LIBRARY DISTRICT POLICIES ON USE OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS             updated 8/26/09

I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The computer terminals and internet access stations at each library are intended to make the resources of the internet easily available to the library patrons and to help all library patrons become familiar with computers.

1. Library Staff shall have priority use at any time, including when the equipment is otherwise in use by a library patron.

II. RESTRICTIONS UPON USE

      The following restrictions upon use of the computer equipment shall apply to all patron users:

1. All users must sign in and out using the CASSIE system. It is necessary to sign out of the CASSIE system when finished.  If a user does not have a valid library card or authorization the user shall first obtain such card or authorization before use of the equipment. 
2. Use by patrons shall be on a first come, first use basis. The CASSIE system restricts users to 30 minute periods that will extend to 3 hours if no one is waiting for computers.  IT IS AGAINST LIBRARY POLICY TO USE ANY LIBRARY CARD OR TEMPORARY CARD THAT IS NOT YOURS.  The person logged in must be the same as the person sitting at the computer.
3. No patron shall attempt to modify the equipment setup established by the library staff, load computer virus programs or to otherwise hack into areas under password control.
4. No patron shall use the equipment to display on the system monitor:
   • Any image which would be considered legally obscene under the definitions set forth in Section 573.010 RSMo.
   • Any image depicting actual or simulated, normal or perverted acts of human masturbation; deviate sexual intercourse; sexual intercourse; or physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or the breast of a female in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification or any sadomasochistic abuse or acts including animals or any latent objects in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification;
   • Any image depicting post-pubertal human genitals or pubic area, or the breast of a female person, with less than a fully opaque covering;
     1. provided, however, that works of art or of anthropological significance shall not be deemed to be within the foregoing prohibition.
   • Any patron using the equipment to display on the system monitor any image which would violate the foregoing policy, except for the fact that the image could reasonably be construed to constitute a work of art or a work of anthropological significance shall, nevertheless, immediately discontinue such use if a complaint about such image is communicated to the patron by another patron for as long as the complaining patron is present in the same room.
5. No patron with outstanding fines over $3.00 or library materials more than 3 months overdue may use the computers.
6. No patron shall download files via the internet which take more than 30 minutes to download.
7. Anything printed out on the library’s printers will be charged at the rate of 10 cents per page for black and white and 25 cents per page for color.

III. MINOR PATRON USAGE

Any library patron under the age of 18 years and over the age of 9 years may use the computer equipment to play CD-ROMS checked out to them and may connect to and use the installed internet browser program to access the internet upon the following conditions:

1. All users under 18 years must have on file with the front desk an Internet Access Authorization Form signed by their parent or legal guardian before they will be allowed access to the computer equipment. The Internet Access Authorization Form shall be in the format attached hereto as Exhibit A.
2. No patron who is under the age of eighteen years shall use the equipment to display on the system monitor:
   • any image which would violate the policy of the library if the image was downloaded or displayed by an adult patron.
   • any image which would be "Pornographic for minors", as defined in Section 573.010 RSMo. As used in this policy, words shall have the meanings given under the provisions of Chapter 573 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. 
3. All other adult policies apply to minors.

IV. LOSS OF USE PRIVILEGE

      Any user who violates the provisions of these policies or any other duly enacted policy of the District or any direct order of a library staff member may be prohibited from using the computer equipment by order of the Library Director for a period of up to one year.  Any library staff member may prohibit the use of the equipment by any person at any time until the prohibition is reviewed by the Library Director, who may confirm, extend, or terminate the period of suspension of use.