Acceptable use policy and conditions of public use computers

Oldham Libraries, Information and Archive Service offers the opportunity to use a wide range of information sources for education, information and leisure purposes.
Services

• Oldham Library Service provides free access to all members of the public to its Internet services during normal library opening hours.  E-mail, chat rooms, news groups are available.  However users should be aware of the dangers of revealing personal information or arranging to meet strangers.
• Applications such as Word, Excel & PowerPoint are available.
• Information can be printed, scanned or downloaded on to floppy discs, CDs or USB Memory Sticks/Keys.

Conditions of use

• There is an automatic booking system.  You can pre-book your computer sessions up to 7 days in advance.   You can ask to extend the time but only if there is nobody else waiting.
• We will keep your computer for 10 minutes after the start time of your session.  After 10 minutes however we will allocate your session to someone else.
• You will be given a 5-minute log-out warning at the end of your session.  Printing and saving of files should be completed in good time for you to vacate the terminal at the end of your booking period.
• When your allotted time is over you must leave your computer and log off.
• Always save your documents onto floppy disk, CD or memory stick as work saved to the computer’s hard disk will be deleted when the PC is shut down.  Floppy disks and CDs can be purchased from the library.  There is a charge for printing.
• No more than 2 people may use a PC at any one time.
• Details from the automatic booking system are kept for the purpose of analysis.  This information may also be provided to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of prevention of criminal activity.
• Any contravention of the policy outlined may result in termination of the user’s session. Where it is suspected that criminal act has taken place OMBC shall immediately refer the incident to the police.  In the case of contravention by a user under 16, the parent or guardian who signed the consent form will be notified of the incident.

Access by adults

• You will need to provide appropriate ID to use the People’s Network computers. You must not impersonate another person, provide false information or share your library cards or pin numbers with other people.
• Library cards will need to be carried when using the computers and may be checked by members of staff.

Access by children

• Children under 16 will only be allowed access to the Internet with prior approval of their parent/guardian.   This will be obtained by written consent on a joining form.  The responsibility for monitoring the material accessed by children always remains with the parent/guardian.
• Library cards will need to be carried when using the computers and may be checked by members of staff.

Security and filtering

• There is a virus check in effect.  Do not access or download material known to be infected with a virus or deliberately transmit information containing a virus.  If a virus-warning message is displayed on the computer please tell a member of staff.
• Software should not be installed on the hard drive.  It will be deleted automatically when the computer is shut down.

Internet access from the Libraries is filtered and random checks will be made on sites visited.  If you find an unsuitable site which is not blocked or a site that you feel has been inappropriately blocked please inform a member of staff. 
Inappropriate Use

• You must not make changes to the configuration of software or delete any files from the computer.
• You must never attempt to open the computer’s case or unplug anything.  You can use a USB memory device but if unsure please ask a member of staff.
• You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to any computer network or system.
• You must not deliberately search for pornographic, obscene, violent, homophobic or racist materials or use search terms that are obscene, racist, homophobic or offensive.
• When using e-mail, newsgroup and chat line services you must not send commercial or advertising material via these services.
• When using e-mail, newsgroup and chat line services you must not distribute or deploy viruses, worms, Trojans or any malicious and/or destructive programme code or script via these services.
• You must not intentionally destroy, corrupt or alter any Internet sites.
• Many of the pages on the World Wide Web are subject to copyright.  You must not infringe any of the copyright regulations that apply to web pages for example downloading music.
• PCs and the Internet must not be used for any activity that is a criminal offence.

The result of inappropriate use will be a suspension from the People’s Network.

• Penalties

Use of the facilities may be terminated by the library staff at any time if in the opinion of the library staff the user fails to comply with the foregoing conditions or is otherwise misusing or attempting to misuse the service.

In order to prevent misuse, library staff (or other employees of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council) may monitor the activity taking place on any computer provided for public use. Such monitoring may include, but is not limited to:

• direct observation of computer screens
• observation using CCTV (where applicable), images from which may be recorded
• examination of audit trails of activity which has taken place.
• Information obtained as a result of monitoring may be provided to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of prevention or detection of criminal activity. Information recorded using CCTV will be processed in accordance with Oldham Council's policy on CCTV usage.
  
  Users who are suspected of abusing the system may be excluded from using any public computer facility within Oldham’s libraries for a minimum period of 1 month. Any such infringement will be recorded on your record of membership with provision for review, and reinstatement to be at the discretion of the library. Any further offence may result in a suspension of six months. Furthermore, membership may be revoked, and users may render themselves liable to prosecution.
  

Use of Personal Laptops in the Library & Lifelong Learning Centre
Laptops can only be attached to a power source where it will not cause a hazard to other users or members of staff.  Staff will have the final say with regard to any possible hazard.

• Laptops cannot be connected to any network leads in the building.  However, we do have a wireless facility that will allow your laptop, if it has wireless capabilities, to connect to the Internet via the libraries computer management system. 
• Fixed power points are provided within the library for laptop users. You may only connect to the library’s electricity supply via these designated points, and do so at your own peril.
• No other electrical equipment other than laptops may be connected via the designated power points.
• No responsibility can be taken for any damage or theft that may occur in the Library & Lifelong Learning Centre.
• You are bound by the Libraries Terms & Conditions and should adhere to them.  We will not tolerate any offensive, racist, pornographic or illegal material brought into the library.  If caught you will be subject to the Libraries disciplinary procedures and the police will be notified.  You will also be banned for a period of time, which will be decided at the libraries discretion.
• Libraries are public establishments and you should take all necessary steps to protect your privacy.
• You should protect yourself against viruses.  Anti-virus software is recommended for all users but cannot be provided by Oldham Council.
• We cannot be held responsible for the security of any of your personal data held online.  You should take any necessary precautions when sending information via the Internet.
• We cannot be held responsible for any hardware/software failures or data losses that occur within the library.
• Prolonged use of computer equipment resulting in RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) or related conditions is not the respons
• Finally and most importantly; do not leave your laptop unattended in the library!  We do have lockers available in the library but we cannot be held responsible for the safety and security of what is stored in them.

Disclaimer
The Internet is a global electronic network available to all and Oldham Libraries cannot control the information available.  Oldham Libraries have taken care to ensure against improper use of its computers and that unsuitable material cannot be accessed on the Internet.  Care has also been taken to prevent computer viruses.

Oldham Libraries accepts no responsibility for the nature, accuracy, validity or legality of information available over the Internet.  Furt

• ibility of the Library and the Lifelong Learning Centre.
• You must either mute sound or wear headphones so as not to disturb any other members of the public or staff.  hermore Oldham Libraries are not liable for any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever, caused by, arising from, or in relation to the use of its computers or Internet services, including but not restricted to loss or damage arising from inaccurate or misleading information, financial transactions made over the Internet, computer viruses or computer malfunctions.

If any of the above points are not clear, please ask a member of staff for clarification before proceeding.