Computer Guidelines
In 1999-2000, the Kings County Library applied for and received grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The U.S. Library Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation works in partnership with public libraries to provide access to computers, the Internet and digital information for patrons in low-income communities in the United States. Through the generosity of the Gates Foundation, the Kings County Library received new personal computers (PCs) for the use of patrons in each branch library. The number of PCs received by each branch was determined by the Gates Foundation and was based on community population and other criteria. Since 2000, we have updated and replaced computer hardware and software at all Kings County branch libraries. We have also added additional PCs at all of our branches to meet the growing demand of our patrons.
Currently, all Kings County public computers have Windows 7 as the operating system and Microsoft Office 2010.
Scheduling
Patrons must have a library card and PIN number in their possession to utilize public computers. Patrons not having a library card can utilize the public computers by obtaining a one day guest pass through showing a valid photo ID. At all branch libraries, PC Reservation electronic computer reservation is used. Public access computers shut down 10 minutes before closing.
Downloading
Downloading files from the Internet is not permitted. Executables, whether from a personal memory device or online will not run on public library PCs. Additionally, patrons may not bring digital cameras and software to the library to download on public PCs.
Headphones
Headphones are available for patron use. Patrons may bring their own headphones for use as well.
Internet Access
The Kings County Library Internet policy was revised and adopted by the Board of Supervisors on November 4, 2008. Please read our revised policy regarding public internet use. Kings County Library is interested in the safety of our minor patrons. To that end, we have developed a policy on Internet Safety and Minors at the Library.
Printing
Printing is now available in all branch libraries. Patrons will be charged 25 cents per printed page for black & white ALL items printed. Color printing is available at Hanford, Lemoore, and Corcoran libraries for $1.00 per page. Printing is only available on standard letter-sized paper. We cannot print on legal size, envelopes, card stock, transparencies, or other non-standard materials.
Printing on the Internet
All libraries use LPTONE print management system. Patrons must read and follow the directions on the screen when printing. Printing is available in all branch libraries. Patrons will be charged 25 cents per printed black and white page and 1.00 for color page for ALL items printed. Printing is only available on standard letter-sized paper. We cannot print on legal size, envelopes, card stock, transparencies, or other non-standard materials.
Saving Files
Patrons are allowed to bring outside memory sticks for use on Library PCs. The library is not responsible for files that become corrupt, lost or damaged on such memory devices. Patrons are encouraged to know how to save their own material as staff can give limited assistance.
Time Limit
1 hour/day per person, enforced by PC Reservation electronic computer timing software (time used at one library will count at all other Kings County Library locations). A valid library card & four digit PIN Number is required to use the computers. Time may be extended at the discretion of library staff for up to 60 minutes with a maxiumum use of 2 hours per day.
Laptop Check-Out Policy
The Kings County Library is pleased to offer laptop check-out services to patrons within some of our libraries. Libraries that offer laptop check-out will also provide free wireless interent connections. Patrons will be able to access the library wireless network with a library laptop, their own laptop or electronic device. All library wireless users must agree to abide by the Library Laptop Computer Use Agreement, Computer Guidelines and Internet Safety and Minors at the Library.
Limits and Availability
- Library laptops are for use within library buildings only. Laptops taken outside the building will be considered stolen and the police will be notified.
- An eligible patron may borrow only one laptop at a time.
- Laptop computers are available on a first come, first served basis. They may not be reserved in advance.
- Patrons may not alter, delete, copy, tamper with any software loaded on the laptop or otherwise change its existing configuration. Patrons may not install software on the laptops.
- The Library is not responsible for damage to an external device (i.e. a flash drive or other external device) or for the loss of data that may occur while the laptop is in use.
- Patrons that owe more than $5.00 will be denied checkout of a laptop.
- Laptops are not checked out the last hour the library is open.
- Printing is available from laptops. Patrons will be charged 25 cents per printed page for black & white ALL items printed. Color printing is available for $1.00 per page. Patrons are urged to save their work on their own external memory device. All documents are automatically deleted when the laptop is turned off.
