Computer Use

Library workstations may not be used to view sexually explicit material, illegal drug-related, gang related, hate group related or violent materials. Library computers may be used to visit chat sites or other forms of electronic communications. Users will not disclose, use or disseminate personal information regarding minors without authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved. Users will obey copyright laws and licensing agreements. Users may not change the settings and configuration, use non-library software, or save anything to the hard drive of a library workstation. Users may not circumvent the established procedure for access to the Internet. It is not acceptable to use the Library’s computers for any purpose which violates U.S. or state laws, to transmit, obscene or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users.

Users are financially responsible for any damage to the Library’s equipment, hardware, or software. The Library’s Rules of Behavior on Library Premises policy applies to the behavior of patrons using library equipment and resources. Parents and guardians must also maintain supervision of their children in the library while using the Internet. Failure to follow this policy could result in revocation of library privileges. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy as stated or implied herein.

Computer workstations are available on a first-come basis whenever the library is open. Workstations may be reserved by signing up at the circulation desk or by telephone. Workstations may be reserved up to one week in advance. Use of the Internet is limited to a single one-hour session per day. Use of a computer workstation for word processing will be limited to a single two-hour session per day.

If no one is waiting to use a computer/Internet workstation, use may continue until it is needed for another person. If a person does not arrive within fifteen minutes of the scheduled time, the workstation will become available for someone else to use. Only one person per computer will be allowed unless permission from the Library Staff. Extended use of a computer workstation is up to the discretion of library staff on duty.

There is a charge of $.25 + tax for all black-and-white copies, and $.50 + tax for all color copies. Users will be charged for all pages that come off the printers, including misprints. All fees must be paid at the time of service.

Parents and legal guardians have the responsibility of monitoring their children’s use of the Internet, including email, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communications. Parents should also caution their minor children about sharing personal information on the Internet. Staff is not responsible for monitoring minors’ activities while on the Internet.

The library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of patrons. Sign-up sheets are maintained on paper locally to manage access to computer workstations. There is no electronic tracking of workstation use that would enable the library to determine who users are or what they did on library computers after logging off. Users must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal, identifiable information. Users are encouraged to respect others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else. Absolute privacy for people using electronic resources in the library cannot be guaranteed.

The Computer and Internet Use Policy applies to any wireless device used to access the Internet through the library’s Wi-Fi connection. As a result, your Internet connection will be filtered and prohibited websites will be blocked. Users are responsible for making sure their computers have the correct settings and necessary hardware. Library staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems. Library staff will provide limited instruction for access. The library cannot guarantee that users’ hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.

Wireless Policy

The Redwood Falls Public Library offers wireless Internet access. A plug or phone jack is not needed. Patrons may turn on their wireless device and begin using.

Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be made that a wireless connection will be successful. Even though every effort has been made to ensure wireless access, dead spots may be encountered in certain areas of the library where access may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the internet or staying online, please try another location within the library.

As with most public wireless hot spots, the library's wireless connection is not secure. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software. Cautious and informed wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their wireless devices.

The Redwood Falls Public Library Internet Policy governs the use of these access points. All users are expected to use the library's wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users should not violate federal or state laws.

Adopted June 2007
Adopted and approved by the Redwood Falls City Council June 3, 2014
Revised January 2020

The library is obligated to comply with federal and state law regarding the use of computer resources in the prevention of exposure to certain explicit images and material. Library staff is available to introduce Internet access and provide limited instruction only.