Computer and Internet Use Policy

The purpose of this policy is to define appropriate use of technology resources at Avondale Public Library. It includes technology and resources accessed with equipment in the library, loaned by the library and/or via the library’s wireless internet connection. This policy is to be used in conjunction with other library policies and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning the use of property and computing resources. Use of library public computers or wireless connection constitutes acceptance of this Computer and Internet Use Policy.

Access to the wifi and computer equipment at the Avondale Public Library is a privilege. All users must respect the rights of other users, library’s equipment and all applicable license and contractual agreements related to paid resources.

The library may place limitations on time and manner of computer use in order to allocate computer and internet access as equitably as possible or accommodate library events.

General Use

• Users shall have a valid Avondale Public Library card. Visitor one-day computer passes may be purchased at the Service Desk.
• Public access computers are equipped with the time management software, Envisionware. Patrons are limited to 60 minutes a session, 1 session per day. A reservation may be made for a computer for the current day. The reservation will be forfeited if the patron is more than five (5) minutes late.
• Staff will provide reasonable assistance to patrons regarding technology. Please report issues with library equipment immediately.
• Computers will be turned off ten minutes prior to closing.
• Computer prints cost $.25 per page.
• Avondale Public Library computers only allow the temporary saving of files to the computer during your session. Patrons are responsible for deleting any saved files. For privacy and security, it is highly recommended that patrons save files to a USB drive or cloud storage medium. USB drives may be purchased at the Library Service Desk. Avondale Public Library is not responsible for loss of data that may occur when saving documents.

• Be mindful of others and keep noise to a minimum. Using the built-in computer speakers is not permitted. Headphones may be purchased at the Library Service Desk.
• All users shall observe the legal protections provided by copyright and license law, and computer abuse laws.

Violations of Use

All users shall refrain from the following activities:

Misuse of the library’s computer equipment, Internet or wifi will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution (ARS 13-2316).

• Interfering with or disrupting network users, services, programs, software, or equipment.
• Display of sexually explicit graphics of any kind. Staff may intervene upon receiving a complaint or at their own discretion. A patron may face criminal prosecution for inappropriate use of a library computer (ARS 13-3501, 13-3502, 13-3506, 13-3507).

• Any activities that violate local, state or federal laws.
• Sharing computer account numbers, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users without consent.
• Downloading and/or installing executable files from any source.
• Changing the configuration files of any hardware or software on the Library’s workstations or attempting to disable the Library’s security software.
• Misrepresenting themselves on the Internet with the intention to commit harm, fraud or as a source of an electronic communication.
• Connecting any personal devices to the Library’s wired Ethernet network.

Children and Computers

Parents/guardians of children under eighteen (18) must assume responsibility for the child’s use of the Internet.

Youth computers are available in the Children’s Area for children aged eleven (11) and under and for parents assisting their child.

In compliance to the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) all public computers are equipped with filtering software that prevents access to material harmful to minors; however, we cannot guarantee that users will be protected from offensive information.

Disclaimer / Liability

Use of any of the library’s computing equipment and networks is at the sole risk and discretion of the user. This means that it is the user, and not the library, who would be responsible for any damage to the user’s own computers, devices, or equipment while connected to the library’s wired or wireless networks or while connected to any of the library’s equipment. The library takes reasonable steps to secure its networks from unauthorized access. In using a public computer, however, an individual must be aware that the security of information or transactions while using the library’s equipment or networks is not guaranteed. Internet users are responsible for the websites they access and use the Internet at their own risk. The Library does not guarantee the privacy of any Internet sessions, nor is it responsible for the security of information transmitted and received during any Internet sessions. Any injury or damages incurred by users of Library Internet stations or the Library’s connection to the Internet are the sole responsibility of the user.