Computers
The Leavenworth Public Library provides public access computers. For internet use, please review the policies below.
- Internet Access Policy
- Patron Code of Behavior
- Filtering Software
- User Responsibilities
- Wireless Internet Access Policies and Procedures
- Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines
Internet Access Policy
Leavenworth Public Library provides access to the Internet in support of our role as this community's information and lifelong learning center. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching; however, not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.The library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information that can be accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. Restriction of a minor's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian and not the library or its staff.
A valid library card and personal identification number (PIN) will be required to log in to the computer workstations. A parent or legal guardian's signature is required in order for minors under age 16 to obtain a library card or replace a lost card. Use or misappropriation of another individual's library card or personal identification number is prohibited and will result in a seven-day suspension from computer use. A fifteen minute Guest session for the day is available for patrons who are traveling through or visiting the area and who are not regular library patrons. Children age 11 and under may be logged in as guests in the Children's Room only if accompanied by a parent. Children age 11 to 15 may be logged in as guests in the Young Adult Room only if accompanied by a parent. A patron age 16 to 18 may be logged in as a guest in the Young Adult room, provided he/she has photo identification with proof of age.
Patron Code of Behavior
Using library computer workstations to access inappropriate matter, as defined herein, is prohibited. Members of the library staff are under no obligation to monitor library computer workstation usage and accept no responsibility for investigating the manner in which those computers are used. When, however, a member of the library staff observes a patron using a computer in violation of the following library policies, the patron will be asked to immediately exit from the inappropriate site. Continued misuse of library computers may result in additional suspension or loss of privilege to use these resources and/or notification of appropriate law enforcement officials. Users must comply with the United States copyright law, United States and Kansas obscenity statutes, and all other applicable laws.Patrons shall not access or exhibit inappropriate matter on library Internet computers. Inappropriate matter shall include obscene matter, matter harmful to minors, or materials containing sexual exploitation of children, as defined by Kansas Statutes and the Children's Internet Protection Act (see Public Law 106-554). Specifically:
A. Patrons shall not access or exhibit obscene material on library Internet computers. Disseminating or exhibiting obscene material is a crime in the state of Kansas. See K.S.A. 21-4301 as amended.
B. Patrons shall not access material or computer generated information deemed harmful to minors. See K.S.A. 21-4301a and K.S.A. 21-4301c as amended.
C. Patrons shall not use the library Internet computers in a manner that allows them to possess any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video picture, digital or computer generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical or other means, where such visual depiction of a child under 18 years of age is shown or heard engaging in sexually explicit conduct with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires or appeal to the prurient interest of the offender, the child or another. See K.S.A. 21-3516 as amended. Inappropriate matter shall also include graphic violence, as defined in K.S.A. 21-4301c.
Patrons are responsible for any careless and/or abusive treatment of computer hardware and software. Misuse of the equipment may include, but is not limited to, downloading software, accessing or altering the computer configurations, or using the computer for unauthorized copying of copyright protected material. Adults are responsible for careless and/or abusive treatment of computers by their children.
Patrons are not allowed to disclose, use, and disseminate any personal information that could threaten or create a vulnerability for a minor, for any other person, or for the library. Library staff will not disclose library customers' use of the library with respect to information sought or received, including Internet use, except pursuant to a valid court order or subpoena authorized under federal, state, or local law.
Filtering Software
Because the Leavenworth Public Library receives federal funding for public Internet access, this library complies with federal legal requirements for technology protection measures (filtering software).
A. Any library that receives government funds (specifically e-rates and LSTA grants) must:
(i) have in place a policy of Internet safety for minors that includes the operation of a technology protection measure (filters)with respect to any of its computers with Internet access that protects against access through such computers to visual depictions that are ------(I) obscene; (II) child pornography; or (III) harmful to minors; and
(ii) be enforcing the operation of such technology protection measure during any use of such computers by minors. Should technical problems with the filtering software arise, such that filtered access cannot be provided, Internet access for minors will temporarily be unavailable at this library until the technical problems have been resolved. As defined by Kansas statute, minor means any unmarried person under 18 years of age. K.S.A. 38-101.
B. An administrator, supervisor, or person authorized by the library may disable the technology protection measure concerned to enable access for adults to bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Filtering will not be disabled for Internet access for minors. Library staff reserve the right to request proof of age for any individual. Filtering will not be disabled in the Children's or Young Adult Rooms.
Patrons need to be aware that no technology protection measure will protect patrons from access to all obscene or objectionable materials.
User Responsibilities
To access a computer, patrons may find an unoccupied computer and type in their library card number and PIN. After logging in, patrons must review and agree to abide by the Internet policy in order to gain access to the Internet. If all computers are in use, patrons may register at the sign-up stations located in the Children's Room, Young Adult Room, or Reference Department to be added to the reservation list.Age distribution for the departments is as follows:
Children under the age of nine must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Patrons using the computers are still responsible for monitoring children under age nine in their care. See "Unattended Children's Policy." Stations in the Children's Room are reserved for children only. Although the library's workstations are filtered in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, parents are responsible for their children's Internet sessions and are advised to be aware of their viewing choices.
Use of the computer workstations is on a first-come, first-served basis. The computer time management system will keep track of time for the day. Patrons may sign up for one hour of computer use each day with a Leavenworth Public Library card or an NExpress member library card. The automated system allows for two fifteen minute extensions if sufficient computers remain available. A maximum of ninety minutes may accumulate on a library card, either in one session or throughout the day. Adult patrons having library fines over $50 will be limited to one fifteen minute session per day. Adult and juvenile patrons unable to renew their cards due to outstanding fines and fees will not be allowed computer access until these matters are resolved. Two express stations are available in the Reference Department for fifteen minute sessions for adults.
Printing charges are $.10 per page. Color printers are not available from public workstations. All patron workstations are networked to print at the print release stations in the Adult, Children's, or Young Adult areas.
Floppy disks are available for purchase for $.50. Patrons may also bring in their own floppy disks or other storage devices, such as USBs or CD-ROMS. CD burners are available only at the adult Express computers and adult computers No. 11 and 12. CD burners may not be used for quantity CD burning. CD-ROM software programs may be brought into the library for use as long as installation on the hard drive is not required.
Patrons are reminded to use caution in opening e-mail attachments, since e-mail attachments are frequently a source of viruses.
Warning: Although a virus check is used on all computer workstations, this will not provide complete protection from the chance of getting a virus. The Leavenworth Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron's use of the library's computers.
Wireless Internet Access Policies and Procedures
Wireless internet access is provided as a convenience to patrons. The following guidelines apply to access of the wireless network:The library's Internet Access Policy and Code of Conduct apply to patrons accessing the wireless network. Users must comply with United States copyright law, United States and Kansas obscenity statutes, and all other applicable laws. A minor's access to the wireless network is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Wireless Internet access is unfiltered.
Library staff cannot provide technical assistance with patron computers. General instructions for connecting to the wireless network and access information are available at the Reference desk.
The library is not liable for damage to a patron's computer. Patrons are responsible for mainaining their own antivirus protection. Users should be aware that it is possible for information sent or received to be intercepted by another wireless user.Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines
All users of the Internet are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous way, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use and approved by the Library Board. Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the library's Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the library's Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
Approved, Board of Directors, April 14, 2011
417 Spruce St. - Leavenworth, KS - 66048 - (913) 682-5666
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Updated April 16, 2010 2:56 PM