Wifi is now available @ your library!

COMPUTER USE &
INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

  1. Anyone wishing to access the Internet or use computer programs on the South Plainfield Public Library's computers must have a valid library card or identification.
  2. Adults who live in South Plainfield must get a library card, and must sign a Computer Use Agreement form, in order to access the Internet on the library's computers. By signing the Computer Use Agreement form, you agree to abide by the library's rules.
  3. Adults who do not live in South Plainfield must show the Reference Librarian a valid driver's license or other identification. Identification must include age. Internet/computer access will be issued only to nonresidents 18 years and older.
  4. As of January 1, 2008, no one under 14 years of age may access the Internet on the library's computers unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  5. Anyone under 18 must have written parental approval to access the Internet on the library's computers. A parent or legal guardian must sign the Computer Use Agreement form in the presence of a library staff member. The parent will be given a copy of the South Plainfield Public Library Computer Policy. By signing the form, you take responsibility for your child knowing and abiding by the library's rules.
  6. Patrons owing $25.00 or more in library fines will have their computer privileges blocked.
  7. Use of library computers for research and educational purposes takes precedence over all other uses. Games, chess, solitaire, etc. may be played if no one is waiting to use the computer for education/research.
  8. Anyone using My Space or Facebook will have their computer session terminated by staff for the remainder of the day. Repeated use of these sites will result in suspension of computer privileges.
  9. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If all computers are being used by others when you wish to use a computer, please let the library staff know you are waiting.
  10. Computer access is granted for 60 minutes per day, but Internet time may be renewed by the Reference Librarian if no one is waiting to use the computer. Warning messages will appear on the screen 10 minutes, 5 minutes, and 1 minute before the end of your online session.
  11. Any work saved to the desktop will be automatically deleted at the end of your session. All work must be saved to a disk, flash drive, or a CD (NOTE: some computers do not have floppy drives). The staff cannot recover deleted work.
  12. Computers will automatically shut down 10 minutes before the library closes. If you have not saved your work before the shutdown begins, it will be automatically deleted. Staff cannot override the new system.
  13. Users assume complete financial responsibility for any damage they or their children may cause to computer hardware or software. Users are not to tamper with library computers in any way.
  14. Your computer use privileges will be revoked if you allow anyone else to use your barcode number to log on to a computer. You will also be held responsible for any damage to library equipment caused by another person logging on to a computer with your barcode number. Minors may not use a parent's barcode to log on to a computer, unless the parent is present to supervise the minor's activities. If your library card is lost or stolen, please report it to us at once so we can stop anyone else from using your card or barcode number.
  15. You may not log on to more than one computer at a time.
  16. Due to limited space, only one person at a time may sit at any computer. Coats, purses, book bags, etc. must be placed underneath the computer desk.
  17. There is a per-page fee of $.10 for black & white printing and $.50 for color printing. Pick up and pay for your printouts at the circulation desk. Please be careful when printing, as you will have to pay for every page you print. If you need help with printing, please see the reference librarian.
  18. Users are expected to respect the privacy of other computer users. This includes not representing oneself as another user, not stealing or modifying passwords, not trying to gain access to someone else's data or search history, and not "hovering" behind other users while waiting for a computer.
  19. The library cannot guarantee the privacy or security of information transmitted via library computers. We urge all Internet users to be very cautious in using library computers to transmit important personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, etc. The library assumes no responsibility for any financial or other losses which may result from the use of library computers.
  20. Time permitting, library staff will try to help with basic computer problems, but we cannot offer extensive computer instruction except at library-sponsored computer classes.
  21. The following misuse of library computers is prohibited and will result in the suspension or loss of the privilege to use them:
    • Use of chat rooms or instant messaging (use of AIM Express and access to e-mail ARE permitted);
    • Any physical tampering or damage to computer hardware or software;
    • Any alterations to or tampering with the set-up or security protections on library PCs (including alterations to the PC Desktop, wallpaper or homepage);
    • Use of library computers to send e-mail 'spam' messages;
    • Unauthorized access to any network, database, or computer system;
    • Display of graphic pornography. Such displays are inappropriate in a public building, and may be considered sexual harassment;
    • Any uses or behavior which interferes with other users or library activities;
    • Any other uses which violate local, state, or federal law, including copyright law.

NOTE: To assist users in finding good information on the Internet, we offer several web directories on our website, including:

For our adult patrons

and for children & teens

In creating these directories, the South Plainfield Public Library staff has attempted to choose the best websites available, but we cannot be responsible for accuracy of information at these sites. We have also attempted to choose only 'child-safe' websites for our 'Homework Links' and 'KidStuff' pages, but because websites change frequently, and may contain links to many other sites, we cannot guarantee child-safe content. We strongly encourage parents to supervise their children's use of the Internet, at home or at the library.

Please use all information gathered over the Internet with caution.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees

The South Plainfield Public Library also offers computers and printers for public use with various software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.