The Montgomery City Public Library relies on the cooperation of its patrons in order to efficiently and effectively provided shared resources and ensure community access to a wide range of information. If a patron breaks these acceptable use rules in any way, their right to use the computers may be suspended or revoked, depending on the severity of the situation. Patrons who use public computers for illegal purposes may also be subject to prosecution. 

Gaining Access to the Computers

By signing the patron card when applying for a library card, patrons agree to the computer and internet usage policy and agreement. 

Internet Use

Filtering software has been installed on library computers to limit access by minors to inappropriate material on the internet. The library reserves the right to monitor its patrons' internet use and may terminate internet usage of any patron accessing material that may be considered offensive to others and that creates a hostile environment for library patrons or staff. Parents or guardians, not the library staff, are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents of children in 3rd grade and younger must supervise their children's computer use.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

The Children's Internet Protection Act was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the internet. CIPA requires libraries to adopt and implement an Internet safety policy. 

Computer Usage Agreement

Before using the computers, patrons must read and sign the computer usage agreement. Patrons, under the age of 18, must obtain a parent or guardian's signature before using the computers.

Computer users must have a valid library card. Library patrons with overdue items and fines may be prohibited from computer usage until items are returned and fines are paid. Guests must provide identification at the circulation desk in order to use a computer.

The Montgomery City Public Library assumes no responsibility for damage to the patron’s personal storage device or computer or loss of any data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron's use of the library’s computers.

As with other library materials, individuals must accept responsibility for evaluating the content of resources they view, read, or listen to. While we do use filtering software, monitoring and restricting a child’s access is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Customers handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk. The Internet is not a private environment and the security of electronic communication cannot be guaranteed.

Customers are urged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing images that may reasonably be offensive to someone else.

Each user is responsible for complying with copyright law and adhering to software licensing agreements, as well as all local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, or obscenity.

If patrons break these acceptable use rules in any way, their right to use the computer may be suspended or revoked, depending on the severity of the situation. Patrons who use public computers for illegal purposes may also be subject to prosecution.

The Montgomery City Public Library Technology Policy was revised and approved by the Montgomery City Public Library Board of Trustees on September 10, 2014.