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Lake County Public Library Computer

Computer Use Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 7/24/97
Revised - 6/27/02
Revised - 12/28/23

Download the PDF

Lake County Public Library provides computer and internet access for informational, educational and recreational purposes. This policy covers the management of computer data networks that are owned and administered by the Library.

Skip to: Access - Confidentiality - Responsibilities of Users - Legal Use - Ethical Use - Cooperative Responsibilities - Sanctions - Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials - Limitations of Liability - Computer Use by ChildrenDisclaimer

Access

Staff and patrons who use networks or facilities not owned by the Library will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of those networks and facilities. (Those policies and procedures can usually be obtained from the network information center of the network in question.)

Use of Library computer resources must follow the guidelines of all of the networks traversed. Staff may use Library computer resources only for purposes related to their duties as employees, their official business with the Library, and other Library-sanctioned activities.

Free wireless access is available for all Library visitors with their own personal laptops and mobile devices. Use is governed by the Library’s Internet & Computer Use policy. Use of the Library’s wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.

Confidentiality

In keeping with the Library’s general policies, information stored on computers is treated as confidential. The Library does not disclose information about an individual’s use of computer resources unless compelled to do so by local, state, or federal law, or approved by the Director or their designee. Viewing information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.

Information stored by a user on the Library’s public computers will be removed by operating system procedures and software tools at the conclusion of each user session. However, no guarantees can be made in this regard and patrons should exercise caution when exposing any private information.

Responsibilities of Users

Computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users should never be shared with others. Passwords should be changed frequently and users should take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor.

Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's data or devices or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user's privacy.

Legal Use

Computer resources are for legal purposes only. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Harassment, libeling or slandering other users;
  • violating copyright restrictions;
  • conducting illicit transactions;
  • using Library computer resources to break into other computer systems;
  • attempting to alter or damage computer equipment, software configurations, or files belonging to the Library, other users, or external networks;
  • disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
  • unauthorized purchasing in the name of the library.

Suspicion of illegal activities will result in the suspension of a user’s privileges. Proof of wrongdoing will result in the termination of a user’s privileges.

In addition, abuse of the Library’s computer resources – including using another’s password or account, breaking into restricted areas of the system, accessing other users’ private files or using the Library’s computer resources to distribute malevolent software like computer viruses – is grounds for immediate suspension or termination of a user’s access privileges.

Ethical Use

Computer resources should be used in accordance with ethical standards of the Library. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • violation of computer system security;
  • unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
  • use of computers in ways that unnecessarily impede the computer activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or email exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.);
  • violation of software license agreements;
  • violation of network usage policies and regulations;
  • violation of another user's privacy.

Cooperative Responsibilities

Computer users can facilitate computing at the Library in many ways. The Library endorses the practice of cooperative computing. It includes:

  • regular deletion of unneeded files from one's accounts on shared computers;
  • refraining from overuse of connect time, information storage space, printing facilities or processing capacity;
  • refraining from overuse of interactive network utilities;
  • refraining from use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others;
  • refraining from use of any computer resources in an irresponsible manner.

The library reserves the right to place reasonable limits on the use of its computer resources by the public.

Sanctions

Violators of the Internet and Computer Use Policy may lose library privileges. Staff will be subject to normal disciplinary procedures as well. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use of computer resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. For staff, this may include termination of employment. Illegal acts involving Library computer resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials

Use of library computer resources to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material (as defined per I.C. 35-49-2-1) in any Library building is prohibited.

Limitations of Liability

All patrons who wish to use the Library's computer equipment are required to sign and date the library’s Computer Use Form which includes a limitation of liability statement.

Computer Use by Children

The Library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children's use of the internet through the Library's connection. Parents and children are encouraged to read Netsmartz Safety Tips and to explore the additional resources at Netsmartz, a resource for parents and children of all ages, created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.


Disclaimer:

  • The Internet is a global electronic network. There is no state/county control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library cannot protect users from offensive information.

    Library staff cannot control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information.

    The Lake County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connections to Internet services.

    In accordance with Indiana Code (IC 36-12-1-12), the Library performs a public review of this Internet and Computer Use Policy annually.

Classes
Tue, Jul 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
4 and 5 year old children and their caregivers are invited to an early literacy storytime, featuring books, fingerplays, and songs that teach pre-reading skills and prepare children for school.

Tue, Jul 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jul 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music, and a craft that teaches early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Jul 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children ages 2 & 3, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register each child and adult attending.
Registration is now closed

Tue, Jul 16, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 16, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Students will learn about the important design and construction of a landfill by making their own edible version. They will also discover how to reduce their waste production.

Tue, Jul 16, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Tue, Jul 16, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health): Learn about physical activity, healthy food choices and enjoy a free snack and gift each week. Ages 8-13. Parents may attend as well. Lesson: 30 minutes.

Wed, Jul 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
A health insurance broker, a Medicare Supplement agent, and a financial advisor will provide education on recent changes to medical insurance so individuals can be more informed about their options.

Thu, Jul 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Jul 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Register for this session to receive individualized tech help.

Thu, Jul 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Jul 18, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various play stations. Playing helps children learn language, literacy, social, and other skills.

Fri, Jul 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Students will learn about the important design and construction of a landfill by making their own edible version. They will also discover how to reduce their waste production.
This event is full

Fri, Jul 19, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us to learn the basics of solving the Rubik's Cube. Rubik's Cubes will be provided. Ages 8 through 15 years old.

Sat, Jul 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Mon, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Come hear some spooky stories in July!

Mon, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Children will learn how to use and re-use items to make fun games!

Mon, Jul 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Come join us for some fun experimenting with technology and playing around with robotics!

Tue, Jul 23, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 10:50am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers birth-23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Jul 23, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Wed, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers birth to 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Wed, Jul 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Children will learn about the important design and construction of a landfill by making their own edible version.

Wed, Jul 24, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Twin Oaks Park
Join us at Twin Oaks Park for a storytime in the park. This family storytime welcomes children ages 2-6 and their family members to enjoy stories, songs, and fun.

Thu, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids ages 4-6. Please register each child and adult planning to attend.

Thu, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.
This event is full

Thu, Jul 25, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.
This event is full

Thu, Jul 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
Ever wondered how to take care of those old photographs, scrapbooks, and stories passed down from generation to generation? This session has got you covered.

Thu, Jul 25, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we read a story and enjoy sensory supporting stations of play. Space is limited. Please register every child and adult attending.

Thu, Jul 25, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us for stories, songs, and dancing! Wear your pajamas if you wish!

Tue, Jul 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a series of informative sessions about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with the Purdue Extension.

Wed, Jul 31, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
This program will focus on the Indiana Dunes National park's plants, animals and general ecology. Children will learn about the natural world not so far from us and what park rangers do.

Thu, Aug 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for Yoga at the library! Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Aug 03, 10:00am - 10:45am
Highland - Meeting Room A
US Secret Service presents: NCMEC's NetSmartz. This program is designed to educate parents and children in grades 3-5 about online safety and responsible use of the internet.

Tue, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Aug 08, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Join us at the library to learn about the basics of banking, how to save money & develop good spending habits. This presentation will be provided by a representative from Credit Union 1. Ages: 6-11.

Thu, Aug 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Fri, Aug 09, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a comprehensive course using a blended model with about 2 hours of online coursework to be finished BEFORE the class. Registration is required and will end on May 20.

Mon, Aug 12, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Want to borrow free eBooks/audiobooks through the library? Join this small group class to learn all about using the Libby app! You must bring your own device and library card. Registration required.

Tue, Aug 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.