Acceptable Use of computers in libraries

• Why does the library provide public access IT?
• Who will be able to use the library's public access IT terminals?
• What Internet services will the library provide?
• Is Internet access filtered?
• What other IT facilities does the library provide?
• Will access be free or charged?
• How are users expected to behave?

Why does the library provide public access IT?

The Council's Vision for Kirklees requires the provision of Internet access at all libraries in order to support central Government's priorities. At a local level this is seen as contributing to lifelong learning, increasing training and skills levels, supporting social inclusion and benefiting areas of health, employment, the community and the environment.

Who will be able to use the library's public access IT terminals?

• all holders of a valid Kirklees library ticket
• children and young people under 16 years of age require the consent of parents or carers

What Internet services will the library provide?

• World Wide Web
• Email
• Newsgroups
• Chat rooms
• Facility to download to the Library system's U drive and transfer files to disk copyright permitting.
• Users own disks may be used but only through the library's Servers

Please note: Kirklees Council cannot be held responsible for any personal information left on the U drive. Users must ensure that work is saved to disk or printed out and the file then deleted

Is Internet access filtered?

The Council reserves the right and will take measures to block any Internet sites deemed to contain inappropriate viewing material. Software will be deployed to screen and filter inappropriate Internet sites and for monitoring the Council's Internet Access Policy.

What other IT facilities does the library provide?

• Microsoft Office offering word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
• Specialist information databases such as online encyclopedias and business resources are available at some libraries.

• Internet/MS Office access is free for up to a maximum of 2 hours per day.
• Printing is charged at the current rate
• Floppy disks can be bought at libraries
• Booking is essential at some libraries

• Internet users must not access material that is, or is reasonably, considered by the Council to be offensive, violent or obscene, or to distribute such material. The library may monitor access in connection with this clause and reserves the immediate right to close down such sites.
• Some Internet resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Council cannot censor access to all such material nor protect users from potentially offensive material. It remains the responsibility of the user to determine what is appropriate.
• Parents or Carers of young people under 16 years of age must sign a form at the library to authorise their use of the Internet. Parents or Carers are responsible for monitoring material accessed by their children.
• Kirklees Council does not accept responsibility for the validity and authenticity of information found on the Internet. Under the Data Protection Act (1998) users are held responsible for any work involving the processing of data belonging to other people/agencies.
• All users of IT must abide by all current relevant legislation and regulations including legislation relating to Copyright, Data Protection and Obscene Publications.
• Access to the Internet is on a self-service basis only. Library Staff will not do Internet searches for users.
• Users of IT must not interfere with equipment, amend or delete existing software or install any new software on the computers.
  
• Anyone found to be in breach of these guidelines will be prohibited from using the facilities in the future.