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Imperial Public Library

Library Policies

The following policies govern how we use our library.

INTERNET AND COMPUTER USE AT PUBLIC TERMINALS:

The Internet is an UNRESTRICTED ENVIRONMENT.  The Imperial Public Library does not monitor the content of the Internet and cannot be held responsible for any content the patron may find offensive, controversial, indecent, inappropriate, unreliable, objectionable or illegal.

  1. The Library assumes no responsibility for accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, or content of any Internet resource. Library users peruse the Internet at their own risk, realizing the potential for accessing offensive, inaccurate or illegal information. Users must apply their own set of evaluative criteria to information.
  2. It is the responsibility of the user to read and abide by this policy.
  3. Guardians are advised to read and share with children under 18 the document published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children entitled Child Safety on the Information Superhighway.

POLICIES GOVERNING USE OF EQUIPMENT:

  1. There is a 30 minute time limit on the workstations (unless there are no other patrons waiting to use the computers).
  2. The library will not take reservations for individual computer use.
  3. Food and drink are not permitted.
  4. Printing is allowed.   However, not all computers have printing capabilities.
  5. Downloading files to USB flash drives, zip and floppy disks is permitted. Users must supply disks.
  6. Users may not download files to the hard drive.
  7. Personal communication (e-mail and chat rooms) is permitted.
  8. The library reserves the right to reclaim workstations being used for other purposes.
  9. The library reserves the right to schedule workstations for instruction or for access to electronic resources available only on specific machines.
  10. Virus protection software is loaded on every computer in the Library. The Library will not be responsible for damage done to users' floppy disks or non-Library computer equipment as a result of downloading.
  11. Library staff is available at public service desks to provide limited assistance in the use of the Library's computers.  Staff may limit the amount of time spent in assisting a user in order to provide adequate support for all other Library services.
  12. Attempts to damage or alter Library equipment or software are a violation of Library policy and will result in the loss of library privileges.

LIBRARY STANDARDS OF PATRON BEHAVIOR

Behavior becomes unacceptable when it impinges on the rights of others. Unacceptable behavior includes any form of harassment which could result in physical, or emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or when it could result in damage to the facilities, equipment or materials. Patrons behaving in an unacceptable manner will be asked once to modify their behavior or, upon failure to do so, to leave the library facility.  Police will be called if there is not compliance, or if staff feels in any way unable to handle the situation or feels threatened.

Failure to follow the directions of library staff when directed, to abide by these rules or other specific instructions, will result in expulsion from the library.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include:

  • Abandonment/leaving of young children unattended
  • Abuse/vandalism of library facilities, equipment or material
  • Behavior or language that is offensive to others
  • Bringing pets into the library (“working” dogs are allowed)
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Drinking
  • Eating
  • Entering library without shirt or shoes
  • Excessive noise/noise which disturbs others
  • Harassment/physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, in any form, of other library users or library staff
  • Intoxication
  • Illegal activities within the library or on library grounds
  • Loitering
  • Obscene language or activity
  • Roller blading, skating or skateboarding
  • Smoking
  • Spitting
  • Soliciting
  • Unruly/offensive behavior
  • Use of cell phones (phones should be set to silent mode)
  • Using library computer equipment for purposes other than those permitted under the Computer  Policy, or performing any act that damages or disables computer hardware or software