Computer and Wireless Internet Policies

Library Policies
Users will be expected to follow rules governing the use of the library. Copies of all library policies are available upon request from library staff.

Internet Content
The library cannot control the information obtained from outside sources via the Internet. Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library. However:

  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable, accurate or current.
  • Particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable.
  • Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library customers.
  • Peoria Public Library urges library customers to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.

The Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library customer’s use of Internet information resources.

Library Customer’ Rights
Library customers have the right to equitable access to public computers.

Library customers have the right to privacy to the extent possible in the public setting, but users should be aware that the location of the computer workstations might enable an online session to be viewed easily by others.

Users should be aware that because security is technically difficult to achieve, there exists the possibility of electronic transactions and files becoming public. Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user’s privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user’s data or for any damage or injury arising from the invasion of the user’s privacy.

Internet Filtering
All Library computers are equipped with Internet filtering devices, which are designed and intended to block sites deemed to be inappropriate for general audiences. Adults (17 years old and older) may request that a certain site be unblocked, for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Granting such a request is ALWAYS up to the discretion of the Library staff and may be denied for any reason in order to comply with Library policy or otherwise.

Minors under the age of 17 years are not allowed to access a computer with unfiltered Internet access at any time. Minors under the age of 17 years old may NOT accompany an adult who is accessing a computer with unfiltered Internet access at any time.

All Internet filtering devices installed on Library computers have been purchased from a commercial vendor. The Library does not maintain that the installed filters effectively filter all or any inappropriate materials from access within the Library. The Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from access, whether voluntarily or involuntarily request, to inappropriate or offensive Internet sites within the Library, regardless of the age of the user or whether arising from the deficiency of the filter or its installation.

Children’s Access to Public Computers
The library recognizes that the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Library staff are unable to monitor children’s use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use of public computers. A copy of A CHILD’S RULES FOR ONLINE SAFETY is posted and available upon request from Library staff.

Customer Assistance and Instruction
If customers have difficulty in using public computers, Library staff will refer them to sources of help.

A more experienced computer user should accompany persons who are not able to use the computer unaided.

Use of Equipment and Networks
Library customers are required to use the public computers within guidelines of the User Agreement. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Use of public computers in any way that violates Federal, State or Local law
  • Harassment, libeling or slandering other users
  • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users
  • Use of public computers in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Library and network/database providers
  • Unauthorized duplication of copyright protected material or violation of software license agreements
  • Violation of system security
  • Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users including, but not limited to overuse of computer equipment, which denies access to other users

Violations
Persons violating any aspect of this policy will be informed by staff that their computer use is terminated for the remainder of the day. Any questions regarding this procedure should be referred to the director or assistant director.

Since the library computers that the public can access the Internet are located in public areas that must be shared by library users of all ages and backgrounds, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially indecent or harmful material and images. Although library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Internet, the library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images which cause a disruption, and reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.

Library Procedures Relating to Computer Use
These procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

  • Users must present their picture I. D. and complete a registration and user agreement form prior to usage
  • The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for users under 17
  • After registration the customer’s library card will be marked or a computer use card will be issued. This card may be used only by the person named on the card and MUST be presented every time to use the public computers
  • Users must sign in
  • Use will be limited to a one hour session or less if others are waiting
  • Computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing
  • Use of personal software applications, DVDs, and CDs on library computer equipment is NOT allowed

Purpose:
Peoria Public Library, as part of our mission to be a community information center, provides wireless Internet service at all Library locations.  The following regulations allow for the public to take advantage of this service while setting reasonable expectations for its use.

In General:
By choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to abide by the Library’s Public Access Computer and Internet Policy that prohibits abusive or illegal activity while using the Library’s Internet service.

