Library ICT Access: Conditions of Use

Terms and conditions

In using the Public Access Computers, you agree to the following:

I will not:

• interfere with the equipment;
• attempt to amend or delete existing software;
• knowingly introduce a computer virus;
• attempt to infiltrate or attack the council’s network;
• try to access sites which have been blocked;
• try to download additional software and computer programmes.

I will not create, access, copy, store, transmit or publish any material which:

• is obscene, pornographic, abusive, racist or illegal, including material that may be deemed extremist, threatening or defamatory;
• causes harassment or gross offence to others;
• would be in breach of copyright, trademark or patent laws;
• would distribute unsolicited advertising.

I may:

• use usb memory sticks to upload and store my files and documents and agree to comply with all copyright and intellectual property legislation;
• share the use of the computer with one other person only;
• send documents to the printer – but will only be able to retrieve them once i have paid the printing fees due.

I agree to leave the computer at the end of the allotted time or when requested to do so by staff. If no-one else is waiting, staff may, at their discretion, allow me to stay on a computer for longer than the allotted time, on the understanding that I will end my session once it is required by another user.

If there is any fault found with a computer, please advise staff immediately; you must not attempt to rectify any hardware or software faults yourself.

For note

The Council applies filtering controls to block illegal and inappropriate content. This does not guarantee that all unsuitable content is blocked, and may block some legitimate content that you may expect to be available. If this is the case, please speak to a member of staff.

The Council accepts no responsibility for the quality, accuracy or availability of information accessed through the internet. It is your personal responsibility to ensure the accuracy of information that you discover and you must understand that some information online may be inaccurate, out of date, controversial, offensive and/or illegal.

Children (age 15 or under) may use library computers. However, parents and guardians are reminded that their child’s access to the internet is their responsibility.

Staff or digital helper volunteers will try, wherever possible, to help users in the use of the computer. However, staff are unable to offer in-depth support, and are not always able to give dedicated assistance, particularly at busy times.

The computers are in public places and if you use them to enter personal or financial information you should take appropriate precautions.. The Council cannot be held responsible for any losses resulting from online transactions or sending any information over the internet. Before you leave the computer you must click on the ‘end session’ button. You will be logged off immediately, and all your data will be cleared. If you do not do this your data may be accessed by the next user.

Withdrawal of access

The Council reserves the right to refuse further ICT/computer access to any individual accessing or distributing materials which are deemed to be illegal or unacceptable.

The Council assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury, direct or indirect, suffered as a result of using these computer resources.

Failure to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy will result in withdrawal of access to the service and possible legal action, in line with the wider Libraries Management of Unreasonable Customer Behaviour Framework. Staff on site will determine whether any computer activity is unreasonable and this determination will be subject to confirmation by a senior Officer of the Council.

Statement of agreement

I understand and accept that if I do not abide by these conditions Oxfordshire County Council will withdraw my access to the Public Access Computers in council offices and may take further action as appropriate.