Public computers - acceptable use policy
Introduction
Rochdale Library Service provides access to computers and the
internet to support the educational, recreational, information,
cultural and communication needs of the community. The service is
free of charge and is available at all of our libraries to library
members and those visiting the borough.
Anyone using the computers must agree to abide by the terms and
conditions set out in this Acceptable Use Policy.
The Internet
The internet is a global electronic network containing a wealth
of valuable information, however users should be aware that there
may also be information that is inaccurate, controversial, out of
date and offensive or illegal.
Rochdale Library Service can accept no responsibility for the
quality, accuracy or availability of information or any services
accessed via the internet. Rochdale Library Service assumes no
liability for any loss, damage or injury, direct or indirect,
suffered as a result of using our computer facilities.
All Council internet services are filtered in order to block
access to websites known to contain unsuitable or illegal content.
However, filtering software is not infallible and there may be
occasions when perfectly acceptable websites are blocked and some
inappropriate websites may not be filtered. If you have any cause
for concern please speak to the member of staff on duty at the
time.
The Council can and will monitor access to internet sites and
users should also be aware that use of the internet may also be
monitored and recorded by third parties such as internet service
providers and individual websites
Your responsibility
We would like you to be aware of the needs of others who are
also using the computers, respect their privacy, to behave in a
manner that does not disrupt their use and enjoyment and to be
responsible in your use of the equipment and facilities in our
libraries.
The Library Service tries to prevent customers’ accidentally
accessing sites containing or promoting illegal or offensive
content. Please do not deliberately search for, or distribute,
illegal or offensive content.
These computers have been secured to stop most attempts at
changing settings. This is to make sure that customers do not
accidentally or deliberately prevent others using these computers.
Please do not attempt to change the settings on the computer or try
to do anything that you know will compromise the security of the
computer and/or the network that it uses. Please note that all
attempts at “hacking” into the network are logged and
monitored.
Be safe on the web
If you have epilepsy, or suffer from any condition that may be
affected by using a computer, use is at your own risk. If you find
yourself feeling unwell while you’re working on the computer please
end your session and, if necessary, ask a member of staff for
assistance.
You should never reveal your username and password for any
e-mail or other online services you access over the internet as you
are usually responsible for any misuse of the service that occurs
through your account. Similarly you should not try to log on to any
service with another person’s details or use someone else’s library
card.
Never tick any “remember my details on this computer” options –
always remember these are public computers that can be used by
anyone.
Online financial transactions (banking, shopping, travel,
ebay/paypal and so on) are an increasingly common use of the
internet. These should be conducted over secure connections – look
out for the secure padlock icon in the task bar; or make sure that
the web address starts with https:// instead of just
http://
If you choose to undertake online financial transactions over
the internet by credit or debit cards, you do so entirely at your
own risk. Rochdale Library accepts no responsibility for any
financial or commercial transactions you undertake whilst using
library computers.
Please be aware that subscribing to websites and entering or
broadcasting personal or private details over the internet may lead
to you receiving unwanted mail or attention. Always be sure to read
the terms and conditions attached to any website you subscribe to.
Families, children and young people should also be aware of other
internet safety issues, these are highlighted on websites such
as:
Thinkuknow.
BBC Chat Guide.
Wise Kids
As a user it is your personal responsibility to ensure the
accuracy of the information you discover over the internet. The
Quality Information Checklist website offers advice on assessing
the quality of websites.
Quality Information Checklist
Using the Computers
Who can use the Computers?
Anyone can use the computers. Children under the age of 14 can
use the internet provided they have joined our Young Surfers Club
which requires parents consent. Forms are available at your local
library.
How much does it cost?
It is free to use a computer, however there are charges should
you wish to print out.
How do I book a Computer?
We are able to take bookings in advance and all you need to do
is contact the relevant library giving details of when you want to
use a computer along with your library ticket number and name (or
name and postcode if you do not have a ticket). If you have not
booked in advance, you may still be able to use a computer, but we
are a popular service and at busy times we may be fully booked.
As such, staff reserve the right to re-allocate your computer if
you are more than 10 minutes late for your booking. If you are
unable to make your booking, but would like to rearrange it, please
contact the relevant library.
Please inform a member of staff if you wish to temporarily leave
your computer but remain in your current session.
How long can I stay on a Computer?
Sessions may be booked up to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
However at certain periods this may be restricted to 1 hour. If the
demand for access to the computers is not too high, a session may
be extended if you computer is not already booked by another user.
Please ask the member of staff on duty.
When you have finished your session, click on “End Session” –
please do not log off the computer
Can I bring my own disks?
No, at the moment the security setting prohibit the use of
floppy disks, CD-ROMs and USB memory sticks. Security also
prohibits the downloading of certain files and
attachments.
Can I print from the Computers?
Yes, printing is available at all libraries and is charged at
10p a page. Please note some websites restrict the option to print
certain pages.
Can I email from the Computers?
Yes anyone can email provided they have set up their own
web-based email account – popular ones are Hotmail,or those
provided by Yahoo or Google. Always ensure any “remember my
details” options are left unchecked.
What resources are available?
Most of the computers offer internet access and some Microsoft
Office software such as Word. The Library Service also
subscribes to a range of web information resources such as
Britannica Online, Ancestry and Oxford Reference
Online. Some of these can be accessed from home using
your library ticket number and others can only be accessed
from PCs within our libraries.
Security
Virus checking and other security software will run on all
computers, but we cannot guarantee total protection from viruses
when using our computers. You may not install your own software or
connect your own computer equipment to our computers and users are
currently unable to open some attachments or save data to floppy
disk, CD-ROM or USB memory sticks
Consequences of misuse
It is prohibited to use our computers for illegal, offensive,
abusive, actionable or criminal purposes or to seek access into
unauthorised areas. There is legislation in place covering or
affecting computer related activities and you are reminded that it
is your responsibility to comply with this legislation
including:
- Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
- European Copyright Directive 2001
- Computer Misuse Act 1990
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Any other local, regional, national and international law,
order or regulation.
We reserve the right to terminate users sessions and refuse
further computer access to anyone accessing or distributing
materials which are deemed to be illegal or unacceptable or have
the potential to offend or disturb other users.
Library staff on site will determine whether any computer
activity is unacceptable and have the right to instruct computer
users to remove unsuitable images or text from the screen if, in
the staff member’s judgement it could offend or disturb other
users.
Please be aware of the needs of others who are also using the
computers, anyone disrupting or disturbing other users may be asked
to leave.
There are regulations laid down by Rochdale Borough Council
regarding the behaviour of visitors to the library. Please ask a
member of staff if you wish to see these Byelaws.
Anyone found to be misusing the computers may be excluded from
using any public computer facility within Rochdale Libraries. As
well as the loss of computer privileges, other actions may be
taken, including reporting a suspected, or suspected attempted
criminal offence to the appropriate authorities for investigation
and further action.
This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it
remains relevant. Questions or comments about this policy can be
directed to Library Services or you can ask any member of library
staff.