The Kinderhook Memorial Library is committed to serving the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all its patrons. The Library has a responsibility to provide material and information presenting all points of view and the Library supports access to all formats of material to meet the informational needs of the community. In keeping with its mission, the Library offers free computer access and other equipment to the community.
Computer Use:
Users of the Kinderhook Memorial Library computers must agree with the following policy statements:
- Computers are available free of charge for public use, on a first-come, first-served basis. If the number of patrons seeking computer access, exceeds the number of computer workstations, the use of computer workstations may be limited to a total of two hours per day, in one hour blocks, to ensure the maximum number of patrons will have fair and equitable access to the computers. When the Library’s computers are shut down at the end of the day, a user’s work will no longer be available. Therefore, a user may send materials to be saved by either: printing the materials before the Library closes, or downloading their work to their removable media.
- The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet which contains material which may be inaccurate or offensive to some individuals.
- Computers connected to the Library’s network have antivirus software to provide automatic protection against computer viruses. If the software identifies a virus, the computer will attempt to clean it and will delete it if necessary.
- As with all Library materials, parents or a designated adult, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information accessed by children.
- Computer users under the age of 10 must be supervised by a parent or a designated adult while using the computers. Parents or a designated adultmust assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Minors who abuse computer use policies will first receive a verbal warning. If problem behavior continues, the Library Director will send a letter requesting a conference with the parent or guardian of the child and Library privileges may be revoked.
- Computer users are bound by local, state and federal laws. Illegal acts involving Library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal officials. Computers may not be used in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation. Computer users may not operate a business, distribute unsolicited advertising, or copy software using Library computers; and may not attempt to damage any computer equipment or software, or alter software configurations.
- Library users are responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement through their use of Library workstations and my not use the Library workstations for any unlawful purposes.
- Computer users may not invade the privacy of others.
- The library strives to balance the rights of users to access all types of information resources with the rights of users and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visuals. Users are reminded that the library’s computer terminals are located in public areas that are shared with library users and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider this diversity and respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information or images. If the nature of the content being viewed on the Library computer, or the sounds coming from the Library computer, disturb other users or patrons, the computer user will be asked to cease, to use a privacy screen, to lower or mute the volume, or be moved to another workstation.
- The deliberate display of obscene materials or images, including any attempt to print out those materials on library printers, is prohibited.
- The Library reserves the right to limit or revoke Library privileges, including computer privileges and access to its computer resources. Misuse or unauthorized use of Library computers and information resources may result in revocation of Library privileges. If such action is taken, the patron will be informed by letter from the Library Director. A patron may contest a penalty by elevating it to the attention of the Library Board.
- Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
- Library users may use their own headphones and USB storage devices to download information. The Library will lend headphones to Library patrons upon request. The Library assumes no responsibility for damage to users’ computer equipment or data files resulting from downloads from the Internet.
- Users may not change settings of Library computers without the express permission of the Library staff.
- Tampering with or disabling of the Library’s computer hardware or software, or introducing malware is strictly prohibited.
- Library users may not run their own personal software on Library workstations.
- Computer users also agree to abide by the Library’s Code of Conduct.
The Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to users’ data or media, nor for any personal damage or injury whatsoever incurred as a result of using the Library’s electronic resources. This includes, but is not limited to, damage or injury sustained from invasions of the user’s privacy.
Staff Assistance:
Library staff is available for general assistance in using the computers. However, staff is not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Library staff provides limited assistance for basic start-up procedures. In general, the role of Library staff is that of helper, facilitator, guide or coach. Library staff cannot assist in making changes to a user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on the user’s own computer. Users should refer to their owner’s manual or technical support provided by the manufacturer. Any patron who needs more than basic assistance and guidance is encouraged to register for a one-on-one tutorial. If interested in in-depth individual instruction, ask the Library to provide free classes in word processing, email, searching the Internet, and other topics. See staff at the circulation desk for details.
Other Equipment Use:
Printer
Printing is free of charge up to 50 pages, although donations are accepted. Any print job beyond 50 pages is $.20 per page and must be paid for at the circulation desk. Computer users may use their own paper in the Library printer if they need other than white paper. The charge is the same as for printing on the Library’s paper.
Copier:
A photocopy machine is available to patrons who wish to copy materials at $.25 per page. The fees for use of this machine are set and collected by Eastern Copy Products. Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.
Fax Service:
Fax service is available to patrons for outgoing faxes only. A staff member must send the fax for the patron. There is no charge for fax service, although donations are accepted.
Approved February 8, 2016
Revised and Approved October 10, 2016
Revised and Approved December 8, 2021
Revised and Approved: May 21, 2024