Pike County Public Library Computer and Internet Policy

Public computers are available with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet capabilities.  Use of PCPL computers for any purpose constitutes acceptance of the library’s policies and procedures.

Access to Internet Resources
The Internet is unregulated and while it offers a wealth of enriching materials and information, it also enables access to some materials that may be offensive or illegal.  Individuals and parents must take responsibility for determining the reliability, suitability and appropriateness of Internet content.  Pike County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any consequences, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its connections to the Internet.

As a recipient of federal funds through the government’s E-Rate program, Pike County Public Library’s computers are filtered in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Internet Access Services Rules

• Internet use must be consistent with the Library’s Patron and Internet Policies, which have been adopted by the PCPL’s Board of Directors. 

• PCPL cardholders ages 16 and up may use computers and access the Internet at the public computers in the adult services section of the library. Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Children ages 10-15 may use computers and access the Internet at the public terminals in the children’s section of the library. Access is granted on a first come, first served basis.

• Users ages 16 and under are required to have a parental or guardian permission form on file with the library in order to access the Internet. The form is available upon request.

• The library’s catalog computers may not be used to access the Internet.

• Visitors to the area will be allowed a one-time use if a computer is available. Those visiting the area for an extended period of time are required to purchase a temporary library card for continued computer use.

• All users must sign up for a computer at the circulation desk. Appointments to reserve a terminal for a specific time may be made in advance by calling or visiting the appropriate PCPL branch.

• Users may sign up for a maximum of one hour of computer use per day. After using the Internet for one hour, users may request additional time on a computer, which may be granted depending upon the availability of computers.

• The library has the right to limit the duration of time on a computer. If a patron has not arrived at the specified reserved time, the staff will wait a maximum of 10 minutes before cancelling the reservation.

• Users may not continue to sit at a computer workstation after their time has expired.

• Library computers are not for accessing materials that are pornographic, obscene, or that promote violence.

• Users may not extend their time on a computer by using another person’s library card.

• Users may have one other person sitting with them at a computer and allow that person to use the computer.  However, the cardholder must remain at the computer the entire time of use. If the cardholder leaves the computer, the other person must also leave.

• Patrons who bring in their own laptop computers are not limited to one hour per day, as they are not using library equipment.

• Children under the age of 10 may use a computer if accompanied by a parent or guardian cardholder who signs up for the computer and sits at the computer with the child during the entire time of use.  Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising and guaranteeing their child’s proper and safe use of our computers and the Internet.

• Users are not allowed to change any settings.  Doing so will result in immediate loss of computer privileges.

• Patrons may not install software on PCPL computers or download anything from the Internet onto the library’s computers or save documents to the computer’s hard drive or desktop.

• All removable storage devices (disks, flash drives, etc.) must be scanned by staff for viruses prior to use. This may be done when the user signs up for a computer.

• Persons not complying with our Internet and Patron policies will be asked to comply immediately. Those failing to comply will be asked to leave the library. If violators do not leave, the police will be called and asked to escort the person from the building. Violators may also lose their library privileges.

• Printing charges are 25 cents per page (15 cents for students and senior citizens, aged 65+). Sheets of paper and discount paper cards may be purchased at the circulation desk.