DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library Policies

Computer/Internet Use Policy

The use of the computer and Internet is a privilege.  By signing in to use the public access computers or the wireless Internet you are agreeing to the Computer/Internet Policy and our Terms of Use.  Please be aware that all computers have a content filter and are checked daily for proper use.  Patrons are responsible for using discretion both in accessing and evaluating information that is available on the Internet.

Library staff members may assist patrons in accessing the Internet; however, training in computer usage is the responsibility of the patron, and the staff cannot offer personal instruction on computer or Internet use.

The Library staff has the right to end an Internet session if the Internet search is causing a disruption of library services or if the behavior of the patron becomes inappropriate for a library setting. 

The public access computers provided by the DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library are available on first-come, first-served basis.

Any attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, or to access any computer system, or damage or alter any software or components of any network or database is strictly forbidden and will result in permanent suspension from the Library’s computers.

Patron’s personal software may not be loaded on library computers without staff knowledge and/or assistance and approval.

The DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet.  As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to determine what is appropriate for his/her own child. 

Users must wear headphones or earbuds for any program requiring sound and keep the volume at a level that does not disturb others.  Personal listening devices may be provided at the service desk.

The public access computers are to be used for educational and informational purposes only.  Not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical proposes.  Any commercial or malicious use is prohibited.  

The library does not provide electronic mail and prohibits the use of Internet chat rooms, dating sites and any website that is pornographic in nature.

Users may not:

1. Disclose, use or try to steal personal identification information.
2. Interfere with systems operations, integrity or security.
3. Alter or attempt to alter the library’s computer settings.
4. Represent themselves as another person or use the Internet to display or transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials.
5. Send or receive electronic files or viruses designated to slow network traffic.
6. Use the Internet for commercial purpose.
7. Violate local, state or federal laws or regulations.
8. Save any file or information to the computer.
9. Install or download any applications or software that is not already installed by the library.

Computer Policy

Computers are reserved for 30 minute intervals and patrons may only use the computer once per day regardless of the computers being used at the time or not. 

The computers will be shut down 30 minutes before the library closing time.

All overdue books must be returned and/or paid for before the patron may use a computer.

The fee for printing is $.25 a page.  If you are not sure about how to print, please ask one of the staff for help.  Patrons must pay for all pages that come through the printer with ink printed on them.

The use of floppy disks, cd’s, or USB drives is not allowed as a precaution against viruses without staff approval.

By requesting to use a computer you are agreeing to the Terms of Use and the Internet Policy.

Any use of these computers in a pornographic nature is unacceptable and will result in permanent loss of access to the computers. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

Do not download or make any changes to the library computers.  The use of any chat room or messaging sites (MSN messenger, Yahoo chat, etc.) is prohibited. 

On completion of your work, remove all your documents from the computer.

No phone-in reservations for the computers will be accepted.

NOTICE:

• You may use the computer ONCE per day for 1.5 hours only!
• The computers will be shut down at 4:30p.m. every day.
• The cost to prints is $.10 per page.  Patrons must pay for every page that comes through the copier with ink on it.
• Any use of these computers in a pornographic nature is unacceptable and will result in permanent loss of access to the computers.
• Library staff members may assist patrons in accessing the Internet; however, training in computer usage is the responsibility of the patron, and the staff cannot offer personal instruction on computer or Internet use.

NOTICE:

• The Library staff has the right to end an Internet session if the Internet search is causing a disruption of library services or if the behavior of the patron becomes inappropriate for a library setting. 
• The public access computers provided by the DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library are available on first-come, first-served basis.

These rules and guidelines are put in place to allow the use of the computers to run smoothly and to make it as fair as possible to everyone who uses them.  They are based on the same rules that the Arkansas State Library and other public libraries in the state use.   Anyone who does not wish to follow these guidelines will have their computer privileges revoked.

WI-FI Policy

The DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library offers free wireless access for patrons to use with their own personal notebooks, laptops, and other mobile devices.  

Patrons using personal devices to access the internet through the use of a wireless connection (WI-FI), should be aware that these access points are not secure and should be used with discretion.

There can be untrusted parties between you and anybody with whom you communicate with, and any information being transmitted could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user.  Cautious and informed wireless users should choose to not transmit personal information (credit card numbers, passwords and other sensitive information) while using any wireless “hot spot.” Please take appropriate precautions when using this service.

This library is not responsible for any information (i.e. credit cards, etc.) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.

The Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance with wireless access and no guarantee can be provided that users will be able to make a wireless connection.  It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner to provide anti-virus and firewall protection.  Staff members do not troubleshoot, repair or handle any personal devices. 

Library Code of Conduct

Patrons shall engage in reading, studying, using library materials or similar activities associated with the use of a public library.  Any person engaged in any activity not involving the library and its contents in a proper way may be required to leave the library premises.

Library personnel will enforce these rules.  Patrons not complying will be asked to leave.  Library personnel are authorized to contact the police if necessary.

Patrons are prohibited from engaging in any activity which causes an annoyance, disruption or distraction to patrons or staff. 

Examples of unacceptable behavior or activity include, but are not limited to:

1. Not following cell phone policy.  All cell phones ringers should be set to silent and all calls should be taken outside.
2. Smoking, soliciting, selling, skateboarding or skating, consuming intoxicants, intoxication, spitting, sleeping, loitering on premises.
3. Leaving personal items unattended.
4. Annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.
5. Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of another person.
6. Eating or drinking in the library.
7. Carrying weapons of any type.
8. Defacing, damaging, or stealing library or another patron’s personal property.
9. Uttering profane and obscene language.
10. Not wearing proper attire.  Footwear, shirts, and pants are required at all times.
11. Disturbing public peace by persistent loud, annoying or aggressive conduct.
12. No sleeping in the library.
13. Patrons in the staff only areas unescorted.
14. Misuse of library furniture, equipment, or technology.
15. Misuse of bathroom facilities.

Unattended Children Policy

Because the DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library is open to all, it cannot be considered a safe place for unattended children.  The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rest with the parents, legal guardians, or assigned chaperones.  Library staff is not responsible for the care and safety of unattended children in the library.

Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or assigned chaperone at all times.

Children age 5-12 may use the library freely but have a parent, legal guardian, or assigned chaperone present in the library building.  

Children ages 13 and up can visit the library on their own but must be able to reach a parent, legal guardian, or assigned chaperone by phone.

Any child who has not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent.  Children not picked up within twenty minutes after closing will be left in the care of local law enforcement.  Under no circumstances will library staff take a child out of the building or transport children to another location. 

Inclement Weather Policy

The DeWitt Public Library & Cleon Collier Memorial Library will close in inclement weather or when conditions make travel to or from the Library unsafe for its employees and patrons.  In most cases, if the DeWitt School District is closed, the Library will also close.  However, the Library Director may close the Library any time he or she deems conditions unsafe for travel to or from the Library.