Internet Access  <<  Services   <<  Your Library

• Accessing the Internet from DCPL Branches.
• Internet Guidelines.
• Internet Policy.
• Accessing DCPL from the Internet.

Accessing the Internet from DCPL Branches

All branches have PC workstations you can use. Your library card gives you access to the following services available on library PCs:

• Internet access
• Word processing
• Spreadsheet and presentation software

Internet Guidelines

Signing Up for a PC

• PC use is on a first-come, first-serve basis. No advance reservations are accepted. The Library uses an automated system to manage the PC waiting list. Please check the posted instructions to find out how to add your name to the list and how you will be notified when a PC is available.
• You must use your own library card to access a PC and provide the Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the account. No more than 2 people can be present during a PC session.
• If you are not a cardholder or do not have your card with you, you can ask staff for a guest pass. Staff cannot look up your account number.

Time Limits

• As a cardholder, your PC session will last 1 hour. You will be offered an opportunity to extend your session beyond the first hour if PCs are not in heavy demand. Each cardholder can use a PC for a maximum of 2 hours per day. Guests may use a PC for 30 minutes.
• You will receive a warning message when your computer time is ending. Please finish your work promptly, as you will be logged off automatically when your session time expires.

Using Library PCs

• If you want to print pages, please ask staff about putting money on an account before your session begins. There is a 15¢ per page cost for printing. You must pay for all pages that you print; so please check the number of pages in advance.
• You may download files if you provide a disk or other compatible storage device. Some branches have disks available for purchase at a small cost.
• Library staff cannot provide one-on-one instruction in the use of software or other PC applications, but can often suggest appropriate programs or resources. Some branches offer periodic training classes in PC skills and use of online resources.
• Please do not attempt to reconfigure the computer or download your own software. Computer equipment and library furniture must not be moved or adjusted.
• You must obey copyright restrictions applicable to PC use and will be held responsible for any damage caused by neglect or intentional abuse of library PCs.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for any failure of machinery or software or for power outages and any subsequent loss or damage to your work.
• You may use library PCs to check your e-mail. If you do not have an account, ask staff for an e-mail brochure that lists commercial providers who offer free accounts.
• The Library complies with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act and uses a content filter to block access to sites that would be in violation of the Library's Internet Use Policy. If you are 17 or older, you may choose to have the filter disabled temporarily, should it interfere with your ability to do research at the library.
• Internet access is available for use by both children and adults. The Library strongly encourages parents to monitor their children's use of the Internet to insure that it is consistent with their family values and boundaries. Guides to Internet safety for children and parents are available.

Internet Use Policy

The DeKalb County Public Library offers Internet access to more effectively meet the educational, information, and recreational needs of Library patrons.  Use of the Internet for illegal purposes is expressly forbidden, in accordance with applicable legal statutes. The Library assumes responsibility only for the content of its own homepage and for accompanying Web pages.

Internet resources available through the Library are provided to all patrons, with the understanding that it is the individual patron's responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Library resources and facilities. Internet use is managed in a manner consistent with the Conduct in Libraries Policy posted in each Library facility. Complete guidelines concerning Internet use are available. These include time limits for daily use, so as to allow equitable use of this resource by all patrons.

While using the Internet at the Library, patrons may not display or print images unsuitable for a general audience. This includes, but is not limited to, material that is obscene as defined under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16-12-80), child pornography as defined under federal or state law (18 U.S.C. 2256; O.C.G.A. 16-12-100), and material that is “harmful to minors” as defined under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16-12-102). In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)], the Library employs a technology protection measure (filtering software) on all computers to block or filter access to inappropriate information. Subject to staff supervision, this technology protection measure may be disabled upon request only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Patrons access the Internet at their own discretion. Although many valuable sources of information are available via the Internet, the Library can neither verify the accuracy nor control the content of material found. Although the Library uses a technology protection measure, patrons may find that some websites contain material they consider offensive, or inappropriate for children. While the Library makes every effort to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act, the Library does not warrant the effectiveness of the filtering software used. Parents and/or guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their minor children's use of electronic resources, including electronic mail, and to establish guidelines consistent with personal and individual family values and boundaries.

Staff monitors use of Internet computers in an effort to prevent illegal or inappropriate activities, and takes appropriate actions if any user fails to comply with Library policies and procedures. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called 'hacking', and other unlawful activities, and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. Failure to follow the Library's guidelines for Internet use will result in suspension or revocation of a patron's right to use the Library and could result in criminal prosecution.

Library staff provides assistance to patrons using the Internet, within the limitations of available resources, and uses the Internet as appropriate to assist in answering reference questions. Further training and instruction by Library staff is offered periodically, as schedules permit, and the Library maintains a list of recommended links that may be useful to patrons. The Library also offers books, videos, and other materials that may assist patrons in enhancing their knowledge of Internet skills and resources.

Approved:

DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees

July 8, 2003

Accessing DCPL from the Internet

Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for DCPL's Home Page on the World Wide Web are:

http://www.dekalblibrary.org

http://www.dekalb.public.lib.ga.us

The URL's for DCPL's Catalog are:

http://findit.dekalblibrary.org

http://findit.dekalb.public.lib.ga.us

To contact the Library, you may fill out the online comment form and receive a reply via e-mail.