Policy: Computer Resources & Internet Access 

The Fayetteville Public Library’s mission is to strengthen our community and empower our citizens with free and public access to knowledge.
 

In accord with its commitment and continued efforts to provide access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources and services for the community, the Fayetteville Public Library (FPL) makes available computer resources to patrons. In providing access to computer resources, the FPL supports the principles expressed in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements, and adheres to relevant provisions of federal and state law.
 

All persons using the FPL’s computer lab, workstations or laptops (users) must have a valid FPL library card in good standing or a visitor’s pass. These users and users of the FPL wireless network do hereby agree to adhere to the following conduct code:

1. Use computers for lawful purposes only.

2. Refrain from viewing pornographic visual materials or content that by contemporary community standards would be considered obscene.

3. Users will access FPL computer resources with their own library card or guest pass only. Using another person’s library card or guest pass is not permitted.

4. Users are responsible for any damage caused to computer equipment/hardware and/or software.

5. Users will respect and abide by copyright laws and licensing agreements.

6. Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks or damage or modify computer equipment or software.

7. Users will comply with any time limitations on computer access/usage implemented by FPL staff.

8. Users will respect the privacy of others and refrain from attempting to view or read materials being used/accessed by others.

9. Data may not be saved to library hard drives.

10. Users must establish a print payment account in order to print from computers. Refunds will not be given on account balances.

11. FPL Internet content is filtered. Adults 18 and over may opt for unfiltered Internet access.

12. Unsupervised users under age 12 may access workstations in the Children’s Library only.

13. FPL computers may be zoned with access restrictions based on age and/or other factors as necessary.

14. FPL is not responsible for damage to or loss of data while using FPL computers.

15. Some workstations have dedicated functions and use may be restricted to those functions. Users not using dedicated computers for the intended function may be asked to yield the workstation.

16. Users must wear headphones or ear buds for any programs requiring sound and keep the volume at a level that does not disturb other users. Headphones and ear buds may be purchased at service desks.

17. Users may have Internet and/or library privileges suspended or revoked for failing to comply with library policies and/or staff decisions.

Use of library computers, including checkout of FPL laptops for in-library use, is on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not available. There is a two-hour time limit for the total amount of computer access per day. Library staff may provide assistance to users of computer resources to the extent time and customer demand allows.
 

Visitors who do not have a FPL card may obtain a visitor’s pass at the Reference Desk. A valid ID, e.g. a driver’s license, may be requested. A visitor’s pass is intended for customers 18 years or older who are traveling through the area and who do not use the Fayetteville Public Library routinely. One pass per person per day.

  
Use of computer resources, including the Internet, requires a responsibility of the user to evaluate the quality of information accessed. Although computers allow access to a broad array of excellent information, computers may also access information that can be inaccurate, outdated, inappropriate, offensive, and/or illegal. The availability of information and materials does not constitute endorsement of the content by FPL. Access to, use of, or dissemination of information through FPL’s computer resources is the responsibility of the user. The Internet is not considered a secure medium, and the library cannot guarantee a user’s online privacy.