Including (but not limited to) Library Computers, Internet Use and WIFI
Chapin Memorial Library provides materials and services to help residents, city staff and visitors obtain information to meet their educational, professional, recreational and personal needs. Chapin Memorial Library provides public computers with Internet access and productivity software and wireless internet access as some tools to fulfill those needs. The Internet offers access to local, national and international sources of information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Individuals must exercise judgment in evaluating information via the Internet and must assume personal responsibility for use of the Internet. More information may be found at www.onguardonline.gov.
Computer Use Guidelines & Responsibilities
Patrons may sign-in to public workstations with a Chapin Memorial Library card or a Chapin Memorial Library Computer Use card. A PIN is required to sign-in to a public workstation. Computer Use cards are available to residents of the City of Myrtle Beach or non-residents. Patrons must use their own card for use and access.
- The library staff may limit time available for computer use in response to computer demand.
- Patrons must have their Chapin Memorial Library card number/barcode or Computer Use card number/barcode to access computers. Library cards may be replaced for a $2.00 fee.
- Files stored to the computer will not be available for later retrieval.
- Patrons are responsible for all printing costs.
- Computers automatically log off after 2 minutes of inactivity.
- Reservations will automatically be canceled if patrons do not log on within 10 minutes of their reservation time.
The patron is responsible for knowledge of all laws for which they may or may not be held in violation. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Using the Library's access to the Internet for any purposes that violate federal, state, or local laws.
- Damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software.
- Propagating malicious or harmful software.
- Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
- Altering or attempting to alter software configurations and/or installing software.
- Attempting to access unauthorized files or systems.
While Chapin Memorial Library upholds a patron’s rights to privacy and confidentiality in their use of library materials, the nature of electronic resources makes it impossible to guarantee these rights. The library does not offer a secure network; it is the patron’s responsibility to determine if the website is secure. Chapin Memorial Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, that may occur from the use of its electronic resources.
The library does not guarantee access to all websites or external networks due to Acts of Nature, power failure and/or external and internal system security. Maintenance and upgrades will be scheduled and posted.
Computer Use by Minors
- Parents/legal guardians are responsible for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their minor child/children.
- As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s parent/legal guardian.
- Chapin Memorial Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Library public workstations and WIFI are filtered to prevent access to materials which might be reasonably construed as being either obscene or child pornography, or to materials which might otherwise be construed to be harmful to minors. Chapin Memorial Library cannot and does not guarantee that the filtering software will block all obscenity or materials that are harmful to minors. Nor can Chapin Memorial Library guarantee that the filtering software will not restrict access to sites that may have legitimate research or other value.
Staff Assistance
Library staff will assist electronic resource users in a manner consistent with other Library services. The availability of staff and needs of other Library users will necessarily affect the extent of assistance in computer, Internet, and mobile device use. Library staff will provide specific electronic resource skill training for patrons during scheduled classes and/or prearranged appointments.
Violations
Violations will result in loss of access and / or other library privileges, financial responsibility for damaged equipment, being banned from library premises, and/or criminal prosecution by local, state or federal authority.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all library staff and supervisors to understand this policy fully to ensure its fair and equitable application. Interpreting and enforcing the Electronic Resource Policy daily is the responsibility of all library employees who interact with patrons. It is the responsibility of the Technology Administrator, Information Services Librarian, and Library Director with the advice of the Library Advisory Board, to interpret, monitor, and recommend updates to the policy. Library patrons may petition these policies in writing and submitting them to Library Administration. Library Administration will then review and consider any petitions.
The Library reserves the right to amend these policies at any given time. A copy of the policy is posted on the library website and users must agree to the terms of this policy before accessing the Internet via a public workstation or public WIFI provided by Chapin Memorial Library.