Reference Desk: (608) 364-2905
Renewals and Fines: (608) 364-2911
Youth Services: (608) 364-2915
Administration: (608) 364-2908

Monday to Thursday 9:30 am to 9 PM
Friday and Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 PM

409 Pleasant Street Beloit WI, 53511    

Computer and Internet Acceptable use Guidelines

• Wireless Use: A wireless connection is available for those who bring their laptop equipped with a wireless card. In order to connect, a key code must be obtained from any of the library's service desks. All of the following use guidelines apply except:
  1. There are no time limits
  2. Access to the library printers is not available.
  
  
• Using Library Workstations
  1. An individual using a Beloit Public Library card in accordance with the guidelines stated below may use the library's computer workstations. Guest cards are available at a cost of $3.00 for those not eligible for Beloit Library cards
  2. Individuals may log on for up to two one-hour time slots per day. Downloading is allowed onto the user's storage device, the screen, or the printer (15-cents per page charge, 50 cents per color copy) but not to the hard drive.
  3. The library has one "E-Mail" computer that can be used by anyone who has a personal e-mail account. no library card is required but the user agrees to the guidelines listed below.
  4. The computer scheduling software automatically logs individuals off at the end of their one-hour slot. It alerts five minutes before this occurs. For the email computer, the software logs users out after fifteen (15) minutes but alerts them five minutes before this occurs. At logout, the data that has not been saved on the user's storage device will be lost.
  5. The Internet has valuable information but also contains information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or offensive. Your use of the Internet at the public access workstations carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the information you access and to read and accept the guidelines below.
  
  
• By using a public Internet workstation at Beloit Public Library you agree to the following guidelines:
  1. Use your own Beloit Public Library card. Customers sixteen and over may use another customer's library card with the card holder's permission.
  2. Children under the age of sixteen must have parental permission to use the Internet. The parent or legal guardian must out a Parental Permission Form at the Circulation Desk. If a Parent or does not wish to sign the permission form, he or she may use their card and stay at the computer with their child whenever the child is using the Internet. Children under the age of 16 must have the parental permission form on file to sit at the Internet computer with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian.
     The Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is the right and the responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate and to direct their children accordingly. Parents are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway that can be found on the Internet at this web site www.safekids.com
  3. All users of electronic Information resources such as Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the education, recreational, and Information purposes for which they are provided
  4. Responsible, ethical use of such resources includes the following:
     1. Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only; not for unauthorized or illegal or unethical purposes.
     2. Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another customer; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, password, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
     3. Respecting the privacy of other customers by refraining form interfering with use of the public access workstations at Beloit Public Library.
     4. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
     
     
• Misuse or abuse of this computer or Internet access will result in the suspension of Internet Access privileges. Examples of misuse include but are not restricted to:
  1. Making any attempt to alter software configurations
  2. Engaging in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.
  3. Children under 16 using someone else's card
  4. Using more than two one hour slots in a day
  5. Installing or downloading any software or any files to the hard drive.
  6. Equipment misuse or repeated refusal to pay for printouts.
  7. Adults using someone else's card without permission
  
  
• Library staff cannot control or be responsible for specific information customers may locate on the Internet. In addition, the information on the Internet is constantly changing. Just as libraries do not endorse the viewpoints found in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information.
• This policy is available in PDF format. Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Guidelines in PDF