Computer/Internet Station Use

The Postville Public Library currently provides a number of networked computers for use by patrons in the library for Internet browsing, word processing, and other activities.

 

Library users of the Internet should be aware of the following:

 

The Internet is an unregulated global information resource. The Library cannot guarantee the accuracy and/or authenticity of information discovered through this resource. Patrons who find information or subject matter that is erroneous, out of-date, illegal, offensive, and/or controversial should contact the original producer or distributor of that work directly.

 

The Library assumes no responsibility for a Library patron’s activities on the Internet.

 

The Library provides high-speed Internet access but can make no guarantees of uninterrupted service.

 

The Library accepts no responsibility for damage to users’ computers or other devices or for the loss of any data that may occur from the use of the Library’s computers or Internet service.

 

The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. At the same time, the Library is a shared public space, and Library staff may ask a computer user to move to a different computer station if the text and/or graphics displayed on the computer screen is construed by Library staff as offensive to the general public. Library staff may ask a user to leave the computer station if the staff member observes behavior in conflict with this policy or the Library’s behavior policy. While respecting individual users’ right to privacy, the Library staff may monitor use of computer workstations upon complaint by another patron, or to ensure compliance with this policy.

 

Only parents and legal guardians have the right -- and the responsibility – to monitor their own minor children's access to Library resources, including the Internet. Library staff assumes that those under age 18 have parental permission to use Library resources, including the Internet.

 

The Postville Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet. Patrons entering personal information (credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk.

 

Use of the Internet to access or process pornographic material is prohibited.

 

The Postville Public Library complies with the United States Copyright Law and all other federal, state, and local laws relating to the use of the Internet and other electronic media.

 

Procedures for Public Computer Station Use

 

Patrons must first check with the Librarian on duty before using the computer.  Patrons will be allowed computer time, whether on a reserved or walk-in basis, in the chronological order in

 

which the requests are received.  It is not necessary to reserve time in advance in order to use the computer.  In other words, if the computer is not in use at a given time, a walk-in patron may use it.  Computer time may be reserved in advance by calling or visiting the library and placing one’s name on the reserve schedule.  If a patron fails to show up by ten minutes after the beginning of his or her scheduled reserve time, the reservation will be considered forfeit, and others will be allowed to use the computer.

 

The computer may be used for ½ hour if someone is waiting or 1 hour maximum if no one is waiting. Computers will be shut off 15 minutes before closing.

 

Young children with limited computer skills must be accompanied by an adult.

 

No more than two people may use a computer station at once, except for adults with small children.

 

Patrons are expected to be knowledgeable in basic computer operations.

 

Library staff may assist with individualized instruction only as time permits.

 

A patron may use peripheral devices (i.e. mp3 player, camera, flash drive).

 

Printing of information is allowed for 10 cents per page for black and white copies and 50 cents per page for color copies for 8.5 x 11 paper and 20 cents per page for black and white copies and $1 per page for color copies for 11 x 17 paper.

 

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Access

 

The Postville Public Library provides free wireless (“Wi-Fi”) access for our patrons to the Library’s Internet service.

 

Library users of the wireless Internet service should be aware of the following: The Library’s wireless network is open & is not secure.

 

The Library cannot guarantee the security of computer equipment owned by the Library patron.

 

The Library cannot guarantee network availability. Wireless users may lose signal from time to time, and the Library cannot take responsibility for loss of data or damage.

 

Library staff members generally do not assist patrons with their computer or their configuration.

 

Library conduct rules apply to all electronic devices.

 

Rewritten November 2011

Reviewed March 2023

Reviewed April 2026