General Policy:
This service is free of charge and subject to the terms and conditions of use as follows:

Limitations & Disclaimers:

  •  Wireless access is provided as a public service free of charge on an as-is basis with no guarantee and no warranty. The Library’s wireless network is subject to periodic maintenance and unforeseen downtime.
  • Information passing through the Library’s wireless access is not secured and could be monitored, captured, or altered by others. There are risks involved with connecting to a public wireless connection, such as possible viruses, malware, loss of data, possible hacking/snooping by others connected, and possible hardware/software failure. It is your sole responsibility to protect your information from all risks associated with using the Internet, including any damage, loss, or theft that may occur as a result of your use of the Library’s wireless access
  •  All wireless Internet users should have up-to-date antivirus software installed on their devices.
  • The device owner is responsible for setting up their equipment to access the Peoria Public Library Wireless network.  Library staff is not permitted to handle or to configure patrons’ devices, nor can they provide more than general assistance in getting connected to the wireless network.  The Peoria Public Library does not guarantee that all devices will be able to connect to the wireless Internet service.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment; users must keep their equipment with them at all times.
  • In using this free Internet access, you agree and hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless, the Peoria Public Library, its officers and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may result from your use of this wireless access.
  • While using this wireless access, you acknowledge that you are subject to and agree to abide by all Federal, State, and Local laws that are applicable to Internet use.
  • At its sole discretion, the Peoria Public Library may terminate this public service at any time without prior notice.
  • Printing is not available via the wireless connection at this time.   If the user desires to print, the file can be saved to a flash/thumb drive or emailed to him/herself and printed from a public computer in the Library for a nominal fee per page.
  •  Device owners may only plug into unused electrical outlets adjacent to their work area.
  • Network cables may not be plugged into Library ethernet ports.
  • During times of peak usage, bandwidth may be limited.
  •  Any attempt to circumvent Library procedures or any unauthorized attempt to access or manipulate Library equipment will result in permanent disconnection from the Library’s wireless network.
  • If you do not agree to the above terms, please disable your wireless connection or turn off your computer.
  •   Violations of any policy contained herein may result in loss of access.
  •  Destruction of, damage, to or alteration of the Library’s equipment, software, or network security is prohibited.  The Library’s equipment is capable of monitoring and detecting viruses and other inappropriate intrusions.  The Library will take necessary action against anyone violating this policy, up to and including prohibiting and/or quarantining patron-owned equipment from accessing the network.
  • Connecting to the network requires a device with wireless capability supporting the WiFi standard.

The Wireless Internet Policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary by the Board of Trustees of Peoria Public Library.

Public Computers and Technology

Be our guest. Anyone is allowed to use our public computers. Library cards are not required, but definitely encouraged!
Every Peoria Public Library location also offers unlimited, free WiFi within our buildings.

Important Note
Peoria Public Library cannot control all content available through the internet even with technology we’ve installed to filter obscene and illegal websites.
Filtering software is not a substitute for parental supervision, and library staff is not responsible for monitoring a minor’s use of the Internet.

Quick Facts
• All five Peoria Public Library locations have public computers available for anyone to use. No library card necessary, but definitely encouraged! You will have to show a photo ID for access.
• Computer usage: 60 minute initial session length.  Extra time (if no one is waiting) will be granted in 15-minute increments with a maximum extra time of 30 minutes.  Limit of 90 minutes maximum per user per day.
• Computers and WiFi are available anytime we are open, but shut down 15 minutes before closing.
• Computer memories are reset after each user so no information is saved. Please bring a USB flash drive to save your work or purchase one from us for $5.
• You can print from any of our public computers, 10 cents per page.

Computer Programs Currently Available

Each public computer at Peoria Public Library currently has the following installed programs:
• Microsoft Office suite – Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Publisher
• Adobe Reader
• Internet Explorer and Chrome

Scan, Fax or Copy

Every Peoria Public Library location can make black-and-white copies for a small fee, but only Main Library has a full-color copier, scanner and fax machine available for public use. McClure Branch also has a fax machine for public use.

Main Library, Second Floor
• Full-color copier
10 cents – black and white, 8.5 x 11 page
30 cents – black and white, 11 x 17 page
50 cents – color, 8.5 x 11 page
70 cents – color, 11 x 17 page
• Scanner – no fee
• Faxscan 24 machine. $1.75 first page, $1 each additional page

Expectations for Use
Library patrons must use all our technology within the guidelines of acceptable use listed, in part, below. For our complete computer and wireless internet policies, click here.
Violation may result in the loss of library privileges, and illegal acts involving the Library’s equipment may be subject to prosecution.
Peoria Public Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:
• Use of public computers in any way that violates Federal, State or Local law
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users
• Unauthorized duplication of copyright protected material or violation of software license agreements
• Violation of system security, including downloading software
• Behaving in a manner disruptive to other users