Wireless Internet Policy

 

To fulfill its mission of providing access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the Garland County Library provides wireless Internet access for laptop computers and other equipment.

 

All patrons who agree to the Library’s Internet Access Policy may use the wireless service.  By choosing to use this free service, users are agreeing to abide by the Library’s Internet and computing policies.  In order to utilize the connections, the laptop computer will need to have a wireless network card and to be configured to connect via appropriate protocols.  The Library does not guarantee that all laptop computers will be able to connect to the wireless Internet service or to maintain that connection. 

The Library provides landline and wireless Internet access following all appropriate federal, state, and local legislation. The Library does not provide wireless network cards to patrons.  The Library reserves the right to disconnect any device and to provide equal access for wireless access to all users.

Laptop users must be considerate of nearby patrons and refrain from excessive noise including the playing of music on the laptop without the use of headphones.  Patrons not adhering to this policy may be asked to leave the Library.

The Library is not responsible for laptops or similar devices.  Furthermore, the Library is not responsible for any damage that may occur to the laptop computer while connected to the wireless network.  This includes, but is not limited to, hardware, software, or data loss due to power surges, power loss, service interruptions, computer viruses, spyware, and/or any other type of computer malware.  Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the patron.

The Library staff cannot provide technical assistance to patrons using the Library’s wireless network. Technical computer connection or use questions should be directed to the appropriate manufacturer’s representative.

Printers may not be available for wireless users using their own laptop or similar personally owned devices.  However, saved files can be copied onto a floppy disk or similar storage device and utilized on one of the Library’s public access computer workstations for printing.  The Library is not responsible for data loss that may occur when printing.  Current printing fees will be charged.

The Library’s Internet access is filtered.  Parents or legal guardians who want their children to have additionally filtered access should direct their children to one of the Library’s public access computers or purchase filtering software for their computing devices.

There is no conversational cell phone use allowed in the Library.  Patrons may not use their cell phones in conjunction with their laptop computers.  Cell phones may be used in the Library’s foyer.

Users may not use the network to:

make unauthorized entry into other computer, information, or communication services or resources;

distribute unsolicited advertising or spam;

invade the privacy of others;

engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory;

use the Internet for illegal activity;

 

Users will refrain from displaying obscene materials.  Patrons deemed to be in violation of this may be asked to leave the Library and may eventually be banned from further Library Internet use.  Obscene materials are considered in part to be those images that may be offensive to others. 

 

The Library’s wireless Internet connection is unsecured and open to others.  The Library is not responsible for problems arising from using wireless Internet connectivity.  This includes but is not limited to loss due to improper use of online financial tools, personal information intercepted while being transmitted, and/or identity theft.  Information sent to and from notebook/laptop computers or other wireless devices may be captured by anyone with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

Violations of any policy may result in loss of access.  Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.