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About the library > Policies > Computer search station

Computer search station use policy

This policy ensures computer search stations are readily available when the public needs to search the electronic resources available at the library.

Purpose of the Search Stations

The computer search stations allow users to search a variety of electronic resources. Library Resource Stations are exclusively for searching the library's holdings and selected electronic databases. To search the Internet, use an Internet Station. Use all library search stations in accordance with this policy and the Multnomah County Library Acceptable Use of the Internet and Behavior in the Library policies. Copies of these policies are also available from a library service desk.

The children's areas throughout Multnomah County Library are designed to serve children. These areas include a limited number of computer search stations, many of which offer resources especially for children. To best serve children, all search stations in designated children's areas are for the priority use of children.

Time and Other Limits

Staff is authorized to set and adjust the length, number and frequency of search station sessions. Staff may also reserve or establish special stations; free up special purpose stations, such as those provided for children, people with disabilities, or special collections; and take other measures that will achieve the goal of this policy. Limits are posted and subject to change.

Help with search stations

Library staff will help you use the search stations to find the information you need. Library staff and volunteers also will help you learn to use the search stations and search tools, although they cannot provide extensive one-on-one instruction. Ask at any reference desk for information about search station training offered through the library, or check Event Finder for a list of classes at your neighborhood library. Ask at any desk for help if you are unable to locate an available search station.

Precautions

Illegal activities or activities that interfere with or disrupt the network users, services or equipment are prohibited. The library can electronically monitor public computers and reserves the right to do so when a violation of this policy is suspected. Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws. Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network. This includes confiscating disks, requiring a user to leave a search station or the premises, and contacting law enforcement authorities. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses that may infect other computers.

Rules governing the use of search stations

  1. Log on or sign up for an Internet Station before using it; promptly give up the search station when your time has elapsed.
  2. Promptly give up the search station when requested by staff.
  3. Library staff provides limited support for computing functions.
  4. You may download files. Supported media, such as floppy disks, are available for purchase within the library. The library is not responsible for damage to your media or for corruption of your data, including damage caused by mechanical malfunction of library disk drives or corruption caused by virus infection while using library computers.
  5. There is a charge for printing from the search stations, except when printing your patron record or Event Finder search results. The charge is posted. Please pay at the nearest service desk.
  6. As a courtesy to others, use the privacy screen on the monitor.
  7. As a courtesy to the others, return to the opening screen of the search station when you are finished with your search. This also protects the privacy of your search. To do this, press the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys and select "Logoff."
  8. Do not monopolize search stations while others are waiting.
  9. Do not gather around search stations when doing so may obstruct others or create noise that distracts others.
  10. Whether or not they are in use, search stations in the Children's Library at Central and in the children's areas in branches are reserved for children, the adult caregivers who accompany them, teachers and adults using the children's collection. In these areas, children have priority over all other users.
  11. Do not use another's identification, bar code or pin number, with or without permission, to sign up or log on to a search station.
  12. Do not misuse computer equipment or software. Misuse may result in loss of search station privileges, loss of library privileges and prosecution. Misuse includes but is not limited to:
    • Violating this policy
    • Hacking into the library computer system or any other computer system
    • Mishandling, damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software
    • Interfering with system operations, integrity or security
    • Attempting to gain or gaining access to another person's files or authorization code
    • Harassing others with messages, prints or images
    • Tampering with computer settings
    • Telnetting to outside locations on a Library Resource Station
    • Violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements
    • Failing to pay for printing
    • Refusing or ignoring a staff person's request to give up a search station
    • Failing to sign up for an Internet station