Computer Use Policy

Scotland County Memorial Library

Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

Scotland County Memorial Library offers computer access in support of the Library’s role as an information provider.  The library will make available an adequate number of computer terminals to facilitate public access to electronic databases and Internet resources.   Internet use is a privilege and carries with it the responsibility of using it in an appropriate manner.  Although the Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information, not all sources are accurate, complete, current or appropriate for all Library users.  The Library only offers a pathway to the Internet; it does not endorse or vouch for any material transmitted through that pathway to a user.  

In order for Scotland County residents to use Library computers, they must have a current Scotland County Memorial Library card.  Children, age 12 and under, are not allowed to sign-in to use a computer; a parent/guardian must sign-in with the parent’s library card in order for their children to use the library computers.  Children, age 12 and under, must have a parent with them at all times in order to use the computer.  Children, ages 13 to 17, must acknowledge the “Computer Use Permission Agreement”  which is available for review upon sign-in at each public computer.

Conditions and terms of computer use in the library:

• Users must have their library card with them to use the computer.  For the sake of patron privacy, staff are not permitted to look up a patron’s library card number.

• Users must maintain a library card in good standing.  Overdue material(s) or outstanding fines in any amount will result in immediate suspension of Computer Privileges.

• Due to time restrictions and the complexity of the Internet, staff members are not always able to provide in-depth training nor provide answers to all questions regarding computer use.  

• Library staff shall not assist patrons who use the Internet to conduct any financial transactions.  

• Users may not use any software programs other than those the library has installed.  

• A maximum of two (2) people may use the same library computer.

• Adults signing up minor children for library computer use must be the parent or legal guardian of that minor child.  The library reserves the right to require documentation.

• Printing is available.  Users must pay for all pages printed before the pages are released to the printer.  Please pay at the Circulation Desk.

• Computer use is limited to 60 minutes per day.  An additional 30 minutes of time may be spent on the computer providing no one has a pending reservation.

• Users will receive three (3) warnings when their computer session is almost complete.  Users must save their work to a flash drive or cloud-based storage – as it can not be saved to the library computer.

• Users must keep volume on “mute” or wear headphones if volume is turned on.   Users may be asked to leave if the volume is too loud.  Earphones are available for purchase at the circulation desk.

• Users are required to adhere to both the Library’s Rules of Conduct and the Disruptive Behavior Policy.  

• Inappropriate behavior will result in termination of computer use and other library privileges.  Inappropriate use that is illegal may result in criminal prosecution as well.