Access to Electronic Resources and the Library's Mission

The Bettendorf Public Library Information Center is committed to providing access to information and ideas for all. Providing access to electronic resources is an integral part of the Library's commitment to adapt our services based on changing technology and the needs of patrons. Computers at the library provide access to the catalog, the Internet, Microsoft Office programs, children's programs, and a variety of reference databases. Patrons with laptop computers or other portable devices may log on to the city's Ethernet connection in library study rooms. Wireless access to the Internet is also available.

Relationship to Other Library Policies

The Bettendorf Public Library's Computer Policy is part of the library's overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies.

Disclaimer for Users of the Internet at the Library

Users should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The library denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained. The library urges patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.

Internet users should be aware that viewing of certain materials in the public library may be considered improper in time, place or manner. They must respect the rights of other library patrons not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images, which could be considered offensive. The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time at our sole and uncontrolled discretion.

All users of the library's Internet connection, whether using library computers or their own hardware, must abide by this policy as well.

Patron Assistance and Instruction

Information Desk staff cannot provide in-depth software instruction or one-on-one training concerning Internet use but may be able to offer searching suggestions and answer general questions.

The library cannot accept the liability of handling patron's computers. Patrons must understand how to configure their own computers in order to access the library's wireless service. Wireless Internet Access, a document offering some tips, is available at the Reception Desk.

Internet Functions Supported

Library Internet workstations provide access to the World Wide Web using a graphical browser. The library does not provide e-mail accounts, Internet Relay Chat or Telnet. Patrons who wish to use web-based e-mail or Internet chat are expected to make responsible use of these services (see Rules Governing Public Use of the Computers) and must register and maintain their own accounts without assistance from staff. File transfer protocol is not supported.

Supervising Children's Internet Use

Material is available on the Internet that parents may feel is inappropriate for their children. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff are responsible for the information accessed by children. Parents and children are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, which is available at the Information Desk or by linking to www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm. Parents are required to sign a permission waiver for children under eighteen who wish to use the library's Internet computers and are encouraged to supervise their children's Internet sessions. It is assumed that persons under 18 using wireless access to the Internet have parental permission by virtue of their possessing a wireless device.

Responsibilities of Users

Users of the Bettendorf Public Library's computers and wireless service are required to read and abide by the provisions of this policy including the Rules Governing Public Use of the Computers listed below.

Rules Governing Use of Public Computers

To use library computer, patrons log on using their library barcode number and PIN. Patrons must use their own library card; it is not permissible to use someone else's library card. Visitors may request a one-day visitor pass at the Reception Desk. Patrons logging on with visitor passes are limited to one hour of use.

Patrons may reserve computer time via the library's web site at www.bettendorflibrary.com, from any computer in the building, or at the Reception Desk, or at the Checkout Desk. . Reservations may be made up to one week in advance. Reserved time slots will be held for ten minutes past the reserved starting time. After that, computer time will be forfeited.

Patrons are limited to fifteen minutes on the Express Computers and one hour on the rest of the computers. If there are no computer reservations pending patrons using library cards may log on for an additional hour. Total use may not exceed two hours per day on any combination of computers.

Children under the age of 8 may not use the library's computers unless supervised by a parent or guardian. Children between the ages of 8 and 18 must have the attached permission waiver signed by a parent or guardian to use the library's Internet terminals unsupervised. Children who have a parental permission slip on file must obtain an Internet Pass at the Reception Desk verifying parental permission for Internet use in the Library.

Persons under 18 may use wireless access without a signed permission waiver as the library assumes they have parental permission. However, parental supervision of children under the age of 8 using wireless access is still required.

The workstations are limited to two users. Internet workstation users must be considerate of other and maintain low noise levels. At library staff's discretion, users who are disruptive to other patrons will be required to leave the area.

Patrons may not download software from the Internet, load their own software or Library-owned circulating CD-ROM software, or save documents to the hard drive. Patrons wanting to save data should bring a disk or USB flash drive, or purchase a blank disk or USB flash drive at the Information Desk.

Patrons who wish to print can add funds to their library card account at the Account Payment Machine. Funds are automatically deducted from the account when copies are printed. The first five black and white prints sent to the printer per day are free. Additional black and white prints are 10 cents per page. All color prints are 25 cents per page. Patrons with one day guest passes will forfeit any remaining funds on their guest account if they do not retrieve their funds before the end of the day.

The library's Internet connection and wireless service may be used only for lawful purposes. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material and threatening or obscene material. Internet users agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Bettendorf Public Library from any claims resulting from their use of the service, which damaged the user or another party.

The Library is not responsible for lost data and does not guarantee any supplied program. Users will be held financially responsible for any damage or alteration to equipment or software. Misuse of any equipment, or failure to follow any of these guidelines, including failure to abide by time limits, will result in loss of Internet privileges. The library cannot accept liability for any risk taken by the patron who chooses to connect their own device to the library's wireless service.

PARENTAL PERMISSION FORM FOR INTERNET USE BY MINORS

As the parent or legal guardian of _______________________________,
I grant permission for my minor child to use the Bettendorf Public Library's Internet service. I have read the library's Computer Policy and discussed it with my child. Knowing that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable I accept personal responsibility for the guidance of my child's Internet use.

I further accept responsibility for and will hold the City of Bettendorf and the Bettendorf Public Library harmless from any damages caused by my child's use of the Internet, whether such damage is to hardware/software, or by virtue of a claim by any party alleged to have been damaged from any material or comment posted by my child on the Internet.

Date___________

Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian_________________________________

Telephone Number____________________

Child's Birth Date______________________

Approved by the Board of Trustees
January. 1997

Revised 7/99
Revised 9/02
Revised 8/03
Revised 1/04
Revised 6/05
Revised 8/06
Revised 6/08