computer viruses that are
common on public computers.
9. Files
may only be saved to disk or USB device.
Any outside media for saving files must be scanned for viruses by a
librarian before you will be allowed to use it on our computers. If the media has been removed from the
library at any point, it must be scanned again before it can be used again. Diskettes are available for sale, 75¢ (seventy-five
cents) each at the circulation desk.
10. All computers must be vacated 30 minutes
before closing time. Computers
automatically log-off and shut down for the day.
11. All printing--whether from word processing,
desktop publishing, Internet text or pictures--from any computer is 25¢
(twenty-five cents) per page. The Print window allows the patron to select
which pages to print, so a patron is responsible for paying for ALL pages
printed. Printing from a color printer, if available, must be approved by the
library staff, and costs $2.00 (two dollars) per page. (Photocopies are
25¢/page/side copied.)
12. You may not
always be able to go places on the Internet you want to visit. There are many reasons, among them:
·
The
database or resource is licensed to a particular institution, in which case you
would need to be affiliated with the institution in order to access.
·
The
host computer has changed its address or has closed down.
·
The
library’s Internet connection may be temporarily and periodically inoperable
due to technical difficulties.
13. All users of electronic information resources
such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible
manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which
they are provided. Responsible, ethical use of such resources includes the
following:
·
Using
resources for educational and informational purposes only; not for
unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes.
·
Not
misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain
access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking
unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software
components of any network or database.
·
Respecting
the privacy of others using public access workstations at the library by not
interfering with their use.
·
Making
only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
·
Not
sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be
interpreted as obscene.
14. Misuse of Internet access or any library
equipment will result in loss of your computer privileges, and may be
punishable by law*.
Moore
County Libraries
KILLGORE
MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Dumas,
Texas
Updated
07/2006
*Texas Penal Code
§§ 33.02. Breach of Computer Security
(a) A person commits an offense if the
person knowingly accesses a computer, computer network, or computer system
without the effective consent of the owner.
§§ 43.22. Obscene Display or Distribution
(a) A person commits an offense if he
intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph,
drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is
reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by
the display or distribution.
(Other sections under
Chapters 33 and 42 of the Texas Penal Code are also pertinent.)