Comfort Public Library

Comfort Public Library
Computer Use Agreement

In signing up for computer time, patrons acknowledge
and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Violations of this agreement will result in loss of computer privileges

Purpose of this Agreement:
To manage the resource of the Library’s public computer network so as to facilitate access to public computers and Internet services, and to assure that the Library’s computer resources are being effectively used and available to all who may want to use them.

Access to the Internet:
The Internet is a global network providing information from computer sources all over the world. These sources may contain material that is controversial, indecent, illegal, defamatory, inappropriate or inaccurate. The Comfort Public Library has no control over information, content, or views expressed over the Internet, and disclaims any liability or responsibility for the access to, or use of, information obtained through its information systems, or consequences arising through the use thereof.

Parental Responsibility:
Public computer and Internet resources in the Library are available to all patrons. When children under the age of eighteen utilize the public computers, parents or guardians, are responsible for the use of equipment and any Internet information accessed by their children. Filtering promotes a false sense of Internet security. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s sessions and are responsible for their children’s use or misuse of Library resources.

Internet Assistance:
Library Staff and volunteers will be available to assist Library patrons in the use of its electronic resources, as time permits, but may not be familiar with every computer application. When there is not an Internet trained person on duty, technical support cannot be provided.

Copyright Laws and the Net:
United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

Obscenity:
Texas Penal Code Sections 43.22 and 43.24 prohibit sale, distribution or display of obscene material or material harmful to a minor. See the complete text of the Texas Penal Code at American Law Sources Online-Texas .

43.22 Obscene Display or Distribution

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

43.24 Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor

…(b) A person commits an offense if, knowing that the material is harmful:

(1) and knowing the person is a minor, he sells, distributes, exhibits, or possesses for sale, distribution, or exhibition to a minor harmful material;

(2) displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display:…

(d) an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor….

Public Access Computers:

1.         Public access computers are available during the hours of Library operation. The use of the
        public computers is on a first come, first serve basis.
2.         Before using the public computers, patrons must register on the sign up sheet in person.   Patrons may         print either their name or Library card number. Patrons under the age of 18 must have a Library card.
3.         Only one user per workstation is allowed. Patrons may use only one computer at a time.
4.         Time on a computer workstation will be limited to one hour.

5. Charges for printing from workstations are $.10 per page for text only and/or $.25 per page for color and/or graphics.

6. Users may download public domain programs and information for their own use. For assistance in downloading a file, patrons should contact the Library Staff. Files may be downloaded ONLY to new diskettes or CD-ROMS provided by the Comfort Public Library at $1.00 each. No personal or used media may be used in public computers.

7. All computer sessions will be terminated 15 minutes before Library closing.

8. No computer games may be downloaded or played on the public computers in such a way as to interfere with the right of other Library patrons to use the workstations.

9. Users may not alter software configurations, or cause degradation of performance. Displayed icons or programs may not be deleted or altered, nor should short-cuts for personal programs be created.

10. Using workstations to access the Library’s network, internal operating systems, or any other network or computer system is prohibited.

11. Users may not obstruct other people’s work by consuming large amounts of system resources, or by deliberately crashing the Library computer system, or make any attempt to degrade, damage, or disrupt computer equipment or software.

12. Users may not use any Library workstation for any illegal, criminal, or commercial purpose, or engage in any activities which are deliberately or maliciously offensive, libelous or scandalous.

13. Public computer users may not install software, of any kind, in Library computers, nor attempt to upload or create any type of computer virus.

14. Violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements is prohibited.

15. Public computer users should, at all times, respect the rights and the privacy of other individuals.

16. Filtering may be disabled by Library staff in order to enable access to bona fide research and other lawful purposes.

17. Unlawful activities, or deliberate misuse of electronic equipment will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner to the full extent of local, state and federal law. All responsibility for any consequences of legal infractions lies with the user or the legal guardian of the minor user.

Return to Top of Page

Comfort Public Library Home Page