Memorial Hall Library is committed to providing free access to the internet to all who visit. Public computers with internet access are in a variety of locations in the building and a robust wireless network is available throughout. Library staff can assist patrons in accessing the internet on library owned computers and in using the library’s Wi-Fi network. 

Reference, Teen, Makerspace, and Children’s Room Computer Use

• The computers in the Reference Area are always available to patrons of all ages. The computers in the Teen Room are reserved for students in 6th-12th grade, to students being home-schooled who are of similar age, and to teenagers through age 18 when school is not in session. The computers in the Makerspace are limited to patrons working on Makerspace projects and equipment. The Children’s Room provides internet access to children through age 12. Adults and teens unaccompanied by children are not permitted to use the computers in the Children’s Room.  It is the responsibility of parents, guardians, or caregivers to determine what their children may read, use or access on the internet.
• Patrons must cooperate with library staff as requested to ensure equitable computer use and a safe computing environment. Failure to do so may result in loss of computer privileges.
• Altering computer operating systems, firmware, or tampering with security or session management software in any way is prohibited and may result in loss of computer privileges. 

Public Environment

• Whether using a library computer or a personal device, patrons are expected to refrain from displaying or printing graphics which are inappropriate for public viewing or playing audio that could disturb other patrons.
• Use headphones when listening to audio content and keep volume low.
• Do not gather around/stand behind computers since doing so may obstruct or distract other patrons.
• No food is permitted at the computers. Drinks in spill-proof containers are okay.

Saving Your Data and Files

• When a library computer session ends, or if the computer restarts for any reason, all files that were saved are immediately deleted and cannot be recovered by library staff. Patrons should save their work to the cloud or to a removable storage device.

Filtering

• Memorial Hall Library provides people of all ages equal access to materials, information, and technology. The library does not selectively choose which websites to make available. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians, or caregivers to determine what their children may read, use or access on the internet. 

Monitoring

• The library does not routinely monitor public computers but reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy or illegal activity is suspected. Illegal activities or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network, patrons, services or equipment are prohibited.
• Staff are authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network. This includes but is not limited to requiring a patron to leave a computer or the premises and contacting law enforcement. 

Privacy

• The library does not keep permanent records of patrons’ use of its computers, the sites they visit, or files they create. However, complete privacy on shared computers or public Wi-Fi networks cannot be guaranteed. When patrons are finished using a library desktop computer, they should restart it to delete files that were created during their session and to make the computer “fresh” for the next patron.

Approved by the Memorial Hall Library Board of Trustees, May 6, 1998.  Modified by the Trustees December 6, 2000; November 7, 2001; March 12, 2003; September 17, 2003, November 5, 2008, October 12, 2016, October 14, 2020, January 8, 2025.