Computer/Internet Access Policy

Users must read and agree to these policies prior to using computer workstations and accessing the Internet at the Lincoln Public Library.

Lincoln Public Library's commitment to public service reaches beyond the traditional collections and resources of a public library. In its mission to provide opportunities for lifelong learning, the library is continually responsive to the changing needs of the community. Therefore, Lincoln Public Library provides access to the Internet to support our mission to make available information in a variety of formats.

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet Filters”) shall be used to block or filter access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Patrons should know that they may encounter sexually explicit or other material they find offensive and controversial on the Internet, even though there may be technology protection measures in place on Lincoln Public Library’s computer network.

As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children's use of the Library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.

By using a library computer, patrons are agreeing to abide by the library policy on public use of computer workstations and access to the Internet.

Regulations Governing Patron Use of Computer Workstations at Lincoln Public Library:

1. Each user must present his/her own valid OSL card at the circulation desk for 1 hour of use.
2. Those who are 10 and over are allowed to use computer workstations without an adult present. However, younger children must be supervised by an adult. A parent or guardian's signature allowing computer use is required for those under 18.
3. Workstations can be reserved in advance. Users can remain longer than an hour if scheduling permits. Please be aware that during peak computer use times, the 1 hour limit will be strictly enforced. Anyone coming late for his or her reserved time will forfeit the entire hour and must wait for the next free workstation.
4. Users should report any problems with hardware or software to staff immediately.
5. Users must have basic computer skills.
6. Library staff can provide limited assistance with basic computer use.
7. Users can save files only to the A drive (3.5 floppy diskettes) or a flash drive with a USB port. Users can provide their own diskettes or purchase one from the Friends of the Lincoln Public Library. Users are not allowed to delete, add to, or modify installed hardware or software.
8. Printing costs are 10 cents per page for black and white. Color copies are available through the Reference Desk for 50 cents per page.
9. Instant messaging, multiple user dungeons, games, and chat rooms are prohibited due to potential security problems, bandwidth issues, and software conflicts.
10. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials, except as permitted by the Fair Use regulation without permission of the copyright owner.
11. Patrons using the Internet in the library may not display text or graphics defined by federal or state law as obscenity or pornography, or any material that we deem inappropriate. Deliberate and continued display of some materials that are not obscene or pornographic may still constitute sexual harassment. Actions that violate federal, state, or local laws will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
12. Misuse of the computer or Internet access may result in the loss of computer privileges.
13. Use of computer stations will end 15 minutes before closing.

Revised 1/29/02
Revised 6/22/04

Videocassettes (1/2", VHS) and DVDs may be borrowed upon the presentation of a valid OSL card and completion of video registration forms. Video and DVD privileges are non-transferable; the card owner MUST be present when videos are borrowed.

Videocassettes and DVDs may be borrowed for one week. The limit is as follows for videocassettes: 4 movies/bestsellers and 4 nonfiction/documentary videos per visit, per borrower. The limit is as follows for DVDs: 4 DVDs per visit, per borrower. There are no renewals or transfers to a family member’s card. The overdue charge is $1.00 per day per film.

Please play videocassettes and DVDs at room temperature and keep away from extremes of heat and cold. Protect videocassettes and DVDs from dust, dirt, moisture, and fingerprints. KEEP VIDEOS AND DVDS AWAY FROM ALL MAGNETIC FIELDS. Please rewind videocassettes after use. Videos returned not rewound will be assessed a fine of $.25 per video.

All DVDs must be returned to the library where borrowed. DVDs must NOT be returned in the bookdrop. Videocassettes may be returned in the bookdrop. Please use great care when returning videos to bookdrop, use rubber bands or plastic bags to prevent damage. The FEE is $1.00 per unsecured video.

In return for the privilege of borrowing videocassettes and DVDs, I understand that I am responsible for returning the before said materials on time, and in good condition. Furthermore, I understand that I am responsible for paying overdue charges, damages, or losses. I will notify the library staff promptly of any problems with videocassettes and/or DVDs.

As a parent or legal guardian my authorized signature allows my child or ward only to borrow videocassettes and/or DVDs, and indicates that I will be responsible for all costs and fines incurred by said minor.

The Lincoln Public Library staff will not restrict borrowing on the basis of material content. According to R.I. Public Library Standards, a parent or guardian is responsible for the selection of materials for his or her child/ward. State privacy law and library policy provide confidentiality of materials charged to a library patron’s card, until such time as materials become overdue.

Warning: Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition of copyrighted motion pictures and video discs (Title 17, United States Code, Sections 501 and 506). The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigates allegations of criminal copyright infringement (Title 17, United States Code, Section 506).

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE LIBRARY OR ON LIBRARY GROUNDS

It is the policy of the Lincoln Public Library to provide a safe and appropriate environment both within the library and on library grounds to facilitate the public's use of the library's services and resources. When the behavior of a patron constitutes a disruption which interferes with the use of the library by other patrons or which interferes with a staff member's completion of his/her duties, the following progressive steps will be taken:

1. The staff member will issue a verbal warning, with the statement that the person(s) will be told to leave if the behavior in question does not cease.
2. If the disruptive behavior continues after the verbal warning, the staff member will tell the person(s) to leave the building and the grounds.
3. If there is difficulty in getting the person(s) to leave the building or the grounds, the staff member will call the police.

All instances of eviction and notification of police will be documented by the staff member.

Behaviors which will result in warnings and then evictions from the library and its premises:

• Violation of library rules regarding the proper use of materials and equipment
• Inappropriate, foul or vulgar language
• Running or throwing things in the library
• Inappropriate use, marring, or rearranging of library furniture, fixtures or equipment
• Eating, drinking and smoking
• Loitering in or outside the building
• Solicitation of library patrons or staff for money, products, services or causes; solicitation of library patrons or staff for the signing of political, religious, or other petitions.
• Card playing or gambling
• Inappropriate public display of physical affection
• Talking or laughing in a repeated pattern of loud outbursts
• Violation of any town, state or federal law
• Engage in any type of sport in the building or on library grounds. This includes skate boarding, ball games and bike riding in the parking lot.
• Lack of appropriate apparel, including shoes and shirts.

Any time a staff member feels that a patron's behavior is threatening to the immediate safety of other patrons or staff members, the staff member will call the police immediately.

Behaviors which will result in the immediate calling of the police:

• Hitting or striking another person
• Threats of violence to oneself or others
• Harassing other patrons, library staff or volunteers, including stalking, staring, and touching.
• Theft of or vandalism to library materials or property or to the personal property of library patrons or staff.
• Disrespectful attitudes or language, goading, teasing or other types of harassment of library patrons or staff
• Loitering or remaining on library grounds after eviction from the building.

A minor who has been evicted from the building more than twice or whose disruptive behavior has resulted in the summoning of the police will not be allowed to use the library again unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. When possible, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian stating this policy. The minor will be allowed to use the library again without parental supervision only when mature, lawful behavior is demonstrated.

To allow for the safety of all patrons:

• Sidewalks outside, lobby, and aisles indoor must remain obstacle-free.

• Library patrons should park bicycles or other vehicles only in authorized areas.

• Large backpacks, other large bulky items block aisles and should not be brought into the library.

• Library patrons should not bring any animals into the library except assistive ones.

• Patrons should promptly leave the library at closing time.

• To allow for uninterrupted service, library phones are for staff use only.

• To ensure individuals’ right to use the library free of disruption, library patrons must refrain from:

  • Loitering or sleeping in the library.

  • Disturbing others with loud or boisterous conduct.

  • Using cell phones in any area but the front lobby.  All cell phones and pages need to be set to vibrate or turned off when in the library.