Library Policies

Computer and Internet Policy

The objective of the Swisher County Library is to insure that the citizens of Swisher County have the right and means to free and open access to diverse collections of materials which meet their recreational, informational and inde-pendent learning needs. Throughout our history, Swisher County Library has provided our county with a wide variety of materials from print to audiovisual, and services such as interlibrary loan, to insure that the informational needs of our patrons can be met. Access to the internet allows the library to take advantage of information resources beyond the confines of our collection.

Library staff will be glad to assist you in accessing the internet and getting you to the appropriate location. The library staff cannot offer personal instruction in computer usage, nor will the library staff do personal research or work for any patron.

Internet Access by Minors

In providing computer usage and internet access to our patrons, Swisher County Library acknowledges that the internet is an unregulated medium.
The Swisher County Library does not filter and has no control over the information found on the internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. Be aware that some information found on the internet is of a mature nature and may not be suitable for children. Children’s access to the internet is the re-sponsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have their registration form signed by a parent or legal guardian in the library before they will be allowed access to the computer and the internet.

General Policies

Patrons must comply with Swisher County Library Policies for computer use. Violations of the Internet Policy may result in suspension or loss of computer privileges.
Viewing of pornography in the library is prohibited whether it is on library or personal devices.
Patrons may not leave children 10 years old and younger without supervision in any area of the library.
Only those patrons who have signed in to use a computer may view the accessed material. No more than one person will be allowed at a computer at a time. Exceptions will be made if more than one person is working on a project.
Swisher County Library assumes no responsibility for any patron’s device or equipment that is connected to library computers.
Patrons may not use personal software or alter or reconfigure the library’s computers or software.
Patrons listening to audio media must use headphones on library computers and/or personal devices. Earbuds are available for purchase at the circulation desk for $1.50 per set.
Library staff reserves the right to limit internet use if there are patrons waiting for an open computer.
Library staff also reserves the right to terminate computer access for any patron whose behavior at a computer work-station disrupts or disturbs other patrons or library staff.

Cell Phones

Cell phone usage is permitted in the library at the discretion of the librarian and staff.
Excessive or disruptive cell phone use will result in the patron being asked to exit the library and finish their business in the foyer of the building.

Printing/Faxing/Document Scanning

Black & White Printing: .25 per side of page printed.
Color Printing: .50 per side of page printed.
Photo printing: .50 if less than one half the page is used; $1.00 if more than one half the page is used.
Faxing: $1.00 per side of page to send; .25 per side to receive
Document Scanning: .10 per side of page
Printing is available via the wireless connection via cellphone or tablet. If the user desires to print from a personal computer or laptop, the file can be saved to a flash/thumb drive or emailed to us and we will print it for the current fee per page.

Wireless Connection

Wireless access is provided as a public service free of charge on an as-is basis with no guarantee and no warran-ty. Use of the wireless access is done at the patron’s own risk. Patrons utilizing the wireless connection in the Library agree to comply with all provisions of the Library’s Internet Policy. Library staff cannot provide technical assistance to patrons using the wireless access. Swisher County Library does not guarantee that all devices will be able to connect to the wireless Internet service or to maintain that connection.
All Wi-Fi users should have up-to-date antivirus software installed on their computers. Users must keep their equipment with them at all times. Patron’s using personal laptops, ipods, etc. must use headphones when playing audio media inside the library.
Limited outlets are available on a first-come first-served basis. Surge protection is not available. The library as-sumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment.

Disclaimer

Information passing through the library’s wireless access is not secured and could be monitored, captured, or altered by others. There are risks involved with connecting to a public wireless connection, such as possible viruses, mal-ware, loss of data, possible hacking/snooping by others connected, possible hardware/software failure. It is your sole responsibility to protect your information from all risks associated with using the Internet, including any damage, loss, or theft that may occur as a result of your use of the library’s wireless access.
In using this free Internet access, you agree and hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless, Swisher County Library, its officers and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may result from your use of this wireless access. Swisher County Library may terminate this public service at anytime, without prior notice, at the Library’s sole discretion.
The Swisher County Library cannot guarantee the validity or accuracy of information found on the Internet. Li-brary patrons are advised, as with all library materials, to exercise judgment and discrimination when evaluating the use-fulness and reliability of material found on the Internet.
Misuse of the computer, including patrons’ laptops using Swisher County Library’s wireless access, will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges and possible prosecution. Such misuse in-cludes, but is not limited to, viewing material which is obscene or "harmful to minors"; using the computer for illegal activities; sending spam; hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system; damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software; interfering with systems operations, integrity or security; gain-ing unauthorized access to another person's files; sending harassing messages to other computer users; altering or at-tempting to alter the library computer's settings; and violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
Patrons shall agree to hold harmless, indemnify, and unconditionally reimburse the Swisher County Library for any damage, liability, costs, claims, or expenses that the Swisher County Library may incur that arises in any manner from any use or misuse of the Internet access by a patron.

Revised February 1, 2024