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 independent 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.
• 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 responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
• 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

• 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. Children 14 years old or younger must have a parent or legal guardian sitting beside them while they are at the computer.

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.
• Patrons may not leave children 10 years old and younger without supervision in any area of the library.
• All patrons wishing to use the library computers or the wireless connection must read and sign the Internet Policy Agreement.
• Patrons may use the computer for (1) one hour at a time with a maximum of 2 hours per day. Additional time may be granted at the discretion of the librarian.
• 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. A parent must be sitting with minor children 14 and under.
• 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.
• Patron’s using library computers, personal laptops, ipods, etc. must use headphones when playing audio media.
• 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 workstation disrupts or disturbs other patrons or library staff.

Cell Phones

• No cell phone usage is permitted in the library. Patrons may not use their cell phones in conjunction with their laptop computers to conduct business in the library. Cell phones must be used outside the library doors.

Printing

• Printing services are available to patrons for .25 for black and white or .50 for color per side of page printed. The printed material will be available behind the library counter from the library staff. Payment must be made at the time of printing.
• Picture printing: A charge of $1.00 per page will be required if it takes up 50% or more of the page. Photos less than 50% of the page will be .50.
• Printing is not available via the wireless connection at this time. If the user desires to print, the file can be saved to a flash/thumb drive or emailed to them and printed from a public computer 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 warranty. 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 laptop computers 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. Swisher County Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment. Users must keep their equipment with them at all times. Patron’s using personal laptops, ipods, etc. must use headphones when playing audio media.
• Limited outlets are available on a first-come first-served basis. Surge protection is not available. The library assumes 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, malware, 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. Library staff reserve the right to limit internet use if there are patrons waiting for an open computer. The library staff also reserved the right to terminate computer access for any patron whose behavior at a computer workstation disrupts or disturbs other patrons or library staff.
• The Swisher County Library cannot guarantee the validity or accuracy of information found on the Internet. Library patrons are advised, as with all library materials, to exercise judgment and discrimination when evaluating the usefulness 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 includes, 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; gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files; sending harassing messages to other computer users; altering or attempting 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.

Jan 20, 2021