Public Access Computer Resources

Children

The Children's area has 6 computers for patrons under the age of 13. These computers have Microsoft® Office, as well as internet access and educational games for multiple grade levels. These computers have access to both a monochrome laser printer and a color laser printer through the network. Projects completed in the library may be saved to a floppy disk or portable USB media. CD or DVD writers are not available.

Teens

The teen area has 7 computers for use by patrons ages 13 to 17. These computers have Microsoft® Office, as well as internet access. These computers have access to both a monochrome laser printer and a color laser printer through the network. Projects completed in the library may be saved to a floppy disk or portable USB media. CD or DVD writers are not available.

Adults

The Adult area has 9 computers for use by patrons who are 18 years of age or older. 3 family workstations are available where up to 3 family members can work together. These computers have Microsoft® Office, internet access and access to both a monochrome laser printer and a color laser printer through the network. Projects completed in the library may be saved to a floppy disk or portable USB media. CD or DVD writers are not available.

Genealogy Research

The Genealogy area has 2 internet-connected computers and one computer connected to our microfilm scanner. The internet-connected computers have Microsoft® Office and desktop links to online genealogy research databases, A local survey database with pictures historical buildings in Union County is available. Two small laser printers are available within the genealogy section.

All public use computers are filtered with web filtering software in compliance with Section 16-15-305, South Carolina Code of Laws. Attempts to bypass content filtering will result in loss of computer access privileges.

Conditions and Terms of Internet Use

Procedures for Internet use are consistent with the Union County Carnegie Library’s Code of Conduct that has been adopted by the Library Board of Trustees and is posted in the library. The following rules are to be observed:

  1. Users who are members of Union County Carnegie Library may present their library card or other identification that allows staff to access their records in the membership database in order to use public workstations. Others who do not qualify as county residents may show identification at the Circulation Desk, and may be allowed computer usage if public workstations are available.
  2. All internet users must have a copy of the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement on file at the Library. Children six to seventeen must also have a responsible adult's signature giving them permission to use the Internet, and children five and under must have a responsible adult supervising their use of the Internet.
  3. The Library reserves the right to require Internet users to attend an orientation session as a condition of access.
  4. Two people are the maximum allowed at one workstation simultaneously.
  5. Copies may be made by user on the networked Library printer. Users are requested to ask staff before printing. Copies are .10 per page for black and white, and .25 per page for color. Students are allowed five (5) free pages per day.
  6. Users may not download information to the computer but may save documents to their own storage devices, including disks and flash drives. The library is not responsible for any real, incidental or consequential damage to personal materials or files.
  7. Public display on the computer screen or elsewhere on library premises of any images or words that could be deemed offensive is strictly prohibited. Anyone making such a display will have their computer privileges terminated. Files, images and documents stored on personal storage devices are also subject to this rule.
  8. Individual users take full responsibility for complying with copyright law and software licensing agreements.
  9. The library does not provide e-mail accounts. Web based accounts such as those provided by yahoo and hotmail are accessible to patrons via the Internet.
  10. Computers may not be used to gain access to Library network or the computer systems and networks of others; users may not damage or attempt to damage or alter equipment or software; patrons may not install their own software on Library computers.
  11. All public use computers are filtered with web filtering software in compliance with Section 16-15-305, South Carolina Code of Laws. Filters may be removed by the Library Director upon request by an adult conducting bona fide research.
  12. Use of credit cards and disclosure of private information on library computers is not recommended.

A copy of this policy will be provided with explanation to each Internet user, and will be posted near all public workstations. Failure to follow the rules and policies of Union County Carnegie Library as outlined may result in the revocation of library privileges.

Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

The following rules must be followed when using computers and the Internet in the Union County Carnegie Library:

  1. I agree to observe the Code of Conduct and the Rules for Internet Use while utilizing public workstations at Union County Carnegie Library.
  2. I recognize my own responsibility in using the Internet appropriately, and I agree to refrain from sending or displaying obscene, disturbing or violent messages or images on public computers.
  3. I will not damage or endanger the library network, nor will I inform others how to do same; I will not change or attempt to change library computer settings or violate copyright or software license restrictions.
  4. I will not engage in any illegal activities, including computer crimes or public display of lewd or obscene images or language while using library computers.
  5. I understand that use of credit cards on public workstations for purchase or payment is highly inadvisable, and that any private information I provide on public computers can be accessed by other users of that workstation. The Library is not responsible for the misuse of any private information, saved or otherwise, to public access stations.
  6. I understand that violation of these rules will result in the immediate loss of access to library computers, and possible suspension of all library privileges. Unacceptable use that is illegal may result in legal prosecution.

My signature on my library membership card indicates that I will comply with the above stated rules.