Dorset Council Library Service Computer and iPad Use Policy

Customers must comply with this policy while using any computer service offered by Dorset Libraries, including but not limited to the Public Network computers and iPads.

What we offer

In Dorset Libraries we offer:

• free public access computers for everyone to use. Sessions are for one hour. Use for a further period is available depending on demand. The service supports 'learning for life' and helps to provide information, intellectual development and enrichment to the community
• access to the internet and computer applications such as Microsoft Word, spreadsheets and email
• the internet service we provide is a 'filtered' service, available through Dorset Council's internet service provider. We filter sites which are not appropriate in a public library environment, or restrict access to the internet for particular uses. We will consider unblocking on request an individual site that has been filtered. Dorset Council will retain the final decision. Please be aware that the internet is not a secure medium and that others may be able to obtain information regarding your online activities
• iPads which can be borrowed for up to 6 weeks to assist with seeking employment, attending online interviews and other employment support.

Please note:

• we do not provide a managed email service. Customers can subscribe to one of the many web-based services
• we do not provide data storage so you will need to save your work to a storage device. Dorset Council accepts no responsibility for damage to any computer user's storage device when used in conjunction with a Go Online computer
• all libraries have assistive hardware, for example, a large keyboard and mouse
• printing is available and charges are displayed in the libraries
• Dorset Library Service does not accept responsibility for any data lost as a result of printing failure

Who can use our computer services

You are welcome to use our Public Network computer services if you are:

• a full member of Libraries West who can produce your library card
• a resident of the Dorset Council area but require one off access and can show address ID
• visiting the Dorset Council area (but resident outside of the area), require short term access and can show proof of identity
• an online member, or have applied for full membership but not yet received your library card you may show photographic and address ID

You are eligible to borrow an iPad if you are:

• a full library member and can produce your library membership card
• a resident in the Dorset Council area

General eligibility

In order to be eligible customers must note that:

• library membership cards are not transferable
• the parent or guardian of any child aged 15 years or under must give their consent for their child to use the computers
• parents and carers are responsible for setting and communicating the standards their children should follow when using the computers
• our staff will do everything they reasonably can to prevent children aged 15 years or under using the internet where we do not have parental consent but parents shall retain ultimate responsibility for their children
• no more than 2 people are permitted at a workstation at any one time

Access to our computers

Please note when accessing our computers that:

• Dorset Library Service operates a self-service (direct login) system which allows Dorset Library Service members to access most computers using their library membership number
• if you do not have a membership number, then sessions cannot be booked in advance. You must speak to staff at the library and obtain a visitor pass to be used immediately by producing ID
• subject to availability customers can pre-book a future session at the library from a public access computer or ask staff to make a future booking
• in some small libraries future sessions can only be pre-booked by the customer from a public access computer
• larger libraries have express terminals which cannot be booked in advance and can only be used for 15 minutes
• from time to time, computers may be reserved for courses or organised events so they are not available for general access
• making a booking does not guarantee you time on the computers if there are technical problems or other unavoidable events at any library

Accessing iPads and accompanying equipment

When using iPads please note that:

• iPads and accompanying equipment must be booked in advance and may be borrowed for up to 6 weeks
• a collection time must be agreed with the appropriate library
• iPads must be returned to the library they were borrowed from

What customers are responsible for

Customers must:

• behave in a responsible, ethical and legal way at all times
• consent to this computer use policy before being allowed to logon. If we think anyone is misusing or abusing our equipment, we can stop access to our computers, in line with Dorset Council's library bylaws, or rules and regulations. Failure to comply with this computer use policy will result in the withdrawal of access to the computer facilities and possible legal action
• not use the computers for direct personal gain at the expense of any other person, or for any illegal activity
• not transmit or view any illegal material; this includes copyright material, threatening or obscene material, pornography, or information protected by trade secrets law
• be responsible for logging on and logging off; this helps provide security, by stopping anyone else from seeing what the previous customer has been doing

Computers and the law

Information about our computers and the law:

• Dorset Library Service has no control over the information provided on the internet; it cannot be held responsible for the content or accuracy of any information that customers obtain. Customers can download and print material, but it is up to the customers to make sure that they follow the Copyright Design and Patent Act (1988) when they create, download or print material
• Dorset Council accepts no liability for any loss or penalty computer users suffer, including financial loss. Use of your credit card is at your own risk
• transmission or the viewing of any material in violation of any laws is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyright material, threatening or obscene material, illegal, pornographic material or material protected by trade secrets legislation
• library staff may contact the police if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a criminal act has been committed, or if library bye-laws have been infringed. We reserve the right to trace emails and URLs used on any particular machine