Computer & Internet

Public Computers

Blackwell Public Library maintains computers for patron use. Computer use is limited to one (1) hour per day. If computer use is for school research, arrangements may be made for more time.

Computers will be shut down thirty (30) minutes before close of business each day.

Patrons may not save information nor download anything on library computers. All printing is done at the circulation desk. Patrons are encouraged to use “print preview” before printing as they are responsible for anything printed.

Library staff is available to answer technical questions but are not able to assist patrons in completing any tasks which involve the patron’s personal information.

Patrons must receive an access code to log on to library computers. These are obtained at the circulation desk.

Internet Access and Use

The library maintains access to the internet as an electronic tool for patrons and staff to locate information. The library affirms the right of individuals to have access to digital materials. Because there are no controls on what may be published on the internet, Blackwell Public Library is not responsible for information found on the internet that a patron may feel is inappropriate, dated, or offensive, nor is it responsible for the accuracy or content of information available on the internet.

Safety of Children and the Internet

Blackwell Public Library will take steps to assure compliance with state and federal laws, including the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), laws pertaining to obscene materials, child pornography, and materials harmful to minors as defined by OS Supp. 200, 1040.75, and Copyright law (US Code Title 17). Library patrons using the computers agree to abide by all laws and policies governing computer and internet use. To meet this requirement, content filtering devices and/or software are in use to protect computer users from accessing anything in violation of the laws. Anyone not complying with the policy may forfeit computer privileges.

Acceptable Use Policy

Users are also bound by the Acceptable Use Policy of Bolt Fiber Optic Services, the internet service provider and may not engage in any of the following:

This Acceptable Use Policy applies to Television, VoIP, Internet and related services (“Services”) delivered Bolt Fiber Optic Services. This policy is designed to encourage our customers and others (“Users”) to use the Services
responsibly and to enable us to provide our Users with secure, reliable and productive Services.
General Conduct
BOLT FIBER OPTIC SERVICES’s Fiber Optics network and the Services may be used only for lawful purposes.
BOLT FIBER OPTIC SERVICES is not responsible for the content of any websites linked to or accessible by the
Services; links are provided as Internet navigation tools only.

Users may not use the network or Services in order to transmit, distribute or store material

(a) in violation of any applicable law,
(b) in a manner that will infringe the copyright, trademark, trade secret or other intellectual property rights of others or the privacy, publicity or other personal rights of others,
(c) that is obscene, threatening, abusive or hateful or contains a virus, worm, Trojan horse, or other harmful component; or
(d) that contains fraudulent offers for goods or services, or any advertising or promotional materials that contain false, deceptive or misleading statements, claims or representations.

Users are also subject to the acceptable use policies, as amended from time to time, of any third party provider of Services to BOLT FIBER OPTIC SERVICES.

Computer Policy for Juveniles

Children age eleven (11) and under may use the computer if supervised by their parents are in the library. Permission for juveniles under the age of 18 to use the internet may be indicated on the library card application, must be signed by the parent, and will be noted on the patron record.

Wi-Fi Use

The library offers free Wi-Fi for patrons to utilize on their laptops, tablets, phones, etc. Library patrons using Wi-Fi agree to abide by all laws, policies, and regulations governing the use of computers in the library.

Patrons may experience fluctuating bandwidth on the library’s public wireless, depending on how many people are using the wireless connection and what they are downloading or streaming.

The library is not responsible for the privacy of information a patron may transfer over the library’s network. The library assumes no responsibility for the damage, theft, or loss of a patron’s software, data files, or other personal property brought into or used at the library.

Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance regarding any personal computer equipment nor can they make any guarantee about the compatibility of a patron’s equipment with the library’s network.

The library has no control over computer programs available through the Internet. Any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of programs obtained through library access is not the responsibility of the library.

Tablet Use Policy

The library has a variety of Tablets which are available for loan with in-library use only

Samsung Galaxy Tablets

Samsung Galaxy Tabs are available for loan to adult patrons in good standing.

Customers using the tablets must sign a patron agreement at the first checkout, which will be kept on file.

Borrowers agree to the library’s internet and acceptable use policies.

Minor children ages 12-17 must have permission granted by the parent to use the tablet.

Adults may check out these tablets for use by minors age 11 and under, but must supervise the minor during use.

Tablets may be checked out for a period of one (1) hour.

Borrowers must remain in sight of the circulation desk while using the tablet.

Tablets are loaded with library recommended apps. Additional apps or eBooks may not be downloaded nor the preloaded apps & eBooks deleted.

Only one tablet may be checked out at a time.

Tablets must be returned at the end of the hour or 30 minutes before the library closes. Tablets may not be checked out within the half hour prior to close.

Patrons may not leave the tablet unattended.

Patrons must keep food and drink away from the tablets.

Patron is responsible for any loss or damage to the tablet while checked out. Replacement cost for the Samsung Galaxy Tab is $500.

Playaway Launchpad & AWE Learning Tablet

Playaway Launchpads and the AWE Early Learning Tablet are designed for children and are preloaded with high quality ad-free learning apps. They are appropriate for ages 3-8. These tablets are not web-based.

Tablets are available for loan to adult patrons in good standing for use with children. Adult borrowers will supervise any children using the tablets individually.

Children’s Tablets may be checked out for a period of one (1) hour.

Borrowers must remain in sight of the circulation desk while using the tablet is being used.

Tablets are preloaded with learning apps. No changes to the apps may be made.