Guidelines for Use

Each user must have a valid San Joaquin Valley Library System library card and PIN to reserve a computer. Short-term visitors to the area are allowed use of a guest card. Each user must indicate they agree with the following Guidelines for Computer Use in order to use a public computer. Failure to comply with these rules will result in the revocation of computer use privileges.

1. To provide equal opportunity for all residents to access Library workstations, the Library limits the total daily use by each person to a maximum of 2 hours. In locations where computer demand is very high, users may receive less than the 2 hour maximum.
2. Computer users can only sign up for a computer using their own library card. They may not misrepresent themselves or use someone else’s card or PIN.
3. All locations provide computers offering 30-minute sessions. Some locations may also offer 60-minute sessions and Express machines (15-minute limit, one use per day). If no one is waiting to use a computer, you may be given the option to extend your current session by 15 minutes.
4. Each user must log into their assigned computer within 6 minutes of their reservation. If not, the computer will become available to another user.
5. There is a 15-minute waiting period between sessions.
6. Printouts cost 10 cents per page for black and white and 85 cents per page where color printers are available.
7. Reservations can be made up to 1 day in advance in person or by phone.
8. Children under 5 may use computers when supervised by a parent/guardian. In locations with separate children’s areas, use of computers in these areas may be limited to children 14 years and under.
9. Library staff will provide basic assistance to computer users, but cannot provide in-depth individual instruction. Ask about the Library’s free classes in word processing, email, searching the Internet, and other topics.
10. Some computers include 3.5 inch drives, zip drives and/or USB flash drives, and library users who bring their own storage media may download to them. 3.5 inch disks can be purchased for $1.00 at some Library locations. The Library assumes no responsibility for damage to users’ computer equipment or data files resulting from downloads from the Internet.
11. Library users may not run their own personal software on Library workstations.
12. Library users are responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement through their use of Library workstations, and may not use Library workstations for any unlawful purposes.
13. If the nature of the content being viewed on the Library workstation disturbs other Library users, the viewer will be asked to cease, to use a privacy screen, or be moved to another workstation. See also the Library’s Rules of Conduct.

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