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Lake County Public Library Computer

Computer Use Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 7/24/97
Revised - 6/27/02
Revised - 12/28/23
Reviewed - 11/26/24

Download the PDF

Lake County Public Library provides computer and internet access for informational, educational and recreational purposes. This policy covers the management of computer data networks that are owned and administered by the Library.

Skip to: Access - Confidentiality - Responsibilities of Users - Legal Use - Ethical Use - Cooperative Responsibilities - Sanctions - Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials - Limitations of Liability - Computer Use by ChildrenDisclaimer

Access

Staff and patrons who use networks or facilities not owned by the Library will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of those networks and facilities. (Those policies and procedures can usually be obtained from the network information center of the network in question.)

Use of Library computer resources must follow the guidelines of all of the networks traversed. Staff may use Library computer resources only for purposes related to their duties as employees, their official business with the Library, and other Library-sanctioned activities.

Free wireless access is available for all Library visitors with their own personal laptops and mobile devices. Use is governed by the Library’s Internet & Computer Use policy. Use of the Library’s wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.

Confidentiality

In keeping with the Library’s general policies, information stored on computers is treated as confidential. The Library does not disclose information about an individual’s use of computer resources unless compelled to do so by local, state, or federal law, or approved by the Director or their designee. Viewing information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.

Information stored by a user on the Library’s public computers will be removed by operating system procedures and software tools at the conclusion of each user session. However, no guarantees can be made in this regard and patrons should exercise caution when exposing any private information.

Responsibilities of Users

Computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users should never be shared with others. Passwords should be changed frequently and users should take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor.

Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's data or devices or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user's privacy.

Legal Use

Computer resources are for legal purposes only. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Harassment, libeling or slandering other users;
  • violating copyright restrictions;
  • conducting illicit transactions;
  • using Library computer resources to break into other computer systems;
  • attempting to alter or damage computer equipment, software configurations, or files belonging to the Library, other users, or external networks;
  • disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
  • unauthorized purchasing in the name of the library.

Suspicion of illegal activities will result in the suspension of a user’s privileges. Proof of wrongdoing will result in the termination of a user’s privileges.

In addition, abuse of the Library’s computer resources – including using another’s password or account, breaking into restricted areas of the system, accessing other users’ private files or using the Library’s computer resources to distribute malevolent software like computer viruses – is grounds for immediate suspension or termination of a user’s access privileges.

Ethical Use

Computer resources should be used in accordance with ethical standards of the Library. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • violation of computer system security;
  • unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
  • use of computers in ways that unnecessarily impede the computer activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or email exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.);
  • violation of software license agreements;
  • violation of network usage policies and regulations;
  • violation of another user's privacy.

Cooperative Responsibilities

Computer users can facilitate computing at the Library in many ways. The Library endorses the practice of cooperative computing. It includes:

  • regular deletion of unneeded files from one's accounts on shared computers;
  • refraining from overuse of connect time, information storage space, printing facilities or processing capacity;
  • refraining from overuse of interactive network utilities;
  • refraining from use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others;
  • refraining from use of any computer resources in an irresponsible manner.

The library reserves the right to place reasonable limits on the use of its computer resources by the public.

Sanctions

Violators of the Internet and Computer Use Policy may lose library privileges. Staff will be subject to normal disciplinary procedures as well. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use of computer resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. For staff, this may include termination of employment. Illegal acts involving Library computer resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials

Use of library computer resources to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material (as defined per I.C. 35-49-2-1) in any Library building is prohibited.

Limitations of Liability

All patrons who wish to use the Library's computer equipment are required to sign and date the library’s Computer Use Form which includes a limitation of liability statement.

Computer Use by Children

The Library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children's use of the internet through the Library's connection. Parents and children are encouraged to read Netsmartz Safety Tips and to explore the additional resources at Netsmartz, a resource for parents and children of all ages, created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.


Disclaimer:

  • The Internet is a global electronic network. There is no state/county control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library cannot protect users from offensive information.

    Library staff cannot control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information.

    The Lake County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connections to Internet services.

    In accordance with Indiana Code (IC 36-12-1-12), the Library performs a public review of this Internet and Computer Use Policy annually.

Classes
Mon, Jul 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Jul 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 29, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Jul 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch Library - Upper Level
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Wed, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Learn entry level photo editing skills with the free software Paint.NET.
This event is full

Wed, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Thu, Jul 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Jul 31, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Learn driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws and rules of the road. Class fee is $20 for AARP members & $25 for non-members.

Sat, Aug 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Mon, Aug 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending must be accompanied by a child. All children must be with an adult.

Tue, Aug 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Aug 05, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (14-18) are welcome.

Thu, Aug 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 07, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (14-18) are welcome.

Mon, Aug 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Aug 12, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (14-18) are welcome.

Wed, Aug 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think your identity has been compromised.

Thu, Aug 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 14, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (14-18) are welcome.

Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Mon, Aug 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Aug 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Tue, Aug 19, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (14-18) are welcome.

Wed, Aug 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Create your perfect resume with helpful resources and tips for those just getting started.

Wed, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.

Thu, Aug 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 21, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (14-18) are welcome.

Fri, Aug 22, 11:00am - 12:15pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service so that you can understand all your options.

Mon, Aug 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.