SEFTON LIBRARIES

Public Computer Acceptable Use Policy

Introduction

This policy document sets out the acceptable use by customers of public computers in all Sefton Libraries. This covers use of all library hardware, software and use of the Internet. Customers using library computer equipment must be members of the library, and hold a valid library card.

Access

 Internet access in Sefton Libraries is free of charge.

 Access is available to all members of the public.

 No more than 2 people may use any single public computer at any one time, at the discretion of the library staff.

 Library members who are barred from using a library will be denied access to Internet facilities.

 All customers will have to agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Public Computer Acceptable Use Policy.

Support

 Library staff will offer general guidance and support for computer use.

Security

 Each public computer will be password protected to prevent unauthorised access.

 You should never reveal your username and password to another customer, as you remain responsible for any use of the service that occurs through your account. Nor should you try to log on to the network with another person’s details.  Users accessing the public computers with a false username will be barred.

 Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium, and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding customer's activities.

 Any confidential documents that customers have been using on the public computers should be deleted before the end of the session. Documents not deleted are left at the customer’s own risk.

 Virus checking software will run on all computers, but we cannot guarantee total protection from viruses when using the library computers.

 You may not load your own software or connect your own computer equipment to library equipment or networks, although some exceptions are allowed, e.g. USB memory sticks

Content Blocking

 Sefton Library and Information Service operates a content blocking system to stop inappropriate material being viewed on library computers.

 Users should be aware that no filtering/ content blocking system is perfect and some inappropriate content may be accessed.

 Users should report any inappropriate websites not blocked to staff.

 Users should report any website blocked that ,in their view, should not be blocked. Staff will assess the webpage and unblock the website if it deemed appropriate or safe to do so.

Misuse

 The Library Service reserves the right to refuse further computer access to any individuals accessing or distributing materials which are deemed to be illegal or unacceptable in that they have the potential to offend or disturb others, particularly abusive forms of marketing, violence or pornography, and materials which could incite hatred or discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual preference.

 Users must respect the privacy of others using computer access by not interfering with their use.

 Any member of the public found interfering with either virus checking software, any other software, hardware or associated IT equipment will be barred from subsequent use of any of the Library Service's IT facilities.

 Viewing of ‘live’ television is prohibited due to licensing restrictions

 The following categories of websites are deemed inappropriate: o Drugs - websites selling illegal drugs o Hacking websites o Hate & discrimination websites o Illegal websites o Pornography o Proxy avoidance - sites showing you how to get around web filtering o Spyware - websites hosting software that attempts to get hold of personal or secret information without the user's knowledge.

Use by children & young people

 Parents or guardians are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet in the library at all times, and are reminded that any blocking and/or filtering systems are not perfect at controlling Internet access. Only parents or guardians have the right to define what material or information is consistent with their personal and family beliefs, and only they can apply these values for themselves and their children as they use the library’s resources.

 Parents or guardians should advise children about the potential risks of online contacts made with strangers. Children should also be advised not to disclose their name, address or any other personal information whilst using the Internet.

 Any inappropriate websites should be reported to staff. E-mail

 Web based e-mail may be used at any People’s Network computer.

 Staff are not in a position to pick up or send mail on behalf of members of the public.

 All e-mail must be phrased inoffensively and used for a proper purpose. The following in particular (but not exclusively) are prohibited through e- mail:

 Creating, sending or storing any abusive, offensive, obscene or indecent images, data or other material, or any data capable of being resolved into obscene or indecent images or material  Harassment in any form (including sexual and racial harassment)  Breach of copyright. Circulating third party works by e-mail is not allowed, unless the author’s consent has been obtained in advance.

Printing from the People’s Network Computers

 Each library has a networked colour printer. Printouts cost 10p for black and white and 15p for colour per A4 sheet.

 Only library paper may be used in our printers.

 Access to the printer is through the People’s Network computers.

Saving electronic information

 Staff are not responsible for any data lost as a result of users not saving their documents before the end of each session. Customers are therefore responsible for saving work to a removable device (memory stick).

Downloading and Copyright Issues  You should not use the scanning facilities to copy and alter material protected by copyright. This includes Birth, Death, Marriage, Adoption and Divorce certificates; passports; official documents from the Home Office, and utility bills.

 There are also copyright restrictions relating to the scanning of books, journals and magazines. If you are in any doubt about copyright limitations, ask a member of library staff, but you should generally follow these rules:

 Scanning a copy of complete works is prohibited  Small extracts can be scanned/copied for the purpose of private study (20 pages, or 10%, whichever is the smaller amount)  Only a single copy of a given page can be made  No more than one article per journal/ magazine issue may be copied

Disclaimers

 All adult customers, and the parents or guardians of customers aged 15 and under, will be responsible for any information retrieved from the Internet at a public computer.

 Sefton Library and Information Service accepts no responsibility for the nature, or the accuracy of the information and data accessed and retrieved.

 Sefton Library and Information Service is not able to guarantee that any transactions conducted over the Internet will be successful and accepts no liability for any goods or services requested through the Internet.

 Sefton Library and Information Service assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury, direct or indirect, suffered as a result of using the computer facilities.

 Sefton Library and Information Service accepts no responsibility for technical malfunctions that may prevent access to the Internet.

 Material downloaded from the Internet onto floppy disk may contain viruses. Sefton Library and Information Service does not accept any responsibility for any subsequent damage to customers ’ home PC’s caused by such viruses.