Computer & Internet Use Policy

The mission of the Davidson County Public Library is to provide all citizens with access to the Internet and digital/online resources covering a broad range of informational, educational and recreational areas.  Patrons can access the Internet and digital/online resources using public computers or public Wi-Fi.

• Library staff members are available to assist patrons of all ages with information literacy.
• Patrons are encouraged to have basic knowledge on how to use a computer and the Internet.
• The library has no control over information accessed on the Internet, nor can it guarantee that such information is authoritative, complete, current or accurate.  Some materials may be offensive, explicit, contain strong language and/or violence.
• The Internet is not a secure medium and third parties may be able to obtain information regarding patron's activities.
• As with other library materials, supervision of a minor's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent and/or guardian.
• All patron of the Davidson County Library System's Internet must read, understand and accept the Rules of Use of the Library's Internet and sign a statement of agreement before each session.

Rules of Use

• Patron's under 18 years of age must obtain a parent or guardian's signature and consent before they can use the Internet.  Parents of minor children are responsible for their child's use of the Internet through the library's connection.
• Patrons with a library card and Internet permission can independently log themselves onto a computer for a session.
• Patrons without a library card can check in with a library staff member to register for a session.
• To maximize availability of the Internet and computers for all patrons, sessions are limited to 1 hour.  Additional time will be granted based on computer availability.
• Patrons should not save anything to the computer and should log out of all browsers and applications before ending their session.
• The library is not responsible for personal information left on any public computer.
• A patron who borrows electronic devices and/or accessories from the library accepts responsibility for the item while in their possession.
• Patrons may be required to give keys and/or driver's license while borrowing library owned devices.
• The library abides by copyright restrictions in the use of software.
• Patrons must obey laws and regulations regarding copyright and software licenses.
• Patrons are expressly FORBIDDEN to copy library-owned commercial software.
• Patrons are not to make any use of online content that violates current copyright laws.  Patrons violating any copyright law can lose their computer privileges and may be subject to penalties under copyright law.
• Patrons may have one other person (as space allows), permitted at the computer with them at one time.  The person using the computer must be the person whose library card or ID was used to obtain access.
• The library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in the user's account, programs or files.
• Patrons are not to shut down computers.
• Notify library staff immediately of any problems, whether hardware or software related.

Unacceptable Use

Internet resources may be used only for educational or informational purposes that are legal and consistent with the library's mission as described above.

• Misuse of computers or Internet access will result in a verbal warning to stop the behavior in question.  If misuse continues, the user will be asked to leave the library for the day.  Subsequent misuse may result in the permanent loss of computer privileges.  See Chapter 17 for more information.

Unacceptable Uses (Including by Not Limited To)

• Any purposes prohibited by federal or state law.
• Sending, receiving, displaying text, files or images of any type that are pornographic, obscene, offensive or disruptive.  The county network employs measures to monitor and restrict such success.
• Damaging, altering or adding computer equipment, systems, or software; or deliberately creating or propagating computer viruses; or adding or altering bookmarks.
• Using the library's connection for purposes of libel, slander, harassment or for unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information.
• Downloading and saving files to the library computers' hard drives.  Files may be downloaded to the user's thumb drive or similar device.
• Gambling

Public Wireless Internet

The Davidson County Public Library provides access to the internet via a wireless network (Wi-Fi) for patrons to use with their own personal devices, understanding that:

• Patrons using Library Wi-Fi must follow the Computer and Internet Use Policy and any rules published with this policy.
• Wi-Fi access is unsecured and patrons assume the risk of exposure to harmful software (viruses, malware, etc.), and/or any other compromise of their security and/or privacy while using the network.
• Patrons are responsible for having the proper hardware, software and network settings on their wireless device to connect to the library Wi-Fi.
• The library is not responsible for any theft, damage or misuse of patrons' devices, accessories and/or other mobile devices while they are in use in the library.