- Audio and video files must be played with headphones.
- Patrons must surrender their library card at checkout and show the staff member current photo ID. Failure to do so will result in a denial of laptop checkout privileges. No exceptions.
- Patrons must sign our Library Laptop Checkout Policy Agreement
- Patrons may not checkout a laptop then loan to another user. Patrons caught engaging in this activity will have their laptop privileges suspended for one month.
- At the time of checkout, a staff member will inspect the laptop to make sure it is intact and running properly. The borrower will then inital the check list in front of the staff member.
- The staff member wil then checkout the laptop to the patron's library card.
- The checkout period is 2 hours.
- A fine of $5.00 per hour will charged for overdue laptop comuters.
- When returning the laptop, the borrower must allow at least 5 minutes for a staff member to check the equipment.
- The staff member will verify that all parts are present and the comptuer and all accessories are in good working order.
- The laptop will be booted and checked for functionality upon return.
- The borrower will sign and date the checklist to complete the transaction.
- The laptop will then be checked in from the borrower's account
- A patron's privilege to check out a laptop may be removed for one month if the patron fails to return the laptop at the due time or leaves before the check-in procedure is complete
- Laptops that are later than 4 hours will be considered stolen and the police will be notified.
- Laptops are equipped with tracking software for theft detection
- Under no circumstances should a borrower leave a laptop unattened. The library will not be responsible for a stole laptop even when it is used within the Library.
- Charges for Lost and Damaged equipent are as follows:
- Laptop: $1,200.00
- Cracked screen: $200.00
- Lost Headphones: $10.00
- Lost Power Cord: $10.00
- Lost Mouse: $5.00
- Overdue Laptop: $5.00 per hour
Internet Safety and Minors at the Library
The Kings County Library in conjunction with the San Joaquin Valley Library System (SJVLS) participates in the federally funded “E-Rate” program which provides affordable Internet access to schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires E-Rate participants to follow the 2001 Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) a federal law. This law requires us to filter our Internet access.
Internet Safety, Filtering and Minors
Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children at all times while visiting the Library. This includes responsibility for minor children’s use of the Internet. To provide for the safety of our minor patrons and to be compliant with CIPA, the Kings County Library currently uses filtering software to block websites that promote:
§ Computer Hacking
§ Phishing (defined as a scam by which an e-mail user is duped into revealing personal or confidential information which the scammer can use illicitly)
§ Fraud
§ Tasteless and Offensive (material considered inappropriate for public viewing)
§ Terrorism
§ Spam
§ Adult Content and Pornography
§ Spyware
Computer filters cannot guarantee that all potentially objectionable material is removed. Kings County Library cannot guarantee that a user (minor or adult) will not get to an offensive site or will not be inadvertently exposed to one as all computers are placed in a public area. Additionally, parents and legal guardians are responsible for monitoring, supervising and deciding which Internet sites are appropriate for minors in their custody.
Children and teens increasingly use email, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct communication. All patrons, minors and adults, are strongly cautioned to use good judgment when chatting with others online, recognizing that unscrupulous people will lie about themselves for their own advantage. The Kings County Library urges discretion and caution with electronic communication, especially for minors. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for all direct electronic communication (email, chat rooms or direct message service) in which minors in their custody participate. The Library encourages parents and guardians to read and discuss safety guidelines as set forth in "Child Safety on the Internet Superhighway" and “ConnectSafely” with children. Staff can also provide copies of these documents as well. Additionally, the Library has a brief informational brochure available to parents regarding Internet safety while at the library suitable for children and teens.
Additionally, the Kings County Library follows the “Harmful to Minors” Statute: California Penal Code 313-313.5 , a state law. All patrons who use any resource in the library are expected to abide by this statute in addition to the federal CIPA law previously mentioned. Individuals caught displaying pornographic material of any kind on Library computers or on their own laptop, notebook or any other electronic device while in the Library will be subject to a suspension of Library privileges and/or notification of law enforcement officials.
Adopted by the Kings County Board of Supervisors on: November 4, 2008
