Computer Usage Policy

Computer and Internet usage at the Fairmount Public Library workstations to gain information is a privilege and subject to rules of good conduct by all patrons. The availability of information on the Internet does not constitute endorsement of the content of any website by the Fairmount Public Library. Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet at the Fairmount Public Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of Juveniles, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian. (Juvenile patrons are defined as anyone under the age of 18. Teen patrons are defined as anyone between the ages of 14-17).

Responsibilities of the user:
Librarians cannot be responsible for the supervision of Juveniles or Teens in their exploration of the Internet. Rules of conduct will be enforced as Juveniles, Teens, and Adults may be sharing the same Computer area in the Library. Juveniles, under the age of 8 must have a parent, guardian, or older sibling sitting with them when using the Library’s computers.

All prospective computer users must sign the daily computer sign-in sheet, located at the Circulation Desk. Long-term computer users, especially Juvenile and Teen patrons, must have a Computer Usage Application on file. Juvenile and Teen patrons must have a Parent/Guardian come to the Library to sign them up for access on the Library’s computers. All computer users will be responsible for all printing transactions.

All patrons must ask the Librarian first if a computer is available before going to a workstation. Any patron wishing to access games or files from an external source: CD-ROM, DVD, USB, must ask the Librarian for permission. Computers are available on a first come, first serve basis for one hour. A longer usage period may occur if no one else is waiting for a computer. Patrons accessing games, social networking sites, or chatting may be asked to cut their computer time short if another patron arrives and needs to print information; do job searches or file unemployment claims; or do research for educational or personal information. Saving resumes, research papers, or pictures on Library computers are done so at the patron’s risk of losing the information. The patron should provide an external storage device, such as a USB stick to save any wanted materials.

The Library’s computers are for total community access. Patrons should respect other users and their right to use the Library’s computers as well as the Librarian’s 10 minute rule to begin shutting down their computer activities as closing time nears.

Social networking sites, such as Facebook, My Yearbook, Myspace, or the current popular site are no longer blocked. Teens, ages 14-17 must have a parent permission slip on file to access these sites. Juveniles up to 13 years old will not be allowed on any of these sites.

The complete computer and Internet policy is available upon request at the circulation desk. General usage rules are also posted in the computer area.

Responsibilities of the library:
The Fairmount Public Library cannot control the content of resources available on the Internet. The Library will provide a filtering system of content areas to help ensure an enjoyable computer experience at the library. This system is not fool-proof and may block legitimate websites at times. The Librarian, upon request, may be asked to override the block. The Library will uphold the right of confidentiality and privacy for all library users, but cannot guarantee absolute privacy while using the Library’s computers. The Library will not accept any responsibility for any purchases made online by Library patrons. The Library staff, to the best of their abilities, will assist patrons with their computer usage needs. The Library will assist parents/guardians in their efforts to keep their children safe on the Internet by providing safety information as needed.

Computer Policy Purpose:
The Fairmount Public Library’s mission is to be the primary informational and educational resource for the rich cultural and educational heritage of the Fairmount, Fowlerton, Fairmount Township areas as well as any contractural townships areas (the Fairmount Library District).

Disc Cleaning Policy

1. We do not guarantee the disc’s operation or function after the cleaning. The owner assumes all responsibility as we will be taking their word as to the condition of the disc(s) they bring in.
2. The work will be done at our convenience, not the patron’s.
3. The disc(s) must come in a safe package for minimal handling with the patron’s name and phone number on it.
4. Payment must be given before the cleaning service is begun.
5. If a disc breaks while in our possession, we are not held liable for replacing it.
6. The Librarian has the right to refuse any disc(s) if brought in broken or cracked.
7. Any and all cleaning jobs are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
8. A limit of 5 discs per person at a time will be accepted.
9. The basic cleaning fee will be $1.00 per disc.
10. Failure to pick up cleaned discs within two library days after being contacted will result in a $1.00 per disc storage fee per day.

Unattended Child Policy

Fairmount Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming and safe environment for people of all ages. We welcome and encourage children to come to the Library, but we also worry about their safety when unaccompanied by an adult.

Parents/Caregivers who have transported children onto Library property or who has directed or allowed children onto the Library premises, shall be responsible for the care, safety, and behavior of those children at all times. The Library is not responsible for the care and safety of minor children traveling to and from the Library.

All Parent/Caregivers will be responsible for picking up their child(ren) at the conclusion of a program or before closing time. If at any time, the staff discovers an unattended child, a disruptive child, or it is closing time, the Parent/Caregiver will be contacted. In the event that contact couldn’t be made, the police/sheriff will be notified of the situation and requested to come and pick up the unattended child. An incident report will be filed with the Library Director.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines:

Toddlers-Six Year Olds: Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver, over the age of 16. The Parent/Caregiver must remain in the Library with the child at all times. Participation in Library programs will allow the Parent/Caregiver to leave the children’s programming area if the child’s personality allows for it.

Seven-Ten Year Olds: Will be limited to one hour, but no more than two hour time limits where they may use the Library and its services unattended. There will be an exception granted during Library program participation.

Eleven-Seventeen Year Olds: May use the Library and its services unattended for any length of time during normal operating hours and as long as their conduct is acceptable for all Library patrons.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 2004. Updated August 2014. This policy is subject to change.

eReader Lending Policy

 Fairmount Public Library has several basic Kindle eReaders that it will circulate to a library patron in good standing (no more than $5.00 in outstanding fees or fines). A library patron is defined as a Teen (12-17) or Adult (18 and up).

• Patrons will be asked to verify their current address and phone numbers.
• Teens wishing to check out a device must have a parent/guardian with them in person when signing up to use a Kindle.
• Patrons must sign an eReader Agreement form for the Library’s files. A copy will also be given to the patron.
• Under no circumstances should a patron leave the Kindle unattended while in its possession.
• All Kindle returns must be made at the Circulation desk with the patron responsible for handing it directly to a Library staff member. A device check-in sheet must be filled out to determine the condition of the returned device while the patron is present. This process may take up to five minutes, so please be patient.
• Upon signing the eReader Borrowing Agreement, the patron accepts full responsibility for all costs associated with the Kindle or its associated peripheral equipment during the loan period or its replacement costs should it be lost, stolen or damaged in any way.
• Only one device may be checked out per family.
• Patrons may not download anything onto the eReader. All titles will be pre-loaded with specific titles by a Library staff member only.
• Patrons may not delete or copy any existing e-books loaded onto the Kindle device.
• If a patron experiences a problem with the Kindle or applications, or have questions, they should contact a staff member during Library hours for assistance.
• Kindle devices may be checked out for a three week period, with one renewal and a 2 day grace period.
• Returning the Kindle and its parts after the two day grace period will result in a $2.00 per day late fee.
• Damaged or lost Kindle will result in a minimum charge of $100.00.
• Damaged or lost USB cord will result in a charge of $20.00.
• Damaged or lost Kindle cover and/or storage bag will result in a charge of $30.00
• (These prices are subject to change due to the fluctuation of technology devices and their prices.)
• Current pricing will be the deciding factor on damage and replacement costs.
• Borrowing a Kindle device from the Fairmount Public Library is a privilege and may be taken away if the Kindle is returned in the outside or inside drop boxes; failure to hand the device personally to a library staff member; or damage or loss.

This policy was approved by the Fairmount Public Library Board of Trustees on December 9, 2015.