Internet & Electronic Access Policy

Policy Statement

The Bellevue Public Library provides computers for public use, allowing access to the Internet, the Library's online resources, Microsoft Office software, and early literacy stations. Wireless access to the Internet is also available.

Disclaimer: The Bellevue Public Library is not responsible for the content on the Internet or any of its subscribed databases. Thsi includes changes in content from library-linked sources. Availability of information does not constitute endorsement. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children under the age of 18. Parents and/or guardians may restrict children, and only their children, from access to the Internet resources through the library. Parents or guardians are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions.

 

Regulations- Public Computers

  • Patrons must sign in to use a computer
  • Internet computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis
  • Adults are encouraged to use the adult computers but may use the temm computers. Teens must use the teen computers unless special permission is granted to use an adult computer.
  • A vaild Bellevue Public Library card number is required to use the Internet computers. A guest may be approved by the librarian on circulation duty for any user without a library card.
  • Time on the Internet computers is limited to three (3) hours per day for library card holders and guests. Longer times may be granted by the librarian on circulation duty.
  • No login is required to use the Early Literacy computers.
  • The Early Literacy computers are available for ages two (2) through six (6).
  • The library is not responsible for any damage or loss of data arising from using library hardware or software.
  • Only computer equipment and software owned by the library and previously installed may be used on the library's computers, with the exception of patron-owned flash drives.
  • Library staff are available to answer basic computer questions but cannot provide in-depth computer training. 
  • Patrons wanting to save files or other data should bring an appropriate storage device.
  • The library does not provide flash draves for use.
  • The library does not provide email address.
  • No personal programs can be downloaded and no personal files or programs can be saved to the library's computers or network.
  • Adding, deleting or modifying alread installed hardware or software is not permitted.
  • Patrons are discouraged from accessing or sending personal information, such as credit card numbers, banking information, or social security numbers unsing the library's computers.
  • Black and white printing is available at 10 cents per page and color printing is 25 cents per page.
  • There is no guarantee the library's computer network will be available.
  • The library upholds the rights and responsibilities of parents and legal guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of the library's computers.
  • Privacy on the library's computers is not guaranteed. The library reserves the right to end a computer session at any time for any reason.

 

Wireless Access

  • The library's wireless network is available for anyone with a personal device capable of connecting wirelessly.
  • Patrons must understand how to configure their own devices in order to access the library's wireless network though the staff is allowed to instruct patrons on connecting their devices to the library's wireless network.
  • The library upholds the rights and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of the library's network.
  • The library cannot accespt liability for any risk taken by patrons who choose to connect their personal device to the wireless network.
  • Black and white and color printing are available.
  • The wireless network is an open, unsecured network. There is no guarantee it will be available. 
  • Privacy on the library's network is not guaranteed.
  • The library reserves the right to block access to the wireless network at any time for any reason.
  • All staff are expected to know the following:

                1. The name of the wireless network.

                2. The password for the library's wireless network.

                3. The name of the library's wireless printers.

 

Violations

  • Library computers and wireless access should not be used for unlawful activities including but not limted to:
    • Harassment of, libeling or slandering others.
    • Accessing obscene, unlawful and/or inappropriate content.
    • Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized access and/or altercation of the library's computer, equipment, software or network.
    • Use of electronic information networks that in any way violates city, state or federal law.
  • Violations of this policy's regulations may result in a loss of access to the library computer resources. Disciplinary actions will be handled in the following way:
    • Library staff will warn patron of the violation and request they end their session.
    • If the patron ignores the staff request, the session will be ended by the staff and the Library Director will be notified. An incident report will be filled out, making note of the date and time of the violation.
    • When staff believes illegal activity has occurred, the police may be notified.
  • When a patron complains about another patron:
    • Thank the patron for bringing the issue to the staff's attention.
    • Investigate the complaint without the complaining patron
    • Follow the procedures outlined above.
  • If a violation is severe enough, suc as a notice from the library's Internet service provideder about illegal acitivity, the user will be blocked without notice. An incident report will be filed and the user will need to take with the Library Director and the police may be notified.

 

Approved February 2019