Computer Policy

Scotch Plains Public Library makes the Internet available as an information and educational resource in support of our role as the community’s information and lifelong learning center. In addition to the PC workstations provided for public use, library patrons may use their own devices to access the library’s wireless service.

This service may be used to access any resource, engage in any communication, or conduct any activity available on the Internet provided such activity can be done with standard web browsers, with these exceptions:

• Users may not send, receive, or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene.
• Users may not use this resource for any illegal purpose.
• Users may not in any way alter, reconfigure, or damage the public access stations of the Scotch Plains Public Library.
• Users may not modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others by seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network, host server or database.

In order to prevent viruses and protect the integrity of the workstations:

• Do not install software of any kind.
• Do not download any plug-ins.
• Do not save files to the hard drive. Files are erased each time the computer is rebooted.

Who may use public computers

Scotch Plains, LMxAC, and MURAL cardholders:

• SPPL requires a registered library card in order to access library computers. Scotch Plains, LMxAC, and MURAL cardholders must log in with their valid library card.
• Persons who have a valid Scotch Plains, LMxAC, or MURAL library card are permitted up to one (1) 60 minute session per day.
• Scotch Plains residents who do not already possess a valid library card will be issued one as a new member upon presentation of acceptable ID (see “How do I get a library card”)
• MURAL residents may register their home town library card at the Circulation Desk (Click here to view the list of MURAL libraries)

Guest Pass Policy:

Visitors to SPPL who are from outside the MURAL library network may be eligible to use library computers with a guest pass. To obtain a guest pass, an acceptable form of photo ID must be presented. A guest pass allows one (1) 60 minute session and is valid only on the date issued.

• Visitors 13 years of age or older may request a guest pass from the Adult Services Desk by showing valid identification. Visitors younger than age 13 must request a guest pass from the Children’s area.
• Guest passes will not be issued on a regular basis and are not intended to replace a valid library card for use of the computers. They are to be used by individuals who are visiting from out of the area.

Additional limits and restrictions:

• Terminals located in the Children’s area are reserved for use by children in grade 6 or younger and adults supervising young children.
• Children younger than aged 12 may use the computers in the Children’s Room only if accompanied for the entire period by a responsible adult or caregiver older than aged 18.

Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.

The library shall have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the library’s Internet service or for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users.

The availability of information via the library’s Internet service does not constitute endorsement of the content of that information by the library.

The library is not responsible for damage to users’ disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the library’s computers.

The library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session for inappropriate and/or illegal usage, or if time limits are exceeded when others are waiting.

Printing

• Printing costs 15 cents per page for black-and-white and 40 cents per page for color.
• Please make use of the “Print Preview” screen before sending a print job to the printer. You are responsible for all of the pages printed while you are logged on. It is your responsibility to know what you are printing out. If you are unsure of how to use the Print Preview screen, please ask the librarian.
• Some web sites offer a “Printable View” version of their pages that should be utilized whenever it is available. Please ask if you are unsure of how to use this feature.
• If you are printing a large PDF file, please send it to the printer 3 pages at a time. Large PDF files may cause the printer to stop working. Please ask the librarians for assistance.

Please note that users may not provide their own paper for use in Library printers.

Additional Information

• Earphones must be used for sound.
• Our terminals are unable to read floppy disks.
• We recommend using a USB memory drive to save your work. Terminals have USB ports for this purpose.
• If the mouse or keyboard is not used for a period of five (5) consecutive minutes, the session will be automatically terminated. This will happen even in the event that video is being streamed.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 2018