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Schools Services |
Acceptable
Use of Computers in Wigan Libraries
1. Introduction
In response to advances in technology, and the changing needs of the
community, Wigan library service 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. The Library and Information Service does not deny
legitimate access to information by any member of the public, but
recognises that such a resource may be open to misuse and abuse. The
following policy has 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information, some of this information may be inaccurate, out of date,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, false, offensive and/or illegal.
Wigan Libraries 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 we do not
necessarily endorse these sites. As a user, therefore, it is your
personal responsibility to ensure the accuracy of information you
discover. Wigan Libraries assume no liability for any loss, damage or
injury, direct or indirect, suffered as a result of using these computer
resources.
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3. Conditions of Access
Membership
To access computers in Wigan Libraries you must be a library member.
All users will be asked to complete a membership form stating that they
have read the 'Acceptable Use of Computers in Wigan Libraries' document
and agree to abide by its terms and conditions.
Children and Young People
Children aged under 9 will be allowed Internet access only if
accompanied by a parent or carer.
Children and young people between the ages of 9 and 16 will be allowed
Internet access provided that a parent or carer has signed a consent
form on their behalf.
Cost
The use of computers in Wigan Libraries is currently free of charge.
However, other charges are applied to computer usage. These are:
Floppy Disks: 50p per disk
Printing: 10p per sheet Black & White, 50p colour
Children are allowed 10 B&W sheets free only for homework.
Booking a computer session
Sessions may be booked in advance, up to seven days ahead by telephone
or in person.
Sessions can be booked in half-hourly slots with a maximum of one hour
for the Internet, 2 hours for office applications. If the demand for
computers is not high at the time, a session may be extended.
No more than two people may use a computer at any one time, at the
discretion of library staff.
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4. Your Session in Progress
Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust can and do monitor access to Internet
sites, and any public access of illegal, offensive or controversial
material will be subject to the penalties of misuse (see section 6
below.) We reserve the right to monitor and log all types of network
activity including email. We adhere to the Data Protection Act, and make
every effort to protect your personal information. The police or other
agencies in their investigations may request this and other information
relating to your use of our services. We make consideration of such
requests in the light of our Data Protection responsibilities but may
have to release this information if the appropriate case is made.
5. Security
Filtering
Filtering software is used in an attempt to screen out offensive and
potentially illegal material. However, filtering mechanisms may also
eliminate material that is perfectly acceptable. The library service is
willing to consider releasing any such site after careful checking.
Virus-checking software runs on all computers.
Users may not load their own software or connect their own computer
hardware (e.g. cameras/scanners) to library computer equipment.
Exceptions are possible for special equipment to help with general
computer use (e.g. assistive hardware for users with Special Needs).
Downloading
Information from the Internet may be downloaded (within copyright
restrictions) to a hard disk, floppy disk, and memory stick.
Please note files stored on the hard drive are cleared every night.
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6. Prohibited Uses
Certain uses of the computers are prohibited. These are:
· Accessing, displaying, downloading or disseminating pornographic or
other “adult” materials which could be considered obscene, offensive or
abusive to other computer users or staff
· Accessing, displaying, distributing material or information that may
disparage, harass or intimidate others on the basis of gender, race,
age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation or
national origin
· Distribution of unsolicited advertising
· Chat rooms
· Attempting to make unauthorised access to other computers or networks
· Alteration of the set-up of the computers or the software running on
them, including the introduction of viruses
· Downloading, using or distributing copyrighted materials from the
Internet without proper authorisation from and/or payment of user fees
to the owner of the intellectual property rights of the materials
· Participating in any form of gambling
· Downloading of any software to the computer hard disc, floppy disc or
DVD is not allowed
Please note
· Online financial transactions are an increasingly common use of the
Internet and are often conducted safely over secure connections.
However, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust cannot be held responsible for
any losses resulting from sending confidential financial information via
the Internet.
· Wigan Libraries reserve the right to restrict access for any other
computer activities which are felt to be inappropriate in a library
setting.
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7. Penalties for misuse
Library staff will direct computer users to remove inappropriate images
or text from the screen.
Wigan Libraries reserve the right to ban computer access to any
individuals who persist in accessing or distributing materials which are
deemed to be illegal or unacceptable or have the potential to offend or
disturb others. A decision on exclusion will be made by a Senior Officer
of the Library Service or IT Manager and communicated in writing. As
well as the loss of computer privileges, other options may be applied,
including criminal prosecution.
Users who are banned will have a right of appeal. This must be made in
writing within 14 days of receipt of the exclusion letter. The decision
in this appeal will be made by an Executive Director and communicated to
the users within 14 day of receipt of appeal. If a user is still
dissatisfied following the appeal process then they may complain in
accordance with WLCT complaints procedure, which can be obtained on the
WLCT website and venues.
In the case of a junior computer user who violates this Acceptable Use
Policy, the parent or carer who signed the consent form will be
notified.
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains timely
and relevant.
You can surf
the Internet free at your local library using computers provided by the
government as part of the Peoples Network. All you need to do is call into
your local Library and become a library member, sign and agree to our
internet user policy and book a session. Users can book on for up to one
hour and may stay on for a further hour subject to the availability of a
PC. The only charge we make is for printouts: 10p for black & white or
50p for colour.
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|
Using computers in The Wiend Children's
Library
The People's Network at Golborne Library
Internet use is free! |
