Internet use in Edinburgh City Libraries

	Acceptable Use of Computers in Edinburgh City Libraries and Information Services

Introduction	Security
The Internet & Your Responsibility	Prohibited Uses
Conditions of Access	Penalties for misuse
Your Session in progress	Review

1. Introduction In response to advances in technology, and the changing needs of the community, Edinburgh City Libraries and Information Services(ECLIS) is delighted to provide access to the Internet and other information technology, to support the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the community. The Internet The Internet enables access to valuable information resources in many different formats. ECLIS actively supports access to information by any member of the public, but recognises that such a resource may be open to misuse and abuse. The following guidelines have been produced in order to safeguard the interests of the library service and the community it serves.

2. The Internet & Your Responsibility Whilst the Internet contains a wealth of valuable and interesting information, some of this information may be inaccurate, out of date, controversial, offensive and/or illegal. ECLIS accept no responsibility for the quality, accuracy or availability of information accessed through the Internet, although we will try to signpost sites that appear to be authoritative. As a user, therefore, it is your personal responsibility to ensure the accuracy of information you discover. ECLIS assume no liability for any loss, damage or injury, direct or indirect, suffered as a result of using these computer resources.

3. Conditions of Access Membership Access to computers in ECLIS is available to all. All users will be asked to complete and sign the ECLIS membership form and Conditions of Use. Those users who are not eligible for library membership must produce adequate identification (passport, driving licence, ID Card etc.) before a computer is made available to them. Children and Young People Children and young people under the age of 16 will be allowed access to the Internet provided that a parent or legal guardian has signed the Conditions of Use section of the ECLIS membership form for that child or young person. Cost The use of computers in ECLIS Libraries is free of charge. However, other charges may be applied to computer usage for the following: The supply of Floppy Disks and CDs Printing. Special printing requirements e.g. photographs, illustrations, transparencies will have different costs. Please speak to local staff about these. Booking a computer session Sessions may be booked in advance, up to four weeks ahead, by telephone, by e-mail, or in person. Sessions can be booked in hourly slots. If an extended session is required for specific purposes, e.g. preparation of CV, work report etc, members should notify library staff of this in advance with reasons. If the demand for computers is not high , a session may be extended at the time of use. Subject to availability, some computers may be available for unbooked/drop in use.

*4. Your Session in Progress*** Library staff will try wherever possible to help users, however staff may not always be able to give dedicated assistance. ECLIS can monitor access to Internet sites, and any public access of illegal, offensive or controversial material may be the subject of further action. ECLIS reserves the right to monitor and log all types of computer activity including email but will endeavour to respect the individual's right to privacy at all times. Monitoring of computer usage may be performed electronically and manually.

5. Security Filtering The Internet service will be unfiltered for adult users. The Internet service will be filtered for users under 16. Filtering mechanisms may eliminate material that is perfectly acceptable. The library service is willing to consider releasing any such site after careful checking. Filtering mechanisms will not always block offensive or unacceptable material. Users are asked to notify library staff when sites of this nature are accessed using library equipment. Parents or guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which resources are appropriate for their children. Virus-checking software will run on all computers. Users may not connect their own computer equipment to library computer equipment. Exceptions may be possible for special equipment to help with general computer use (e.g. adaptive hardware for disabled users) by prior arrangement. Downloading Information from the Internet may be downloaded (within copyright restrictions) to a floppy disk or CD-ROM. The hard drive is cleared automatically at the end of each session and information downloaded to it will be lost.

6. Prohibited Uses Certain uses of the computers are prohibited. These are: · Accessing , downloading or transmitting material which could be considered offensive or inappropriate · Distribution of unsolicited advertising. · Attempting to make unauthorised access to other computers or networks. · Alteration of the set-up of the computers or the software running on them. ECLIS do not prohibit specific online activities as long as they are not illegal or considered to be offensive, obscene, abusive or troublesome to other computer users. However, users should be aware that risks are attached to some online activities: · Broadcasting personal or private details over the network may lead to the receiving of unwanted mail or unwanted attention. Users are advised to refer to the SAFE CHAT guidelines on display in libraries. · Online financial transactions are an increasingly common use of the Internet and are often conducted safely over secure connections. However, ECLIS cannot be held responsible for any losses resulting from sending confidential financial information via the Internet. · Some online activities (e.g. game playing) can seriously impact on the ability of the network to deliver other services. ECLIS reserve the right to restrict access to such activities. Users must not interfere with equipment, add to, amend or delete existing software.

7. Penalties for misuse Library staff will direct computer users to remove inappropriate images or text from the screen if, in the staff member's judgement, the image or text is displayed in such a way that other library users cannot reasonably avoid viewing it. ECLIS reserve the right to refuse further computer access to any individuals violating the membership Conditions of Use by accessing or transmitting content which is deemed to be illegal or unacceptable or have the potential to offend or disturb others. Library staff on site will determine whether any computer activity is unacceptable and this determination will be subject to confirmation by a Senior Officer of the Library Service. As well as the loss of computer privileges , the Council may be obliged to notify occurrences of illegal activities to the relevant authorities. In the case of an under 16 user who violates the library service membership Conditions of Use, the parent or guardian who signed the membership form will be notified.

8. Review This guideline will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains timely and relevant. ECLIS welcomes feedback and comment on the content and operation of the guidelines.

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