Managing Computer Access With Fair Rules, Policies & Guidelines

KLA 2010Mickey Coalwell

Northeast Kansas Library SystemApril 8, 2010

What does NEKLS require 2009-2011?

Gateway Library The library provides free public access to at least three computers with a high-speed direct Internet connection

with a minimum upload and download bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps (T-1). Computers are interconnected with a local area network.

Linking Library The library provides free public access to at least four computers...

Service Center Level I The library provides free public access to at least six computers...

Service Center Level II The library provides free public access to at least eight computers...

Major Service Center Level I The library provides free public access to at least twelve computers...

Major Service Center Level II The library provides free public access to at least eighteen computers...

Major Service Center Level III The library provides free public access to at least 36 computers...

Major Resource Library The library provides free public access to at least 150 computers...

What else is required for accreditation?

Technology

The library has a telephone, telephone answering machine or service, and provides public FAX service.

The library has a current technology plan including a computer replacement schedule and planning for new technologies.

The library provides a wireless Internet access point.

Computer Management Software

CybraryNLibraryMetricksVendPrint/VAMEnvisionWarePharosSAMITG ALPS

Internet Use/Safety Policy

Defines the library’s stance on the internet as a RESOURCE: Who can use it How it can be used Limitations on use Legal (statutory) obligations General philosophy, disclaimers

Computer Use Rules

Explains to patrons the conditions under which they can use library computers

Details consequences of breaking rulesProvides behavioral and procedural

expectationsIs like a contract between patron & library

Do rules all have to be the same?

Appropriate = suited to your situationBalanced = meets needs of library AND

patronConsistent = applied to everyoneDefensible = are based on facts, reasonsFair = unbiased

16 Questions

1. Is a library card required to use the computer? If so, why?

16 Questions

2. Are some computers restricted for use to certain types of patron? Adults? Children? Teens? Genealogists? Researchers? Job applicants?

16 Questions

3. Do visitors and non-residents have computer privileges? Is ID required? Do guests need to have a local address or reference?

16 Questions

4. Is computer access privilege connected to library materials fines? What is the dollar threshold for denying the privilege?

16 Questions

5. Are users restricted to total sessions or minutes of computer use per day?

16 Questions

6. Can more than one patron work at a computer at the same time? Can two people working on the same project sit at the same computer?

16 Questions

7. Can patrons reserve computer time? Can they call to reserve time, or reserve only in person?

16 Questions

8. Is there a time limit on sessions? How is the limit enforced? How strictly/fairly?

16 Questions

9. Are “express” computers set aside for short-term use or catalog lookups?

16 Questions

10. Are games allowed? Is chat allowed? If no, why not?

16 Questions

11. Is patron printing allowed? Is there a charge for printing? Are there quantity limits on printing? Are patrons allowed to use special paper in the printer?

16 Questions

12. Are diskettes, CDs and/or USB flash drives allowed? If not, why not?

16 Questions

13. Are personal electronics allowed to be connected to computers? Headphones Laptops Cell phones Game units

16 Questions

14. Are patrons required to sign an Internet Use/Safety agreement? Is it kept on file? Are all patrons required to sign, or just minors? Is verified parental permission required for minors? What is the age cutoff?

16 Questions

15. Are parents required to sit with their minor children? How old does a child need to be to use a computer without adult supervision?

16 Questions

16. Is priority given to specific tasks, such as research, homework, or employment applications?

A balancing act

AppropriateBalancedConsistentDefensibleFair