Computer and Internet Access
at the St. Charles Public Library

Nature of the Internet

As an unregulated medium, the Internet differs from the Library’s collection in that it is not organized, cataloged, or evaluated by the Library staff.
The Library has no control over the Internet and its resources and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet information.
The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Not all sources on the Internet provide information that is current, accurate, unobjectionable, or complete. Some content is obscene and/or harmful to minors. The Library does not guarantee protection from controversial material. Parents of minors must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection.

Wireless Internet access is available throughout the Library building, to eligible users who have the necessary devices and software, via an open, unsecured network.

Staff Assistance

Library staff provides limited assistance for basic start up and navigation.  When Technology Center staff are available, they may provide additional assistance.  Library staff do not assist patrons with any online financial transactions. Training workshops in using the Internet are offered at various times. Ask for details.

Internet Permission

St. Charles cardholders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian grant permission by signing the Library card registration form.

Non-St. Charles cardholders must be 18 or over to use the Library’s Internet computers.

Privacy of Patrons Records

All Library records identifying the names of patrons with records of use of specific library materials and electronic resources are confidential in nature and will not be made available to any person or agency, including governmental authorities, except pursuant to authorized process, order or subpoena, according to law.

Use of Internet & Library Computers

• Use of the computers is on a first come, first served basis.
• Up to two people may work together at a computer, one person per chair.
• Users may run personal software only in the Technology Center.
• The Library does not provide data storage. Library computers are erased upon restarting.
• If patrons choose to save files they must provide their own storage devices or purchase a USB Flash Drive at the Information Services Desk or at the Youth Services ASK ME desk. Data downloaded from the Internet may contain computer viruses. The Library is not responsible for damage to any patron’s disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from the patron’s use of the Library computers.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for any activities conducted by users of the Library’s computers.
• Patrons risk loss of Library privileges if they access sites that are illegal (for example, gambling,) or are disruptive to the use of the Library by other patrons because of offensive content (for example, pornography, racism, etc.).  All computers are monitored by Library staff.
• Library computers may be used only for legal purposes. Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to: harassment, libel or slander; destruction, modification, or damage to equipment, software, or data; accessing web sites that are harmful to minors or depict child pornography (any visual depiction [that] is or appears to be, of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct); disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material; unauthorized access, including hacking, and other unlawful online activities.
• Patrons may not modify or remove any equipment. If equipment maintenance is required, please inform the Technology Center Aide or, in Youth Services, ASK ME Desk staff. Do not attempt maintenance on the equipment.
• Patrons must not attempt to circumvent computer session controls or security measures.
• Library equipment and staff may not be used to alter the content of documents or photos or to perform any other illegal activity.
• Computers on the automated reservation system shutdown approximately 10 minutes before the Library closes.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in the Technology Center.
• As a consideration to other people using the Library, please keep cell phone conversations brief and quiet, and set cell phones to vibrate.
• The Library reserves the right to terminate a patron’s computer session if the patron is in violation of the Library’s Patron Code of Conduct or these procedures.

St. Charles Public Library Internet Safety Policy

The St. Charles Public Library provides access to the Internet to expand the availability of information resources outside its own collection. In offering the Internet as an information resource, the Library’s goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and, as a public access agency, enable any resident who wishes to participate in navigating the Internet.

The St. Charles Public Library has adopted and will maintain written policies and procedures intended to protect the safety and security of adult and minor patrons who access the Internet via the Library’s Internet computers. These policies and procedures address issues and concerns such as access to inappropriate material, the use of direct electronic communication such as email and chat rooms, unlawful online activities including hacking, child pornography, and unauthorized disclosure of personal identification information. The Library has adopted measures designed to restrict access by minors to harmful materials. These measures include a managed Youth Services Internet collection and requirement of parental authorization of minors’ use of Internet computers.

Adult Services Check In

• Library computers in Adult Services Technology Center are for the use of adults and high school students with parental permission. Microsoft Office is available for high school students lacking parental permission for the Technology Center.
• Express and Short Use (stand-up) Stations in Adult Services are available for both St. Charles cardholders and non-St. Charles cardholders. Only Express and Short Use computers are available to non-St. Charles cardholders.
• St. Charles cardholders use their library card numbers to reserve a computer at the Reservation Station or an available computer. Non-cardholders should be prepared to show a staff member a photo ID.
• Library cards are not transferrable.

Session time limits:

• Short Use (stand-up): 15 minutes
• Express Stations:  30 minutes – 3 sessions per day.
• Technology Center:  60 minutes* – 3 sessions per day.      

   *A session may be extended if the computer is not reserved.

Youth Services Check In

• Computers in the Youth Services Info Commons are for the use of preschool children and students in elementary and middle school and their parents.
• An adult must remain at the computer with preschool children and students in grades K-2.
• Parents are able to use the computers in the Youth Services Info Commons when their children are in the Youth Services Department or attending programs.
• Up to two computers may be in use by parents at any time.
• Children and students have preference at all times. Parents will be given five (5) minutes to close out a session when a child or student is waiting.
• A person must check in with ASK ME Desk staff before using a computer by presenting his/her St. Charles Public Library card.
• A “Signed In” card will be exchanged for the library card and must be displayed during the session
• There are two types of Internet access in the Youth Services Department Info Commons:

Full Internet. A student with this type will be able to access the Internet in its entirety, including the ability to enter URLs of the web sites they wish to use.

Managed Internet Collection is a selection of web sites selected, evaluated, and reviewed by Youth Services staff. A student with this type of access can browse the topics in each category and click for a direct connection to the web sites. Due to the nature of the Internet, however, sudden changes may occur in the accessibility and content of these web sites.

• There is a 60 minute time limit per session, with a maximum of 3 sessions per day. Parents are limited to a total of 60 minutes per day.
• Flash drives and other equipment which must be attached to the USB port are usable only at the full-access Internet and Microsoft Office computers. Inquire at the ASK ME Desk if you need a Flash Drive for temporary storage.
• All computers in the Youth Services Info Commons have Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Publisher.
• There are two (2) computers in the Youth Services Info Commons with direct access to the Youth Electronic Resources and Microsoft Office software only. A library card is not required to use these computers. Sign-in at the ASK ME Desk is required to use Microsoft Office software.

Rev. 6-2010
3/2011