Gonzales Public Library
Internet and Computer Use Policy

The mission of the Gonzales Public Library is to provide educational, informational and recreational resources to patrons of all ages and of all cultural and economic backgrounds. The library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning and provide library materials and information services. 

While the Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching, it also enables access to some material which may be controversial, offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. Not all information available by the Internet is accurate, current or complete. The Gonzales Public Library has no control over the quality or authenticity of subject matter found on the Internet. Patrons must accept responsibility for determining the validity of information. The Gonzales Public Library is not responsible for any information accessed by either adults or minors. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection.

Guidelines of Internet Use at the Gonzales Public Library

1. All users must sign an Internet Use Agreement form. Users 17 years and under must have a parental signature.
2. All in-county users must have a current library card. Out-of-county users must provide a picture I.D.
3. Patrons must not owe a fine or have overdue items, if so they will not be authorized to use the Internet.
4. All users must sign in before each on-line use.
5. Users should have a working knowledge of computers.
6. All users under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Users under the age of 14 may use the equipment if a registered parent or guardian has a working knowledge of computer usage.
7. The computer may be used for a 30-minute block of time beginning when the library opens. The user may remain on the terminal after signing in for a second time if no one else is waiting to use the terminal. The last time slot will begin one hour before closing. All computers will be turned off 30 minutes before closing.
8. Due to space limitations, no more than 2 registered users will be allowed at a terminal at any one time. NO TOTE BAGS, BRIEFCASES, BACKPACKS OR PURSES ARE ALLOWED AT THE COMPUTER STATIONS.
9. The library staff will be glad to assist you in accessing the Internet, but will not provide in-depth training concerning Internet computer jargon or personal computer use. Current books on Internet usage are available in the library’s reference and checkout collection.
10. No access to newsgroups, Internet chat channels and e-mail accounts is allowed under the library domain. E-mail may be accessed through search engines. 
11. Playing with interactive games is not allowed.
12. Web sites may not be established.
13. To protect the computer from viruses users MAY NOT use their own software programs. Users are NOT ALLOWED to save files to the hard drive. Users MAY NOT use their own disks to save a file. They are available for a fee at the front desk.
14. Anti-viral/file protection software is loaded. Attempts to break the code, illegally copy software, damage files, change setups in the system software or add software will not be tolerated and will result in the withdrawal of all computer use privileges.
15. Printing is 15 cents per page for black and white; 25 cents per page for color. This includes all pages printed whether you keep them or not. Printing without paying will result in withdrawal of all computer use privileges. 
16. Failure to use the Internet/public access computers appropriately and responsibly or failure to behave appropriately as outlined in the Library Board policies will result in revocation of computer use.
17. An audio extender will be provided with patrons furnishing their own headset.