Computer Usage Policy
Computer Usage Policy
Computer and Internet use at the Fairmount Public Library workstations to access information is a privilege and subject to rules of good conduct for all patrons. The availability of information on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content of any website by the Fairmount Public Library. Users are responsible for accessing, using, or disseminating information via the Internet at the Fairmount Public Library. For juveniles, this is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian. (Juvenile patrons are defined as anyone under the age of 18. Teen patrons are defined as anyone between the ages of 14-17).
Responsibilities of the user:
Librarians are not responsible for supervising juveniles or teens while they explore the Internet. Rules of conduct will be enforced, as Juveniles, Teens, and Adults may share the same Computer area in the Library. Juveniles under the age of 8 must have a parent, guardian, or older sibling sitting with them when using the Library’s computers. All computer users will be responsible for all printing transactions.
Any patron wishing to access games or files from an external source CD-ROM, DVD, USB) must ask the Librarian for permission. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for one hour. You may use a computer longer if no one else is waiting. Patrons accessing games, social networking sites, or chatting may be asked to cut their computer time short if another patron arrives and needs to print information, do job searches, file unemployment claims, or conduct research for educational or personal information. Saving resumes, research papers, or pictures on Library computers is done at the patron’s risk of losing the information. Patrons should provide an external storage device, such as a USB stick, to save any materials they want.
The Library’s computers are for the entire community to use. Patrons should respect other users and their right to use the Library’s computers.
Social networking sites are no longer blocked. General usage rules are also posted in the computer area.
Responsibilities of the library:
The Fairmount Public Library cannot control the content of resources available on the Internet. The Library will uphold the right of confidentiality and privacy for all library users but cannot guarantee absolute privacy while using the Library’s computers. The Library will not accept any responsibility for any purchases made online by Library patrons. To the best of their ability, Library staff will assist patrons with their computer usage needs. The Library will assist parents/guardians in their efforts to keep their children safe on the Internet by providing safety information as needed.
Disc Cleaning Policy
- We do not guarantee the disc’s operation or function after the cleaning. The owner assumes all responsibility.
- The work will be done at our convenience, not the patron’s.
- The disc(s) must come in a safe package for minimal handling, with the patron’s name and phone number on it.
- Payment must be given before the cleaning service begins.
- If a disc breaks while in our possession, we are not held liable for replacing it.
- The Librarian has the right to refuse any disc(s) if brought in broken or cracked.
- All cleaning jobs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A limit of 5 discs per person at a time will be accepted.
- The basic cleaning fee will be $1.00 per disc.
Unattended Child Policy
Fairmount Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for people of all ages. We welcome and encourage children to come to the Library, but we also worry about their safety when unaccompanied by an adult.
Parents/Caregivers who have transported children onto Library property or who have directed or allowed children onto the Library premises shall be responsible for the care, safety, and behavior of those children at all times. The Library is not responsible for the care and safety of minor children traveling to and from the Library.
All Parent/Caregivers are responsible for picking up their child(ren) at the end of a program or before closing time. If staff at any time discovers an unattended child, a disruptive child, or it is closing time, staff will contact the Parent/Caregiver. If contact cannot be made, the police/sheriff will be notified and asked to come and pick up the unattended child. The Library Director will file an incident report.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines:
Toddlers to Six-Year-Olds: Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of 16. The Parent/Caregiver must remain in the Library with the child at all times. Participation in Library programs will allow the Parent/Caregiver to leave the children’s programming area if the child’s personality allows for it.
Seven-Ten Year Olds: Will be limited to one hour, but no more than two hours, during which they may use the Library and its services unattended. An exception will be granted during Library program participation.
Eleven-Seventeen Year Olds: May use the Library and its services unattended for any length of time during normal operating hours and as long as their conduct is acceptable for all Library patrons.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 2004. Updated August 2014. This policy is subject to change.
