Eckhart Public Library is a dynamic institution whose mission is to serve its community by providing an environment in which information, programs, materials and resources foster life long learning and enjoyment. Throughout its history, the Eckhart Public Library has made information available in a variety of formats, from print to audiovisual materials. Through its computer resources, Eckhart Public Library enables patrons to access information beyond the confines of its own collection.

GENERAL COMPUTER USE:
Registration: Library patrons over the age of 18 using a computer for the first time will be asked to read this policy via the computer and to obtain a PIN if they have not done so previously. Non residents are required to complete a Computer Usage Registration Card, providing photo I.D. in addition to reading this policy via the computer and obtaining a PIN. Computer users under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature of permission on file to obtain access to any EPL computer that has Internet access.

Sign-Up: Adult and teen patron must use their library card or computer use card to gain access to a computer as well as a PIN. Computer time is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Any patron with fines in excess of $1.00 will not be allowed access to computers until all fines are paid. Children in grades 5th and lower are required to sign up for computer use at the Children’s Department Service Desk.

Guest users: Any one wishing to use a computer that does not have an Eckhart Public Library borrower card or Computer Use Only card must show picture ID and sign in each time a computer is used. A guest user account and password will be assigned.

Internet Computers: Internet research, reference, games, social networking, word processing and web-based email are available functions on computers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6 and 7. These computers are available in thirty minute increments. If there is no one waiting for the computer, the user may extend their time in 30 minute increments.

Research Computer: These computers, designated as Research 8 and 9 are intended for computer users wishing to access the Internet, Word Processing, Web-based email, Key Train (Work Keys), and WinWay Resume Builder. Available in thirty minute increments, time may be extended if no one is waiting.

Teen Computers: Six desktop computers and an additional six laptop computers, located at the Third Place Teen Library, are reserved for youth grades 6-12. These computers are used in thirty minute increments. Daily maximum usage for desktop computers is three hours and one hour for the laptops.

Genealogy: Computers located at the William H. Willennar Genealogy Center are available for genealogy research only. Designated as stations 1, 2, and 3, located in the microtext room of the center, these computers may be used in one-hour blocks of time. If there is no one waiting for the computer, the user may continue their research.

Copying/Downloading: A patron wishing to copy material from the Internet may print it out or purchase for $1.00, a properly formatted “floppy” disk for downloading. The computer user must pay for ALL pages printed before the print job is released. All patrons are highly encouraged to use the “Print Preview” option before printing. Black and white copies are .15 per page and color copies are $.50 per page.


INTERNET USE POLICY:
The Eckhart Public Library provides Internet access in order to make available, through state-of-the-art technology, an enormous array of informational resources from around the globe. However, the Internet is comprised of information submitted by institutions and people all over the world, and thus, also includes material that is inaccurate, abusive, profane, sexually oriented, or illegal. The Eckhart Public Library does not condone the use of this material.

The Library cannot successfully control or monitor the vast amount of material accessible from computer and networks via the Internet. It is the responsibility of each patron (and the parent/guardian of a minor under the age of 18) to use the Internet responsibly. Patrons are expected to use this resource in a manner consistent with this policy and will be held responsible for their use. Eckhart Public Library has the right to set and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of the Library’s Internet access computers. Inappropriate use may result in suspension of user access privileges.

Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Any purpose that violates applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules or regulations. Evidence of illegal activity will be reported to the proper legal authorities. Eckhart Public Library will cooperate with the proper authorities in the investigation of illegal activities.
• Interfering with or disrupting other computer users, services or equipment.
• Attempting to gain or gaining unauthorized entry to other computer, information, or communication devices or resources.
• Deliberate attempts to disrupt the Eckhart Public Library computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.
• Malicious, threatening, harassing, or obscene behavior, including public display of obscene materials on computer screen or in hard copy.
• Viewing a sexually explicit material that appeals to the prurient interest.
• Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
• Copying, saving, or redistribution of copyright or other protected material. Patrons should assume that all material is copyrighted unless explicitly noted.

The Library Board and employees of EPL are NOT responsible for the information that is accessed and obtained while using the library’s equipment or connection. Library users are responsible for the access points they reach on the Internet.


CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT COMPUTERS:
Children are the primary users of the computers located in our Children’s Department. They will be given priority use of these computers. Computers in the Children’s Media room have been set aside for games and word processing. These computers may be used for 30 minutes with additional time available if no one is waiting, for up to 90 minutes per day. Children’s Internet computers are available for thirty minute sessions with an additional thirty minutes allowed if no one is waiting to use the computer. The maximum time allowed for Internet-acess computer is ninety minutes per day per user. Those using Internet computers in the Children’s Department may only access age appropriate sites. Adults may only use Children’s computers if they are supervising their children who are visiting the Children’s department and must follow the guidelines outlined in this policy for computers.


INTERNET USE BY MINORS:
Eckhart Public Library supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their own children’s access to print, non-print, and on-line information. Just as parents need to be sure that the books, magazines and videos their children borrow from the library are appropriate; Internet sites need to be evaluated. Parents need to explore the Internet with their children and guide them toward sites that reflect the family’s tastes and values. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to determine whether to place restrictions on their own children in the use of the Internet.

To comply with the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act, the Library will strive to:
1. Guard against access by minors to inappropriate materials on the Internet.
2. Guard against unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors on-line.
3. Guard against unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
4. Provide measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials deemed harmful to minors.
5. Assure the safety and security of minors when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communications.

The C.I.P.A – Childhood Internet Protection Act (Pub. Law 554, Title SVII) mandates filtering on library computers. On July 8, 2003 The Library Board determined that Eckhart Public Library would install a filtering or blocking device that blocks access to visual images that are considered to be obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors. The criteria and determinations of such sites are set up by the parameters of the filtering/blocking software. Due to the rapid and unpredictable changes on the Internet no written list will be produced. Even with filtering software the parents of minor children must ultimately assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection.

The Eckhart Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its computer resources or from its connection to the Internet. In consideration for the privilege of using the Internet access, user hereby releases and holds harmless the Eckhart Public Library from any claims of any nature arising from the use or inability to use the Eckhart Public Library Internet access.

The Eckhart Public Library Board of Trustees has the right to set and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of the Library’s computers. The Eckhart Public Library reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.



Adopted by the Eckhart Public Library Board of Trustees on May 13, 2003.

Revised 09/03/2008