Computer Use Guidelines

Approved September 2013

Computers at the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) are shared resources. The library has set the following guidelines for public use of these devices to ensure fair and equal access for all:

• Public computers are available to customers on a walk-in, first-come first-served basis.
• Each customer must use his/her own library card to reserve a computer. Use of another person’s library card number is not allowed for computer access.
• Each customer is allowed up to two (2) sessions per day throughout the DCPL system. Computers in the adults, children’s and teen areas are set for 70-minute sessions. If there is no one waiting, session lengths are automatically extended. Use of the 15-minute express stations does not count against the daily session limit. In the event a patron’s extended computer session is ended due to network error, library staff will reinstate the patron.
• All computers in the designated children’s area are only for use by children age 12 and younger and for parents or caregivers assisting children.
• All computers in the designated teen areas are only for use by children age 13 to 19 and for parents or caregivers assisting children.
• All computers reserved for special purposes (such as express stations, children’s use, teen use, catalog searches, download stations, Handicap designated, Skype, etc.) may not be used for any other purpose.
• Customers may not perform any action that might damage the computer equipment or make it inoperable, such as downloading or installing any harmful program.
• Customers using library computers may not violate copyright or trademark laws, software licensing agreements, or intellectual property rights.
• Customers should notify library staff if the computer equipment or peripherals are not functioning properly.
• Customers must use headphones when listening to audio on any computer (including personal laptops) and keep the volume to a level that does not disturb those nearby.
• Customers may be limited to one person per computer station, at the discretion of library staff.
• Work saved on DCPL computers is automatically erased when a customer logs off. To save documents, customers must copy it to a flash (aka “thumb”) drive or upload it to an online storage service. 
• Laptop computers may be available at some locations for use by customers 17 and older. Customers must present a valid government-issued photo ID or passport to library staff in order to use a laptop. The ID is held until the laptop and its power cable are returned to library staff. Customers are liable for any damage to, or loss of, a borrowed laptop and/or its accessories.
• DCPL is not responsible for any damage or loss of data arising from the use of its computers or network.
• DCPL may withhold computer privileges from customers who do not comply with the above procedures or who are barred from the Library due to violation(s) of the Library’s Rules of Behavior.