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Rules for the Use of Public Access Computers

Sharon Public Library

Public access computers are an integral part of library services provided by the Sharon Public Library. The utilization of these machines by the public constitutes the same kind of use as any other library material. As library users are responsible for lost or damaged books, videos, magazines, etc, the library user assumes all responsibility for the use and care of the computer when it is being used by them. Computers available for public use include the public access catalog terminals, WiFi enabled laptops, and multi-use Internet workstations.

Public Access Catalogs

The Public Access Catalogs (PACs) are intended for use as a reference tool. Library users may use the PACs to search the library catalog, access the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) via the Internet to search various reference databases, and to gain access to any other database to which the Library has provided direct access. The use of PACs is limited to 15 minutes when others are waiting.

Internet Workstations

Sign-up is required for the multi-use internet workstations. Patrons may sign-up for the workstations either at the reference desk for the workstations located upstairs or at the children's circulation desk for workstations located in the children's room. The internet workstations may also be reserved either in person or by telephone up to one week in advance.

Users may sign-up for a maximum of two (2) one-half hour blocks of time. Users are required to leave the workstation when their block of reserved time has expired. If a workstation is unreserved, a user may remain at the workstation at the discretion of library staff until such a time as the workstation is needed/requested by another patron.

A person who does not arrive within 10 minutes of his/her reserved time forfeits the reservation. Library staff at their discretion may reassign a public access computer to another patron if the requester has not arrived within 10 minutes of the reservation time.

Computer workstations may not be used by more than two (2) individuals at any given time.

WiFi Laptops

WiFi enabled laptops are available for use by patrons in the library from the reference desk. Laptops may be used in the library only, and the patron assumes responsibility for use and care of the laptop while it is in his/her possession. The following conditions must be met before a laptop will be issued to any patron:

• The patron must provide library staff with a valid Sharon Public Library Card and a second acceptable form of identification
• The patron must be 18 or older
• The patron must agree to the laptop being checked out to their library card
• The patron must sign the SPL Laptop Liability statement.

All Public Access Computers

Users are prohibited from uploading, installing, setting up, running or executing any software not authorized by the library on any of the library's computers.

Users shall not download any files or applications from the Internet to the hard drive. Any downloads shall be to a floppy disk supplied by the user.

Users shall not store data and/or files on any library computer hard disk. Any such files will be periodically discarded.

Users may print to network printers at a charge of $0.05 per page.

Abuse of the above stated rules and/or use of these machines for any purpose other than their intended use constitutes misuse of library materials and may result in the library user having his/her library privileges revoked.

Any other interference or tampering with library computers will not be tolerated. Massachusetts law makes theft or mutilation of library materials or property a crime. Any person who willfully alters or destroys library ownership, electronic or catalog records; or mutilates, destroys or otherwise damages, in whole or in part, any library materials or property may be punished upon conviction by imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $25,000 and required to make full restitution.