Computer Use Policy

I. PURPOSE

The Durham County Library offers access to computers, the internet, and other electronic resources to provide users with informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources beyond those contained in the library’s print collection. The purpose of the Computer Use Policy is to establish regulations regarding both computer use and Internet access at the Durham County Libraries.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

1. Computer Use Guidelines
1. Customers may sign in to public workstations with either their own Durham County Library card or their own Durham County Library Computer Use card. Computer Use cards are available at any Durham County Library to both residents and non-residents of Durham County, regardless of age.
2. The library staff may limit individual computer use time as demand necessitates.
3. Patrons who do not have their Durham County Library card or Computer Use card must provide positive ID to receive their card number which can then be used for access.
4. Use of a single workstation by a small group is permitted, provided that the group abides by the library’s Appropriate Behavior Policy.
5. Downloading files to acceptable personal storage media, such as a USB Drive or a CD/R, is permitted. Downloading files and programs to the Workstation’s hard drive is not permitted.
6. Failure to abide by the Computer Use policy may result in a loss of library system privileges, financial responsibility for damaged equipment, disbarment from library premises, and/or criminal prosecution.
2. Computer Use by Minors
1. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children under age 18. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.
2. Durham County Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All public workstations are equipped with filtering technology designed to prevent access to materials which might be reasonably construed as being either obscenity or child pornography, or to materials which might otherwise be construed to be harmful to minors. The Durham County Library cannot guarantee that all such material will always be blocked.
3. User Responsibilities
1. The Durham County Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, that may occur from the use of its electronic resources. Use of the Durham County Library’s computers for purposes contrary to state or federal laws or in a manner that violates Durham County Library’s Courteous Conduct Policy will not be allowed. Such violations may include, but are not limited to
1. Intentionally displaying, sending, or receiving inappropriate materials in either text or graphic format that may be reasonably construed as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors (G.S. 14-190.1).
2. Propagating malicious software.
3. Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material.
4. Attempting to access unauthorized files or systems.
4. Applicability
   This policy applies to all computer usage and internet accessibility in all Durham County Library facilities.
5. Responsbility
1. It is the responsibility of all library public service and facility supervisors to understand this policy fully so as to ensure its fair and equitable application.; Interpreting and enforcing the Computer Use Policy on a daily basis is the responsibility of all library employees who interact with customers.
2. Reviewing and revising the Computer Use Policy is the responsibility of the library’s Leadership Council with the advice of the Library Board of Trustees.

Appendices:

Durham County Library Courteous Conduct Policy
American Library Association Library Bill of Rights
Access for Children and Young Adults to Nonprint Materials: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights
CIPA

Effective Date: August 8, 2006

Review Date: August 2008

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Last Page Update: March 30, 2010