Grove City Community Library

Computer and Internet Policies

Adopted by the Board of Trustees on December 13, 2006

All persons must register at the Grove City Community Library main desk before using a computer. Please read the following instructions.

All Computers:

1. Reservations may be made at the circulation desk for a one-hour block of time. Children under 17 years of age must obtain on-site written approval from a parent or guardian to use an Internet computer.
2. No more than two (2) people may be at the computer at a time.
3. The printer for Internet computers is located at the main desk. Black and white prints may be made at $.10 per page. The printer for the regular word processing computer, located in the back hall, will print in color at a cost of $.20 per page.  It is permissible to use your own paper in this printer.
4. Patrons may not alter or attach equipment to the library's hardware or install/load their own software.
5. Staff members are not expected to provide support services.

The Internet:

1. Since the Internet is an extension of the resources of the library, it is made available for the primary purpose of reference and research.
2. The library has no control over the Internet and its resources, and assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource.
3. The individual user must be responsible for actions in navigating the Internet, and is expected to be considerate of others who may be able to view the material brought to the screen. The library cannot assure the privacy of Internet users' materials or communications.
4. Library computers have Internet filtering software activated on them in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.  However, adults (defined in the law as those 17 and older) may request unfiltered access to the Internet for any purpose that does not violate the law or this library's policies. The filter on an individual computer will be disabled in response to such a request.
5. Parents must be responsible for their children during all Internet usage.  Responsibility for decisions about the appropriateness of usage rests with the parent or guardian.

Unacceptable Uses:

Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:
1. Viewing Internet sites that contain child pornography, obscenity, or are harmful to minors.
2. Transmitting offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting, or downloading pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials (even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them).
3. Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.
4. Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; impersonating another user; using one's own software programs on the library's computers; altering the library's computer settings; monitoring the electronic communications of others, damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.
5. Giving others private information about one's self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has "met" on the computer network or on the Internet without a parent or guardian's permission.
6. The use of chat rooms and instant messaging services is prohibited.
7. Internet workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purposes, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, Pennsylvania, or local laws, including activities in violation of 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Sec. 5903.

Misuse of library computers may result in the notification of authorities and/or suspension or loss of privileges to use computers. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary.