3.2.2 — Public Technology Use

Effective: April 22, 2025
Last Reviewed:

  1. Purpose

    2. The purpose of this policy is to establish the rights and responsibilities of individuals who use the Library’s public technology. The Library provides publicly available technology to support the its strategic agenda.

  2. Definitions
    1. A Cardholder is a Customer who has registered with the Library and who uses the Customer Account to access, borrow or otherwise use a service provided by the Library.
    2. A Customer Account is the registration information submitted and used by a Customer to access, borrow or otherwise use a service provided by the Library.
    3. A Guest Pass provides access to in-house library computers and is available for purchase by customers who do not qualify for a Customer Account as described in Policy 3.1.1—Customer Accounts and Privileges.
    4. Lendable Technology is a subset of Public Technology lent by the Library to qualified Borrowers as described in Policy 3.1.3—Borrowing Library Materials.
    5. Public Technology refers to any technological device or service that is available to be reserved, borrowed from or used inside the Library, including but not limited to, desktop computers, meeting room audio-visual equipment, hot spots, laptops, or tablets.

  3. Eligibility
    1. In-Library Computer Use. In-library computers are desktop or laptop computers owned by the Library and meant to be used inside the library building.
      1. Library desktop computers are available for in-library use by all Library Cardholders and Guest Pass holders.
      2. Library laptop computers may only be accessed by Cardholders who are 18 years old or older.
    2. Lendable Technology. Lendable Technology is available to Cardholders who are 18 years old or older, as described in Policy 3.1.3—Borrowing Library Materials and Policy 3.1.4—Borrowing Limit Schedule. Unlike Public Technology devices and services meant for use within a library building, Lendable Technology may be borrowed and removed from a library facility.
    3. Public Technologies in Meeting, Study and Other Spaces. Some Library meeting rooms, study rooms and other public spaces are equipped with public technology, including audio visual equipment, to enhance the customer’s experience. Use of these spaces is governed by Policy 3.6.1—Branch Meeting Room Use Policy, Policy 3.6.2—Study Room Use Policy and the Conference Center at the Main Library.

  4. Availability and Limits
    1. The Library sets uniform time limits or borrowing periods on public computers, devices and equipment to ensure equitable service for all cardholders.
    2. The Library may restrict, change, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of this service at any time, including the availability of any service feature.
    3. The uniform time limit on in-house computers may be extended for customers when there is no one in the queue. Depending on availability of computers, Library staff may modify an individual in-house session for up to double the time of an individual session upon the customer’s request. Library staff are authorized to reserve a computer or blocks of computers or equipment for Library services, programs or events.

  5. Acceptable Use
    1. Customers using the Library’s Public Technology are subject to this policy as well as to all local, state, and federal laws. Access to Public Technology may be suspended for violation of this or any other Library policy, or for the violation of local, state or federal laws.
    2. Public Technology available in designated areas of the Library, including but not limited to children’s rooms, teen areas, and special/research collections, is intended to be used by audiences of and purposes related to the designated space. Users of Public Technology unrelated to the specified purpose of the space may be directed to use general Public Technology located elsewhere in the building to ensure adequate access to all services provided.
    3. Individuals may connect personal devices to the Library’s Public Technology using externally accessible standard connection ports. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to a customer’s personal devices, content, media or equipment or for any damage arising from use of the Library’s Public Technology.
  6. Printing & Duplication Services
    1. The Library may provide Public Technology devices for printing, copying and/or scanning, and may collect fees for these services, as described in Policy 3.1.6—Library Fee Schedules.
    2. Individuals who use printing, copying or scanning services are solely responsible for compliance with any and all copyright laws. Copyright law applies to all formats, including media.
  7. Procedures

    8. The Board of Library Trustees authorizes the Library Director to establish procedures to administer this policy, and to delegate any and all responsibilities herein to other staff through such procedures.

  8. Associated Policies

    9. Library Policy

  9. Relevant Law & Legislation

    10. Federal Law (US Code)