Technology

Blacktown City Council Library Service offers a range of technology for its users, subject to the following:

BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY SERVICE
LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY CONDITIONS OF USE

Services

The Library provides free access to a wide range of electronic resources including the Internet, databases, and applications such as word processing to Library members as part of our information service. A valid membership card is required and temporary membership is available for visitors. Restrictions on a member's card, eg overdue items, may restrict access to Library technology until the problem has been rectified.

Library Technology services include:

· Internet, MS Office, databases, genealogy resources, scanning and printing.

· Wireless Internet access (clients may use their own laptops and PDAs provided they do so in a safe manner and do not disturb other Library users).

· To facilitate information access, the Library provides computers for research use, which may not be booked in advance.

· The Library offers a range of introductory technology training courses but individual tuition is not available.

Fair Use - Your Responsibility & Obligations

All clients are expected to use Library technology in a responsible and courteous way, consistent with these guidelines and in accordance with the Library's 'Using the Libraries: Your Rights and Responsibilities' guidelines. This is available upon request. Clients must respect the convenience, values and beliefs of other Library users when displaying potentially offensive or objectionable information or images on computer screens located in public areas. Clients are responsible for payment of all fee-based services.

Anyone using the Library is responsible for their actions and clients may not use the Library's computers for any action which is illegal, offensive, abusive or inappropriate in a public space. Note that the Library is not liable for the consequences of unauthorised use.

Clients must not modify or gain access to restricted files or data belonging to others, damage equipment or alter the set up of Library computers or use personal software on the Library's computers.

Where a client does not follow Library guidelines or the legitimate instructions of Library staff, or is found to be using Library computers or network to access pornographic, offensive or objectionable material, or for any unlawful or inappropriate purpose, the Library reserves the right to

· Direct the client to leave the Library, and/or

· Suspend that client from technology access, and/or

· Ban the client from entering Library premises for a specified period.

· Report unlawful conduct to the relevant authorities.

Clients are personally responsible for complying with all applicable international and federal laws governing copyright materials. Copyright statements are located beside each computer and near each printer.

Electronic information including material on the Internet may be protected by copyright or may be subject to licensing restrictions. When printing information please refer to and comply with any copying directives given by the author of the material. Copyright legislation also applies to the downloading of software, films, sound recordings and broadcasts.

Safety on the Internet

Security and privacy in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed and clients are warned that all transactions and communications are vulnerable to unauthorised use. Clients should be aware of issues such as identity theft, cyber bullying, and exposure to Internet sites with offensive or illegal content. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damage, direct or indirect, arising from clients' use of Library technology or particular sites.

The Library promotes the free flow of information and ideas in the interest of a thriving culture, economy and democracy and so does not filter Internet sites.

Children's Use of the Internet

All Library members are permitted to access the Internet and parents/guardians who do not wish their children under the age of 18 to have access must inform staff on joining the Library.

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring the safety of their children on Library premises and staff will not monitor Internet use by children. A parent or caregiver should accompany any child under the age of 10.

Printing

Clients are responsible for paying for their printing at the standard charge (including errors) and the Library supplies all paper.

If a stored value card is used, it is the client's responsibility to keep it secure. Any problems should be reported to Library staff immediately.

Portable Storage

Clients are welcome to save to USB flash drive or other supported storage medium, however saving to Library computer hard drives is not available.

While all care is taken, the Library accepts no responsibility for virus infection, loss of data, or damage to a client's portable storage device.

Technical Problems / Scheduled Maintenance

The Library may close down its technology services if necessary for emergencies or maintenance and in that case will attempt to reschedule bookings.

Please report any technical problems to staff immediately. Do not switch Library computers off or attempt to resolve problems.

Please note that Library computers use a level of security that may prevent some programs and Internet sites displaying correctly.

Bookings

To maximise availability and to ensure fair access for all the following guidelines apply:

· To make a booking, ensure you have your Library card with you. Computer self-bookings require your card number and P.I.N.

· Bookings are normally 30 minutes or 1 hour and are limited to 1 hour per day per client.

· Bookings may be made up to two weeks in advance, in person or by telephone during Library open hours.

· If you need to cancel a booking, please inform the Library at least 10 minutes before the booking commences.

· The session may only be extended at the discretion of the staff member in charge if the computer is not required for another client. Please notify the staff member prior to the session ceasing.

· Clients arriving over 10 minutes late for their booking may forfeit their computer use for that day.

· Computers may be booked for group training sessions subject to availability.

· For the convenience of all users, only 1 client may sit at each computer. Please do not block other users' access.

· For the convenience of the next user, clients are asked to leave the computer promptly at the end of their booked time or when asked by staff.

Clients who do not comply with these guidelines may have their session terminated or be denied access to Library technology services.

Related Documents

· Using the Libraries: Your Rights and Responsibilities,

· Self-service Booking & Printing.

Feedback

Comments on these guidelines and suggestions for the development of our services are welcome.

Revision August 2008