Internet Access and Computer Use Policy

Welcome to the Grafton Public Library’s Internet access & public access computers.  To maximize the Internet’s availability and to insure accessibility for all, please follow these rules and procedures.

Internet Access Policy

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Grafton Public Library endeavors to develop collection, resources, & services that meet the needs of the community.   It is within this context that the library offers access to the Internet and online resources.

The Grafton Public Library does not monitor patron usage.  The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population, and library patrons use it at their own risk.

All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users.  Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children under the age of 18. Parents, and only parents, may restrict children, and only their children, from access to Internet resources through the library.  Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.

To be more specific:

The Grafton Public Library does not censor or filter content, except to be compliant with a federal funding source.  This does not guarantee protection from content you may find offensive or objectionable.

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.  The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by the Grafton Public Library.

Guidelines for accessing the Internet

1.  First time users will need to read Internet access information and polices and sign the Internet registration form.  As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.

2. The Internet access computers will be available when librarians are not using them.

3. Time on the computer can be reserved in ½ hour blocks when the library is open.  Computer may be used for a longer period of time if no one is waiting to use it, up to 1 hour, unless determined by librarian.

4. Any fee that may incur while you are on the Internet will be charged to you.

5. You may not use your own software programs.

6. No files can be saved on the library computers.  DVD-R discs are available for $1.00 each to download or save files, if you do not have your own flash drive or cloud for storage.

7. Cost of printing documents or graphics from the computer are priced per side as follows:

20¢ per page for black and white
30¢ per page for color text
75¢ per page for color graphic
$ 1 for special paper
$ 2 for 8x10 photo paper or $ 1- 5x7 or smaller

8. Patrons may not have food or drink in the computer area.

9. Misuse of the computer or Internet will result in the loss of your computer privileges.  The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the library staff.  The library reserves the right to charge patrons for damage to equipment.

10. Wireless users are subject to the library’s Internet Access & Computer Use Policy.  By accessing the library’s wireless network, users acknowledge and agree to this policy.

Users may not:

1. Use any library computer or Internet for illegal or criminal purposes, including:

a. Violation of Iowa State Law, which makes it illegal to download or purvey child pornography, to purvey pornography to children, or to commit fraudulent acts using the Internet.
b. Violation of the U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials.

2. Use any library computer or Internet to gain unauthorized access to the library’s or any other organizations network or computer.

3. Make any attempt to alter or damage computer hardware or software.

Disclaimer
The Grafton Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of its Internet, or electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. 
Wireless patrons are responsible for maintaining their own up-to-date antivirus software, firewalls, etc.
Staff Assistance-
Library staff generally do not assist patrons with their personal computers or their configurations.  Library staff cannot accept the liability of handling non-library equipment.