Acceptable Use Policy for Computers In Libraries
Welcome to Powys Library Service ICT facilities
In the interest of all users of the library service, you must agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions.
All Internet and email use is logged. Your use of the internet and this computer may be monitored for any activity in contravention of this agreement.
Acceptable Use Policy
Users must not behave in a manner that disrupts other users of library services. In particular:-
- Users should not play sound on computers at a volume that is audible to other library users.
- Users must not eat or drink next to the library computers
- Users must not behave in such a way that disturbs other computer users. Library staff on site will determine whether behaviour is acceptable, and this decision is subject to confirmation by a senior officer of the library.
Certain uses of the computer are prohibited. These are:
- Obtaining, displaying or distributing material which could be considered obscene, offensive or abusive
- Downloading copyright protected material, including copy protected music files, without the necessary permission
- Copying copyright protected CDs without the necessary permission
- Watching live TV
- Alteration of the set-up of the computers or to the software running on them
- Attempting to make unauthorised access to other computers or networks
- Distribution of unsolicited advertising
- In addition, children and young people under 16 years of age are prohibited from use of Chat rooms.
Risks
Users should also be aware that risks are attached to some online activities. In particular:
- Sending personal or private details over the network may lead to the receiving of unwanted mail or attention
- Online financial transactions are often conducted safely over secure connections. However Powys Library Information and Archive Service cannot be held responsible for any losses resulting from sending confidential financial information via the Internet.
You should be aware that whilst the Internet contains a wealth of valuable information, it also contains material that is inaccurate, out-of date, controversial, offensive and/or illegal.
- Powys Library Information and Archive Service accepts no responsibility for the quality, accuracy or availability of information accessed through the Internet. As a user, therefore, it is your personal responsibility to ensure the accuracy of information you discover. Powys Library Information and Archive Service assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury, direct or indirect, suffered as a result of using these computer resources.
Penalties for misuse
Powys Library, Information and Archive Service reserves the right to terminate sessions and refuse further computer access to any individual contravening this agreement.
Library staff on site will determine whether any computer activity is unacceptable and this determination will be subject to confirmation by a senior officer of the library.
In addition, Library staff may also direct computer users to remove any inappropriate images or text from the screen, if, in the staff member's judgement, the image or text is displayed in such a way that other library users cannot reasonably avoid viewing it. In the event of non-cooperation library staff will terminate the computer session and further computer access will be denied.
As well as the loss of computer privileges, other local authority disciplinary options may be applied, including criminal prosecution.
In the case of a junior computer user who violates this Acceptable Use Policy, the parent or guardian who signed the consent form may be notified.
Copyright
You should ensure that you have the necessary permission to copy information from the Internet. If in doubt, you should check with the source of the information. It is illegal to download copy protected music or video files from the internet or to copy music CDs without the necessary permission, and anybody found doing so will have their computer session terminated. Further computer access may also be denied.
Your use of this computer may be monitored for any activity in contravention of this agreement.
