Public Computers
Rules of Use | Computer Use Rules | About the Internet
We are happy to provide computers with internet access and the Microsoft Office suite, featuring Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint.
In order to utilize the library’s PCs:
- Patrons must read and agree to the library’s computer use and Internet use policies.
- For minor patrons (those under age 18) the library must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. EACH MINOR PATRON AT AN INTERNET WORKSTATION MUST HAVE A PERMISSION FORM ON FILE. (Parent or guardian must be present in the library when signing permission form.)
- Overdue items and charges for lost or damaged items over $5.00 must be resolved in accordance with library policies before computer or Internet use will be permitted.
Internet is limited to one hour time blocks during the library’s normal operating hours. Computer access is granted by choosing a free computer, clicking on “patron” or “guest,” and entering in the appropriate information.
Marion County Public Library will allow for patrons to ask for an extension of their computer time provided that no other patrons are waiting to utilize a station. The extension may be granted in 15 minute increments and cannot exceed a total of 2 hours per day per person. If a patron is in an extended time session and other patrons arrive to utilize a station, the person in an extended session will be asked to relinquish his or her station. A five minute warning will be granted at this time so that the patron will be able to wrap up any work that they are doing. If a patron has used their normal one hour session and leaves the library then returns at a later time, extra time may be allowed, at the discretion of the library staff and hinging upon there being free stations, but that time shall not exceed the 2 hour maximum for the day.
There is no charge for Internet use. Copy paper is ten (10) cents per sheet for black and white,twenty-five (25) cents per sheet for color. (Print outs can be picked up at the front desk.) In addition, patrons are responsible for any charges incurred through on-line service during their use.
Patrons who have personal e-mail accounts may send and receive mail through those accounts. (If you do not have a personal account, the librarian can advise you on setting up one with a third-party provider.) The library’s account may not be used for personal correspondence.
Internet users at the Marion County Public Library may not use the Internet for any unethical or illegal activity, including but not limited to:
- Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
- Using obscene language.
- Harassing, insulting or attacking others.
- Sending messages anonymously or under an assumed identity.
- Damaging computers, computer systems or networks.
- Propagating computer viruses.
- Violating copyright laws.
- Using the network for commercial purposes.
Violation of these rules in unethical and may be illegal. The library reserves the right to terminate a patron’s access to the Internet and computer use privileges for violation of these rules.
- To use the computer, choose an available computer, click on “patron” or “guest,” and enter in the appropriate information.
- Patrons may use the computer up to one hour at a time. (While one hour is allotted per patron each day we realize that there are instances that may require an extension of time. Please ask for an extension BEFORE your time runs out. If your time runs out, your session has expired and your information will not be saved on the computer. Extension will be granted only for such instances as: online educational work, job searches, etc. This will not be granted for game playing and chatting.)
- If others are waiting, please be considerate.
- You may only use your card to access a computer. PATRONS FOUND USING SOMEONE ELSE’S ACCOUNT WILL HAVE THEIR ACCOUNT SUSPENDED FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH. If it is found that the card they are using is being done so with the knowledge of that person said person will also lose their computer privileges.
- DO NOT ALTER ANY SETTINGS OR MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE HARD DRIVE. Anyone who does so will have his or her computer use privileges permanently revoked. If repairs must be made to the computer due to intentional damage or through alterations to the hard drive, the patron will be charged these fines.
Please note: You will be held responsible for any damage to the computer while it is under your name.
The Internet is a global network, not overseen by any central authority, and contains a variety of materials and opinions from varied points of view. The Marion County Public Library cannot censor patrons’ access to materials nor protect them from information or images they find objectionable, controversial, or inappropriate. However, patrons are asked to refrain from viewing websites including images of a pornographic nature. Additionally, viewing websites containing images of child pornography will result in the alerting of authorities and permanent loss of Internet privileges. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO USERS OF THE LIBRARY’S WIRELESS NETWORK.
In addition, not all information available through Internet sites is accurate, complete or current. While the library staff will provide guidance whenever possible, patrons should be careful to evaluate information obtained.
In accessing the library’s computers or wifi, patrons accept responsibility for the sites and information they access through the Internet. PATRONS OF MINOR CHILDREN ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S USE OF THE INTERNET AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPERVISE SUCH USE. Patrons may also wish to read the brochure “Child Safety on the Information Highway,” published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A copy is available from the library staff or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
