Computer Use Policy

1 The Mascoutah Public Library provides computers for public use.

1.1 Computer use is limited to 2 hours per patron per day.

1.1.1 A computer session’s default length is 1 hour with an optional 1 hour extension.

1.1.2 Patrons may request longer sessions for specific tasks that may require more than 2 hours to complete, such as online exams.

1.2 Patrons use their Mascoutah Public Library card barcode to login to library computers.

1.2.1 Patrons without a library card can request a single guest pass for the day to access the library computers.

1.3 If all library computers are in use, then a patron may put in a request to reserve the first available computer.

1.4 No more than 2 people are allowed at a computer at any given time.

1.5 Children under 10 may not use library computers unless they are accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or older.

 

2 Printing

2.1 Patrons must prepay printing fees into their account.

2.2 Patrons are responsible for the costs of all printing that they send to the library printer.

 

3 Content Monitoring

3.1 The Mascoutah Public Library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for content accessed on library computers.

3.2 A child’s access to the internet is the responsibility of their parent/guardian.

3.2.1 Library staff is unable to monitor children’s internet usage.

3.2.2 The information and content accessed by children on library computers is the responsibility of the child’s parent/guardian and/or the person accompanying them on the library computer.

 

4 Improper Use

4.1 Activities such as the following constitute improper use of library computers.

4.1.1 Using another person’s library card to access library computers without their permission.

4.1.2 Altering the hardware or software of library computers.

4.1.3 Bypassing or attempting to bypass any content or access blocks on library computers.

4.1.4 Refusing to leave the library computer once the allotted time is up or blocking computer access to another patron.

4.1.5 Accessing or transmitting damaging, obscene, threatening or harassing files or materials.

4.1.6 Violating copyright or licensing agreements.

4.1.7 Using library computers for any purpose that violates federal, state, or local law.

4.2 Illegal acts performed on library computers are subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

 

5 Breach of Policy  

5.1 Violation of any aspect of this policy may result in loss of access to library computers according to the following steps. The library reserves the right to skip steps depending on the severity of the violation.

5.1.1 For a first violation, the patron loses any remaining computer use time for the day.

5.1.2 For a second violation, the patron loses access to library computers for 1 week.

5.1.3 For a third violation, the patron loses access to library computers for 30 days.

5.1.4 For a fourth violation, the patron loses access to library computers for 1 year.

5.2 Patrons may request an appeal of their violation by the Library Board at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Appeal requests must be submitted 2 business days prior to the board meeting.

5.2.1 If an appeal is granted, the patron immediately regains use of library computers and the offense is not counted against their account.

5.2.2 If an appeal is denied, the patron will remain unable to access library computers for the remaining duration of their suspension.

5.2.3 The decision of the library board is final.

5.3 A patron’s violation reset six months after the end of their most recent suspension.