Prescott Public Library Computer & Internet Use Policy

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information the Prescott Public Library offers free, time limited, public access to computers, including various office software applications and the Internet.

The Internet is a vast and unregulated medium. The Library is not responsible for the content.

Filtering

The Library complies with Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and ARS Title 34, Chapter 502 regarding computer access by minors. All computers with Internet access are filtered to block pornography. Even with filtering we encourage parental participation in the use of all library resources. A copy of Child Safety on the Information Highway (PDF) created by The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children may be useful for parents. The filter will be disabled for adult use if requested. Parents can block all Internet availability for their child/children through an adjustment of the child’s library card (See library staff). The filter is not perfect. If you see a blocked site which you believe should not be blocked, please fill out a request, available at the reference desk, to request the unblocking of the site.

Computer Use

The public and staff may only use the computer resources available for public use at the Prescott Public Library for legal and acceptable purposes and usage. Examples of unacceptable purposes and usages include, but are not limited to, the following:

• More than one person per computer
Generally the use of one computer is limited to one person. The purpose of this rule is to reduce noise and respect the space of other patrons. Special case exceptions may be made to this rule.

• Use of computers requires a library barcode. This barcode must come from your personal library card. It is not acceptable to use anyone else’s card or any other barcode/s.

• Harassment of other users

• Libeling or slandering other users

• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users ARS 13-2316

• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications

• You may not use the Internet for any activity prohibited by federal law. Some material on the Internet may be protected by federal copyright laws (see generally Title 17, United State Code).

• Public display of explicit sexual materials
ARS 13-3501 ARS 13-3506 ARS 13-3507)

• Failing to comply with time limits imposed on the use of library computers

• Due to power outages and other anomalies the library cannot be responsible for loss of data or incorrect use of programs. Read the screen, pay attention to time warnings and BACKUP OFTEN.

Computer help

• If you are unfamiliar with the use of computers you can sign up for training by one of our volunteer mentors.

• Library staff is happy to help with simple computer tasks or problems.

• The library staff cannot help with complex tasks. This is a job for the mentors. In addition, library staff cannot help with anything dealing with credit cards or other person information.

Sanctions

Illegal acts involving City computers will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Library and library computing privileges may be withdrawn. Illegal acts may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Personal information security

Other people may be able to read any information that you enter on the Internet. You are cautioned that any site or service that requires users to enter any personal information carries with it a measure of risk.