Library Use and Rules of Conduct

Bay County Library System is providing access to a wide variety of electronic information and programs at each of its branch facilities. Some time limits and availability may vary by facility, but the following policies will apply for machines designated as computer workstations (not the library catalog or magazine indexes).

• A valid library card is required.
• The user's record must be in good standing to check out the computer.
• Users must sign in at a public service desk.
• Use of the workstations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is a wait, please stay in the area. If you are not in the area when your name is called, you will lose your place on the waiting list. Please notify a staff member when you are finished using a machine.
• In accordance with Michigan Public Act 212, we may also require picture ID with birth date information for anyone wanting to use the Internet computers without filtering software. Minors will be required to use filtered machines unless they are supervised by a parent or legal guardian while using the Internet. The parent or guardian must remain with the minor at the computer. Arrangements to use an unfiltered machine should be made at sign-in. The parent or guardian's card will be used when they wish to use an unfiltered machine with a minor. A minor is anyone under the age of 18.
• Internet users should be aware that the Bay County Library System does not have control over the resources on the Internet, and is not responsible for information accessed or selected. There is little regulation of the content of the Internet and it does contain controversial information. No filtering device can be 100% effective. Information retrieved or utilized electronically will be considered constitutionally protected unless determined otherwise by a court with appropriate jurisdiction. The parent or legal guardian of a minor is responsible for monitoring Internet use by his/her children. The library has materials that will assist users and parents or guardians of users on effective use of Internet resources.
• Use of library equipment for any illegal activities is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to viewing, receiving or sending obscene matter or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. Internet users must be aware that images or text displayed on the computer screens may be viewed by other people in the course of their normal business at the library. Because exposing unwilling library users or staff to sexually explicit images or text can be interpreted as offensive behavior, the library reserves the right to ask users to clear the screen of such images or text.
• Patrons will limit use to one hour if someone else is waiting. Shorter time limits may apply to some machines. In order to provide access to the greatest number of users during peak usage times (such as Sundays), the staff member in charge may limit access to one session per person per day, thirty minutes per session.
• Disturbing or interfering with others is prohibited.
• Users must respect the privacy of other users.
• Personal computer users are expected to use the computer independently. Staff may be able to assist on a very limited basis. Assistance will be available at the computer lab, where classes will be scheduled from time to time.
• Users must respect copyright and other legal protection on programs and data.
• Downloading to and uploading from personal disks will be allowed on designated machines only. Disks are available for purchase at checkout desks. You may use your own disks on these designated machines as well. Disks must be 3 1/2" IBM formatted. Superdisks will also work. CD-ROM drives are not available for security reasons.
• Printing is $.15 per page. Please pay for these at the checkout desks. Please do not print material that you are not going to pick up or use.
• Users must not turn equipment off and on, or try to change any settings on any of the computers. If there are problems, please notify a staff member.
• The Bay County Library System is not responsible for any damage, loss of data, or liability that may occur from the use of the library's computers.

Any violations of this policy may result in the limiting or suspension of library privileges.

Policy

Policy