Technology is a privilege, not a right.  Privileges misused may be taken away.

ACCEPTABLE USE:

Technology will be used for the purpose of education or research, and its use will be consistent with the mission statement of this library.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES: 

  • To prevent damage to hardware or software, patrons who do not know how to use a computer will not be given computer time. Staff members offer occasional help but not constant instruction on computer use, so patrons are encouraged to attend classes offered at local community colleges or local high schools.
  • Reservations for a computer shall be required during high use times at the discretion of the staff.
  • Maximum consecutive use may not exceed two hours. When several patrons are waiting, the time limit is 30 minutes.
  • Only one person may be sitting or standing at a computer at a time, unless a parent needs to assist their child.
  • Only library programs may be loaded on library computers.
  • Patrons may use their own portable media on library computers as long as the files that are created or edited do not alter or damage the library computers or any program on the library computers. However, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library staff.
  • Due to weather or electrical problems, computers may be turned off by the library staff. 

UNACCEPTABLE USE: 

Any activity that is in violation of law, such as unauthorized copying of any software, copying any copyrighted material, or plagiarizing, will not be permitted, and computer privileges will be suspended.  Attempting to gain unauthorized entry to any computer, network, file, database, or communication will result in loss of computer privileges.  Patrons, or parents of patrons under the age of 18, will be held responsible for any damage to hardware or software. 

Passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of April 4, 2000.

Reviewed and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of March 4, 2003.

Revised and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library on April 4, 2006, July 1, 2008, and again on February 7, 2012. 

Reviewed and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of January 6, 2015.