Computer Use

Service Policy: Computer Use

The Fargo Public Library provides access to the Internet as part of its mission to provide the citizens of Fargo with educational and informational resources.

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the purposes for which they are provided. Users are expected to comply with the following rules:

• Using resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only; the resources should not be used for illegal, unauthorized, or unethical acts.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, 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.
• Further respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at the Fargo Public Library by not interfering with their use.
• Not sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed by library staff as creating a hostile, offensive or disruptive environment.
• Not making any changes to the setup or configuration of any software or hardware or using FPL terminals to spread viruses.
• Not exceeding time limits established by library departments.
• Any behavior which is disruptive or which hinders use of public Internet stations by others is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, loud or boisterous behavior, verbal or physical harassment, drunkenness, and congregating in large groups.
  

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the loss of computer and/or library privileges. Free computer use at the library is a privilege not a right.

Children under the age of 18 should have parental permission to use the Internet. The Fargo Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information children and youth may locate on the Internet. Just as libraries do not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies which serve to govern a library’s purchase of written materials may not apply to material accessed electronically. It is the responsibility of the child’s parent, guardian, or caregiver to determine what is appropriate. Library staff may direct users to specific terminals based on age.

The amount of time that users spend online each day is limited due to the limited number of terminals available. Advance registration, either for a general or specific workstation, will not be accepted in person or by telephone. Those wishing to use a workstation must have a valid Fargo Public Library card or a Fargo Public Library Computer Access card, and present it upon signing up for a workstation. A guest pass is available to individuals for 120 minutes of computer use per day at no charge.

Library staff members are available to assist customers in the use of these resources, but may not be familiar with every program customers may wish to use. Due to the incredible number of online applications, library staff cannot offer technical support for non-library installed applications.

Because the Fargo Public Library has a secure computing environment, software and hardware, including some media players and plug-ins, cannot be installed on the library’s computer terminals. The Fargo Public Library staff is unable to install software and hardware that has not been approved or purchased by the library with the purpose of being installed on the public workstations.

The Fargo Public Library is not responsible for data that is corrupted or lost while using the workstations. Customers use the equipment at the Fargo Public Library at their own discretion. This includes data lost when a customer’s time runs out or the workstation shuts down.

Internet Use Policy Approved by the Fargo Public Library Board of Directors 01-28-2003
Renamed and Revised Computer Use Policy 07-26-2005
Revised 03-16-2010
Revised 11-19-2013
Revised 01-21-2014
Revised 10-21-2014
Reviewed 01-16-2018
Revised 11-19-2019
Revised 03-15-2022
Revised 11-15-2022