CITY OF SCOTTSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Acceptable Use of Electronic Equipment

Effective Date: 09/15/2004 | Revised: 02/11/2024; 11/19/2019 | Pol. No: PUB-4

Policy Statement:

Computer use is an integral part of library activities. The library system offers a variety of electronic resources to enhance the educational and recreational needs of library patrons. Patrons agree to abide by the library computer policy standards as defined herein.

Regulations

1. Free, limited access to electronic resources is available to all library patrons. The library is not a full-service Internet provider. Some Internet services may not be provided through the library's connections for financial, technological or security reasons.
2. Library staff may interrupt activity or block access to sites that interfere with the performance of the library's computer system, conflict with authorized use of library resources or equipment, or violate local, state, or federal law.
3. The library protects its systems and equipment from viruses. However, users of any publicly accessible system or equipment should be aware of the potential for transmission of computer viruses. The library is not responsible for computer viruses transmitted to patrons' computers.
4. The library is responsible only for information pertaining to the library and its services. The library does not assume responsibility for the content and/or accuracy of information residing on the Internet or other computer systems.
5. The library provides computer stations for public use at all branch locations. Patrons may log on to a public computer using their own Scottsdale Public Library card number. Patrons who are not eligible for a library card with full borrowing privileges may obtain a Computer Use Only card (see Computer Use Only Cards CIR-9). Logging on to a public computer using a library card number other than one’s own is prohibited.
6. “Express” computer stations are provided for those patrons without library cards or Computer Use Only cards.
7. “Express” computers are limited to one-time, 15 minute-use per patron, per day.
8. Free, self-service, filtered Wi-Fi access is available during library hours.
9. In accordance with A.R.S. § 41-151.22 “Privacy of Patron Records,” the library protects the confidentiality of borrowing and library use records. Patrons using the library's computers for personal use are advised that the privacy of personal information and electronic mail are not guaranteed. Patrons should avoid posting personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers to unknown Internet sites.
10. The library’s computers are in a public area. Other patrons may be involuntarily exposed to what some are viewing on their screens. Patrons should remain sensitive to the fact that they are working in a public environment shared by people of all ages. Similarly, patrons using the library’s public computers should be aware that private information they put on their screens may be seen by others.
11. The library provides filtered access to the Internet in order to adhere to the requirements set forth in Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. §§ 13-3501 “Definitions”, 13-3506.01 “Furnishing Harmful Items to Minors, Internet Activity”, 13-3507 “Public Display of Explicit Sexual Materials”) and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Because filtering software is inherently imperfect, the library cannot guarantee that all Internet content will be appropriately filtered at all times.
12. Parents and guardians of minor children are responsible for supervising their children's safety and activities while using library equipment. This includes without limitation: Access to inappropriate matter on the Internet by minor children; safety and security of minor children when using e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; and unauthorized access by minor children including hacking and other unlawful activities. Safety information for parents and children can be found at www.netsmartz.org.
13. Computers in the Children’s Areas are designed for children and their caregivers. Material viewed on screens in the children’s area should be suitable for families and young children in accordance with Arizona law and the CIPA.
14. Individual assistance on using the library's electronic resources is available at the information desks, time permitting. Library staff may schedule group or individual instructional sessions on using the library's electronic resources periodically throughout the year.
15. Examples of unacceptable use of the library's electronic resources include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized modification of equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other patrons, a violation of Arizona law (A.R.S. §13-2316 “Computer tampering”).
2. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
3. Unauthorized or illegal copying of copyright-protected material, a violation of US law (US Code, Title 17).
4. Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others, or any activity that is in violation of Arizona law (including A.R.S. § 13-3707 “Telecommunication Fraud”).
5. Violation of software license agreements.
6. Violation of another patron's privacy.

Failure to use the Scottsdale Public Library System's public computers and other electronic resources appropriately and responsibly may result in revocation of library use privileges and may also have legal consequences.