Turks and Caicos Library Service
Computer Usage Guidelines and Policy
Effective January 2019

Internet Access Policy

In response to advances in technology and the changing information needs of the community, the Turks and Caicos Library Service is committed to providing access to informational, educational, recreational and cultural resources for all library users.

The Library provides access to the Internet through library computers connected to the

Internet, and through wireless Internet access during open library hours. The Library, however does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and as such library patrons use it at their own risk.

There are sexually explicit materials and other information resources that users may personally find controversial or inappropriate, especially for minors.

Please note that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users will therefore need to be good at validating the information that they find.

Minors (under 15) and the Internet

Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents - and only parents - may restrict their children – and only their children – from access to Internet resources accessible through the Library.

However, parents should know that filtering software does not block all material that they might feel is inappropriate for their children and can block material that is inoffensive and valid.

It is the responsibility of parents to discuss with their children what types of sites they feel are appropriate for them. This includes access to electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication. Minors should also be made aware of the dangers of disclosing, using and disseminating any personal identification information on the Internet.

Staff Assistance

Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning Internet or personal computer use. Staff may be able to offer searching suggestions and answer some questions. However, staff will not be available to provide extensive assistance.

Have fun exploring the Internet but please remember that many times you may find the specific information you need in our books, periodicals, and other resources.

Guidelines for Using Library Computers

• Public computers are available to customers on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.
• Customers may not perform any action that might damage the computer equipment or make it inoperable, such as downloading or installing any harmful program.
• Customers using library computers may not violate copyright or trademark laws, software licensing agreements, or intellectual property rights.
• Customers should notify library staff if the computer equipment or peripherals are not functioning properly.
• Customers must use headphones when listening to audio on any computer (including personal laptops) and keep the volume to a level that does not disturb those nearby.
• Customers may be limited to one person per computer station, at the discretion of library staff.
• Sessions on the public computers are limited to 60 minutes. Time extensions are granted at the sole discretion of library staff, based on demand for the computers.
• Do not install instant messaging systems on Library Computers
• Work saved on Turks and Caicos Library Service (TCLS) computers will be automatically erased when a customer logs off. To save documents, customers must copy it to a flash (aka “thumb”) drive or upload it to an online storage service.
• TCLS is not responsible for any damage or loss of data arising from the use of its computers or network.
• Except for headphones and storage devices (flash/jump drives, etc.), only hardware owned and installed by the Turks and Caicos Library Service may be used with the public computers. You may not connect any other devices such as, but not limited to, modems, joysticks, mice, printers, digital cameras, scanners to Library equipment.
• The Library is not responsible for damage to or loss of data from power interruption, PC viruses, hard disk failure, faulty software, or any other cause. The use of Library computer equipment and the entering of personal information or data (e.g., credit card numbers, home address) are at your own risk
• TCLS may withhold computer privileges from customers who do not comply with the above procedures or who are barred from the Library due to violation(s) of the Library’s Rules of Behavior.

User Responsibilities

• Inappropriate use will result in the loss of computer privileges for a period determined by the library based upon the severity of the infraction. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Unauthorized tampering with or modifying computer hardware or software
• Violation of software license agreements and copyright laws
• Violation of another user’s privacy or interfering with their peaceful use of the computers. Examples include: talking with others using computers and talking on a cell phone while using computers
• Use of sounds or visuals that might be disruptive to others
• Violation of the nation’s law including “hacking” and other similar activities
• Use of library computers to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene/pornographic) material

Remember:

Public library computers are not private or secure.
Public library computers cannot be modified for individual use.