Morrill Public Library
PoliciesServices

Public Computers

Erin Verbick

 

The Library has several computers available for patron use. If you are passing through the area and don’t have a library card, just ask a librarian for a guest pass to access a computer.

Connect to the Wireless Internet:

If you want to connect your own device to the Library’s open WiFi, you can do so by choosing the “MPL-Guest” network. There is no password needed, but after you select the network, it will redirect you to a website where you will need to click on “Continue to the Internet.” You must complete this step in order to have a successful connection.

The Library does not currently support printing from patron devices. If you need to print something, please either log in to a patron computer with your Next library card number and PIN, or ask a librarian for a guest pass if you are over the age of 18.

Scanning: Patrons may scan and send documents to email addresses or thumb drives free of charge.

Printing/Copying fees: $0.30 per page in black and white, $0.75 per page in color

Faxing fees: $0.75 per page. Our fax number is 785-742-2054.

Large format printer (24 in. max width and no limit on length): $3.00 per foot. Available by appointment only.

 

Computer and Internet Use Policy

In keeping with the mission of the Library to be a source of information, education, and recreation services for patrons of all ages, the Library is pleased to be able to offer computers available for public use. These computers are equipped with a connection to the internet and also with Microsoft Office for word processing, spreadsheet development, professional presentations, and other personal computing needs. By using the library’s computers, the user agrees to abide by the library’s computer and internet access policy.

The library provides the following services:

  • Basic assistance is available when using library computers. For users requiring more extensive assistance, the library offers computer classes. Also offered are individual computer sessions by appointment.
  • Searching suggestions and technical assistance is dependent on staff expertise.
  • The library website includes links to recommend tools and resources.

The following rules govern the use of the computers at the Morrill Public Library:

  1. User must be a card holder in a library in the NEKLS System.
    1. Only the user is allowed to use his/her card to access library computers
    2. Out of town visitors over the age of 18 may obtain a guest pass upon request at the circulation desk.
    3. Users under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian to use a computer and access the internet.
  2. User is initially provided one hour of computer use per day to ensure fair accessibility. This time may be extended by user request at the discretion of library staff.
    1. User must provide library card in order to extend computer time.
  3. Users are responsible for using the computers in accordance with ethical standards of the library:
    1. User may not alter or delete configurations or files.
    2. Unauthorized use of computer accounts or access codes by user is prohibited.
      1. User must have own individual email account.
      2. User ordering on the internet must use personal information, i.e.: name, address, telephone number, and personal credit or debit card information.
    3. User may not impede activities of other patrons.
    4. User may not violate software license agreements.
    5. User may not violate network usage policies and regulations.
    6. User may not violate the privacy of other users.
    7. No more than two patrons at each computer.
  4. User must use computers for legal purposes only. Unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to the following:
    1. Destruction or damage to the equipment, software, or data belonging to the library.
    2. Unauthorized monitoring or disruption of electronic communications.
    3. Unauthorized use or destruction of data of other users.
    4. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.
    5. Harassing, libeling, or slandering others.

ILLEGAL ACTS INVOLVING LIBRARY COMPUTERS OR OTHER LIBRARY RESOURCES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION BY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS.

The user must follow the policy and guidelines to retain eligibility for use of the library computers. Library staff are under no obligation to monitor library computer workstation usage. However, when a member of the library staff observes a patron using a workstation in violation of the policies, the following consequences may result:

  • Immediate termination of the session
  • Additional suspension of computer use or other library privileges
  • Notification of appropriate law enforcement officials

 

Internet Access Policy

Free wireless internet access is provided to the citizens of Hiawatha at the Morrill Public Library. As a “hot spot,” patrons may connect to the internet with a wireless laptop, tablet, cell phone, or other portable device from within the Library. Library staff cannot offer technical support for establishing or maintaining a connection and the Library is not responsible for hardware or software damage, or for loss or theft of unattended equipment. The wireless connection is not secure. The wireless network is open and simultaneously connected computers are visible to each other, and therefore vulnerable to other users’ viruses, malware, and hacks. Users are responsible for maintaining up-to-date antivirus software and firewalls. Printing from the wireless network will not be supported. The wireless internet access is unfiltered, but all Library policies concerning legal and acceptable use of computers and the internet apply.

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Morrill Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Hiawatha’s diverse, multicultural community. It is within this context that the Morrill Public Library offers access to the internet.

The library will comply with CIPA and NCIPA regarding the requirement to use a Technology Protection Measure. This technology is not reliable and the library cannot be held responsible for prohibited information that may be displayed or for useful information that may be blocked.

The Morrill Public Library does not monitor or have any control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and library patrons use it at their own risk.

All internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the internet information selected and /or accessed by their children. Parents, and only parents, may restrict their children, and only their children, from access to internet resources accessible through the library. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s internet sessions. Children under age 18 must have parental permission to access the internet.

To be more specific:

  1. The library does not censor your access to materials or protect you from information you find offensive. There is sexually explicit material and other information resources which you may personally find controversial or inappropriate. We suggest that you do not access sexually explicit materials that other patrons might find offensive or inappropriate. If we receive complaints, you will be asked not to view offensive materials. If future incidences arise regarding your viewing of offensive materials, you will be denied internet access.
  2. Not all sources on the internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the validity of the information you find.

Guidelines for accessing the internet at the Morrill Public Library:

  1. When a patron is accessing the internet, library staff cannot be expected to assist at all times.
  2. You MAY NOT use your own software programs on the internet access computer.

MISUSE OF THE COMPUTER OR INTERNET ACCESS WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF YOUR COMPUTER PRIVILEGES.

 

Internet Safety Policy

Introduction

Public access to the Internet and online services have become an integral part of Morrill Public Library’s programs and services. The intent of this policy is to meet the provisions of the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act, as well as provide guidelines for patrons and staff regarding online computer use of Internet accessible computers.

The purpose of the Internet Safety Policy of the Library is to implement and enforce technology protection measures to: ensure that no minor has access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene; and ensure that no person has access to visual depictions that are child pornography or obscene while using a public access computer.  

Developed under the direction of the Board of the Library, this Internet Safety Policy was discussed and adopted during an open meeting of the Library Board on January 25, 2023. This policy supersedes all previous Internet Safety Policy statements of the Library and is effective January 25, 2023.

This policy document will be reviewed by the Library Board at least every three years.

 

Legal Requirements

The Library’s Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act. 

The Library has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98, sec.1.

 

Supervision and Monitoring

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Library staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Patrons who encounter websites which they believe should be blocked but which are not, or who are prevented from accessing web sites which they believe should not be blocked may submit a complaint. This should be given in writing to the Library director in charge and include the URL of the site in question and whether the request is to block or unblock it. Staff shall examine the site and determine whether it should be blocked or unblocked. If the technology protection measure being used is a regional service, the information and recommendation shall be forwarded to the appropriate regional staff.

Complaints about enforcement of this policy or observed patron behavior which violate this policy shall also be submitted in writing to the Library director in charge, providing as much detail as possible.

The Library shall inform patrons of the provisions of this policy, including the standards used and procedures for complaint, by making the policy available on the Library’s website and in print in the Library’s official policy handbook.