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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
Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 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, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 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.

Wed, Apr 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Red Cross certified CPR instructors will provide free training for Lake County residents on CPR with emphasis on CPR for babies.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Wed, Apr 03, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join for stories in Spanish and English!

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This workshop series is designed for ages 65+ but is open to all.

Thu, Apr 04, 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 4-6.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
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, Apr 04, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.

Sat, Apr 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Mon, Apr 08, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Preschoolers are invited to this storytime program where they will have an opportunity to practice early literacy skills. Please register all attendees!

Mon, Apr 08, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Tue, Apr 09, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30 minutes of interactive rhymes, songs, stories and a craft. Please register all attendees!
This event is full

Tue, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 09, 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, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Hobart - Programming Room
Kids, birth to 6 years old, can stop in for an hour of play with sensory supporting toys and play areas. Please register every child, teen, and adult that plans to attend the program.

Tue, Apr 09, 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, Apr 09, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - 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, Apr 09, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Kids, birth to 6 years old, can stop in for an hour of play with sensory supporting toys and play areas. Please register every child, teen, and adult that plans to attend the program.

Tue, Apr 09, 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.

Wed, Apr 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - 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.

Wed, Apr 10, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!
This event is full

Wed, Apr 10, 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join us for stories, songs, finger plays, and activities to celebrate National Library Week!

Wed, Apr 10, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville Library - Children's Department
All children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Wed, Apr 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Did you know you can stream movies and shows for free with a full access resident card? This program will show you how to do that with a personal computer. Registration required as seats are limited.

Thu, Apr 11, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Merrillville Zoom Room
Presented by Dr. Eric Stumpf. Using computers and online resources to enhance your genealogy research. We will look at the pros and cons of FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com.

Tue, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-3 years, along with their caregivers, will enjoy storytime, which involves 30 minutes of interactive rhymes, songs, stories and a craft. Please register all attendees!
This event is full

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

Tue, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

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

Tue, Apr 16, 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, Apr 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.

Tue, Apr 16, 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.

Wed, Apr 17, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.

Wed, Apr 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 6-12, are invited to this program where they will learn to make a craft!

Thu, Apr 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, Apr 18, 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 4-6.

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

Thu, Apr 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
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, Apr 18, 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.

Thu, Apr 18, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Lake County has the highest incidence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia out of all counties in Indiana. Learn the 10 warning signs and know what to do when you notice them.

Thu, Apr 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Life is hard enough on its own, join us as we touch on some common skills not everyone may know.

Fri, Apr 19, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and create enchanting homemade greeting cards with assistance from local Debbie Rodriguez with The Basement Bunch. Cash fee of $15 paid at time of event covers all materials for 3-4 cards.

Sat, Apr 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, Apr 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
This program aims to help adults prepare to pass the Citizenship test in Chicago-USCIS.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Mon, Apr 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Tue, Apr 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, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
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.
This event is full

Tue, Apr 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 23, 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, Apr 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, Apr 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, Apr 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - 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, Apr 23, 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.

Wed, Apr 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - 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.

Wed, Apr 24, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!
This event is full

Wed, Apr 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Children and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations for an hour of block play and learning.

Wed, Apr 24, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5.

Thu, Apr 25, 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, Apr 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.

Thu, Apr 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
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, Apr 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
Join us for a genealogy program. Amanda Aguilera from the Hammond Public Library in Lake County, Indiana will be our in person speaker. Join via Zoom as well.

Thu, Apr 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, Apr 25, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English classes are for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Learn about financial literacy during these three class sessions featuring Misty De La Cruz from First Financial Bank.

Fri, Apr 26, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Children and their caregivers will enjoy interacting at various block play stations for an hour of block play and learning.