Welcome to the Charlevoix Public Library’s public access computers.  To maximize computer availability, and to ensure fair accessibility for all, please follow these rules and procedures.

General Computing Guidelines

1. Use your library card and pin to log onto an available station. If there are no available stations, go to the information desk to reserve a station. Daily guest passes will be issued for $1 for any non-library card holder.
2. You must first accept this computer use policy in order to log onto any of our workstations.
3. If you have difficulties with a computer, please ask for help at the information desk. Do not move to another computer. You will not be allotted time on more than one work station.
4. There is a one-session limit on the workstations when others are waiting, and a two-session limit per person per day. Sessions last up to one hour.
5. USB ports are available for data exchange.
6. Anyone changing the software or computer settings will be denied use of the workstations and may be held liable for any charges incurred to correct the damage.
7. A black and white laser printer is available at a charge of 10¢ per page. Personal paper may be used.  Please ask at the information desk for help loading the paper. A 10¢ per page charge will still be incurred. Prints will be sent to the print manager work station across from the circulation desk. A color printer is also available at a charge of $1.00 per page. Color prints are picked up and paid for at the circulation desk.
8. To use a computer, you must have a general understanding of computers and Windows applications. There are tutorials for most of the software loaded in the computer. Basic computing classes are available at the library. Please ask if assistance is needed.
9. Library computing resources may only be used for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
   

   •	Harassment of other users or library staff
   •	Libel or slander of other users
   •	Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other users
   •	Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
   •	Any attempts at “hacking” (obtaining unauthorized entry) into any computer system or database
   •	Exchange or duplication of software programs protected under copyright laws

10. Wireless access with 802-11b and 802-11g protocol is available.
11. Patrons using the library computers and library internet access, must follow this Computer and Internet Use Policy.  By logging on to use a computer, you agree to read and abide by these policies and rules.  Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the loss of your computer and/or library privileges.

General Internet Guidelines

The Charlevoix Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the informational and educational needs of a diverse community.  It is within this context that the Charlevoix Public Library offers access to the Internet.

1. The Charlevoix Public Library may monitor computer usage but has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  Library staff may be available, to the best of their knowledge, to assist patrons with the Internet. Library patrons may encounter material that is inaccurate or that they consider offensive. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be responsible information consumers, questioning the validity of the information found.
2. While patrons are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish, the library must also be mindful and respectful of the rights of other patrons (particularly children), to not be exposed to material and images they (or their parents) may find personally unsuitable.  Therefore, staff members will request that a patron remove any images or text from an Internet workstation screen if, in the staff member’s judgment, the image or text is displayed in such a way that other patrons, particularly children, cannot avoid viewing it in the course of carrying out their business in the library.
3. All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users.  Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
4. Any patron who is asked to remove an image or text from the monitor and then continues to view unsuitable images or text, will be asked to leave the facility.  If there is a repeated offense, the patron will lose computer privileges for one month. Any and all offenses after the month suspension will result in losing computer privileges for one year.
5. If a child is asked to leave for a violation of this policy, but has no transportation at the time, a parent or caregiver will be notified and the child will be supervised until parent or guardian has arrived.

General Wireless Access Guidelines

Free wireless Internet access is available to laptops equipped with an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless card.

1. Wireless Internet access will allow you to:
   

   •	Have immediate Internet access using your own computer rather than waiting for an available library computer
   •	Connect to the Internet without time limits
   •	Download files onto your own computer
   •	Use your own software and have access to your own files

2. Be aware:
   

   •	Wireless users must comply with our Computer and Internet Policy waiting for an available library computer
   •	Although the wireless hub is routed through our firewall, the wireless connection is less secure than a hard-wired connection. Be a savvy user! (See below)
   •	Printing may be available through the wireless hub. Ask at the reference desk for a copy of the print drivers.

3. Be a Savvy User
   The Internet is a public communications network. Public wireless networks or “hotspots” are generally not secure from your laptop to the Wireless Access Point. There can be unscrupulous parties between you and anybody you communicate with. Wireless Internet access poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks because data is broadcast over radio waves. Wireless users need to take steps to secure their personal information and machines. The Library cannot assure the safety of your data.
   
   Savvy wireless users will:
   

   •	Not transmit any important information that may be misused such as credit card number, social security numbers, home address, passwords, etc.
   •	Have a firewall on their personal machines
   •	Avoid having disks, folders and files “shared”
   •	Have anti-virus software installed on their machine and configured to do frequent updates automatically.
   •	Not leave equipment unattended.

4. Wireless Netiquette
   The wireless network is intended to be a shared resource. If you use a large amount of bandwidth, you take it from others. Be considerate.
   

   •	Do not download large files over the wireless connection
   •	Do not stream video or audio over the wireless connection

5. Configuration Information
   

   •	802-11b or 802-11g protocol
   •	TCP/IP properties set to obtain an IP automatically

The Charlevoix Public Library assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage done directly or indirectly to personal data or equipment, or for any damage or injury arising from loss of privacy arising from use of its wireless connection, or connection to other Internet services.