Waco-McLennan County Library

Waco-McLennan County Library System title

Computer Use Policy

There is no age requirement to use a computer at the Waco-McLennan County Library. Parents are advised to supervise children's use of computers and especially the Internet. Each library location has designated computers for children's use. Computers designated "Children's Area" will be limited to youths 16 or under and to parents who are assisting their children. Children are encouraged to make use of the computers in the Children's Area.

Organized groups (i.e., classes, community groups, scout troops, clubs, etc) may use the Computer Lab at the East Waco Library or computers at alternate sites for instructional use by library staff or a library-approved instructor. Organized groups may make a reservation up to 60 days in advance, but no less than seven days prior to using the facility. To schedule lab use, the instructor or group contact needs make a reservation with the Electronic Resource Librarian (254) 750-5944.

"Express" computers are to be used to access the online catalog and designated databases. Use is on a first-come, first-served basis for 15 minutes; after which time the user must relinquish it if others patrons are waiting.

All users are required to register with the librarian to use the computers. When registering, customers need to use both first and last name.

Users who sign up for a computer need to be at the computer within 5 minutes of the allotted time by the library clock. If customers must step away from the computer during their allotted time, they must inform the librarian or risk that the computer be reassigned to the next person waiting.

Customers may request a specific computer. If it is not available, they must use the computer assigned to them. Due to limited space, no more than two persons may use a computer at one time.

Customers may sign up to use a computer for up to one hour in one day. On Sundays or other busy times, as designated by building staff, users may be limited to shorter periods of time.

Public access computers are not available for use during the last 15 minutes the library is open.

In addition to the rules specified below for computer use, customers are expected to follow the library's Patron Behavior Policy.

Customers must follow the library's Internet Policy. Inappropriate use of a computer will result in a verbal warning or suspension of computer use and/or library privileges.

Customers have the right of confidentiality and the right to privacy. However, the computer is located in a public area. Electronic transaction of information could become public. As a result the library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality.

The library provides classes on computer usage at all library locations. Customers are encouraged to attend classes if they are unfamiliar with computer use.

Customers are not permitted to install or run personal software programs on library computers. Customers may make use of any resources, services, or software loaded on to the computer they are using.

Customers may not connect a personal computer or other device (e.g. PDA, MP3 Player, etc) to a library computer. Personal computers or other devices may not be connected in any way to the library's data network lines. Customers may use their own headphones.

Be aware that the connection may fail or the computer may "freeze" while you are using it. Such occurrences are unfortunate, but do not entitle you to go beyond your allotted time if others are waiting.

Customers may bring their own diskettes with existing files to use with library productivity software or to save files. Software installed and operating on all library computers prevents any work from being saved on the computer. The library and City of Waco assumes no responsibility for damage to personal files or diskettes resulting from the use of a library computer. Diskettes may be purchased for $1.00 at the circulation desk.

Users unfamiliar with printing procedures must see the reference librarians for assistance. The cost to print is 15 cents per page. Copies are to be picked up at the Circulation Desk. Customers must pay for all pages printed.

Exit from all programs when you are done. Do not turn off the computer.