The Computer Lab is located on the lower level of the Library. Instruction sheets are available in the Computer Lab, but be sure to seek help from a staff member if you are at all confused. Users should bring their library cards.
Rules & Guidelines
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All computer users must sign an "Internet and Computer User Agreement." A parent or guardian must cosign for anyone under the age of 17. When signing the "Internet and Computer User Agreement," the user must present a valid form of identification, such as a library card or driver's license, showing the user's name and address.
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The computer user agrees to take proper care of all equipment, diskettes, manuals, and other property of the Garden City Public Library and to pay replacement cost of any equipment or materials lost or damaged as a result of the carelessness, malicious intent, or failure to inform library employees of malfunctions.
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User agrees to observe all copyright laws. User will not duplicate any computer programs or documentation except those in the public domain.
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The Garden City Public Library makes no guarantees, either express or implied, with respect to any equipment, programs, or other library materials, or their quality, performance, or fitness for any particular purpose. All materials and equipment are of a "demonstration" nature and are given for use "as is." The entire risk as to the quality and performance of computer hardware, software, and documentation is with the user. In no event shall the library be liable for actual, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising from use of any equipment, programs, or other library materials.
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All users will supply their own removable storage media. Any data lost as a result of faulty media, programs, human error, or equipment malfunction is not the responsibility of the Garden City Public Library or its employees. No private files may be stored at the library or on library media.
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Users are expected to be conversant in the use of computers and the Internet. The Library regrets that staff cannot provide instruction and are limited to assisting with correcting mechanical malfunctions. Patrons needng instruction in the use of computers and the Internet should consult the many guidebooks in the Library's book collection. Staff are not responsible for loss of data, whether through accident or ignorance, resulting from the user's request for help.
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One person is permitted to use the computer at a time; one helper or observer may also be seated at the workstation. Groups of bystanders will be told to disperse. No one who does not have a signed "Internet and Computer User Agreement" on file with the Library may touch the equipment. Any boisterous, unruly, or inappropriate behavior will result in the immediate forfeiture of further use of the computer and may also result in ejection from the library.
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Only the user who is logged in may touch the equipment. The user may operate only one computer at a time.
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Only assigned workstations are to be used. Personal computers may not be connected to Library network outlets.
- Rules regarding computer time are as follows:
a) The default session length is one hour, though these sessions may be extended when the computers are not busy.
b) If all computers are in use, it is possible to reserve the next-available computer. The prospective user must be present to make this reservation; it may not be made over the telephone, by e-mail, or by any other remote means. If the user is more than five minutes late in claiming the computer, the reservation is forfeited. Anyone who is currently using any computer may not make use of this reservation procedure.
c) Users who ignore the "End of Session" or "Library Will Close" warnings will have their sessions terminated.
d) When the computer center is busy, each user will be limited to three consecutive sessions and a daily time limit of three hours.
e) In the event of malfunction, time lost will not be added to the current user's time.
f) Staff who are using public-access computers on library time for reasons other than teaching or system maintenance will yield to patrons as soon as possible without endangering the library's data.
- Rules for print outs are as follows:
a) Users may print 10 pages free of charge per day. Additional print-outs may be made for 10¢ per page, paid in advance at the Circulation Desk. The minimum amount that can be added to a user's account is $1.00. The maximum is $20.00.
b) It is the user's responsibility to preview the document and determine the number of pages. No refunds will be given for blank, unwanted, or improperly formatted pages.
c) A page is defined as one side of a sheet of paper. Although users have the option of duplexing (printing on both sides of a sheet), they will still be charged 10¢ per side.
d) Patrons may supply their own paper if it falls within the printer specifications, but they will still be charged 10¢ per page for printing.
e) A maximum of 30 copies per day may be made using the Library's printers, regardless of whose paper is used. This limit will be strictly enforced, and violators will be barred from further use of the Library's printers.
f) Print-outs may not continue beyond the user's allotted time on the computer. Library staff may need to interrupt a print-out that extends beyond the user's computer time or the Library's public hours.
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Use of the computer by patrons either per week or per month is not guaranteed. Time allotted is based as fairly as possible according to the "Internet and Computer User Agreement." Users who are not residents of the Incorporated Village of Garden City must yield the computer to a resident within five minutes of request. From time to time, such events as seminars, classes, lectures, and the like shall take precedence over normal computer use. All decisions as to the use of the computer hardware and software are at the sole discretion of the librarian in charge. In all cases, including exceptions to the above rules, the decision of the librarian will be final. Failure to abide by the decision will result in the possibility of legal liability being incurred by the computer user.
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The user acknowledges that he/she has read and understood these rules and will abide by them. Failure to observe any part of the "Internet and Computer User Agreement" may result in a suspension of the user's right to use the computer. Other usual and ordinary sanctions may also apply.
