Computer Guidelines

The Gates-Davis Computer Lab is provided thanks to generous donations from the Gates Foundation and Ella Davis.

Use
There is no charge to use the computers in the Computer Lab and service is based on a first come, first serve basis. A Tuscaloosa Public Library card is required for residents. The card must be current and with less than $6.00 in charges. Non-residents may be granted access with current ID for occasional use.

Time Limits
A basic session is one hour. If no others are waiting to use computers, one additional hour session may be available.

Internet
Internet access is filtered in order to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The following are prohibited: 

• Use of chat.
• Viewing of obscene materials, child pornography, material that appeals to a prurient or unhealthy interest in, or depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, violence, nudity, sex, death or bodily functions, material that has been designated as for “adults” only. 
• Material that promotes or advocates illegal activities.
• Gambling.

Microsoft Office Applications
Microsoft Office 2007 Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access are available for use.

Printing
Black and white printing is $.10 per page. Color printing is $1.00 per page.

Downloading
Files may be downloaded to a USB device, a pre-formatted 3.5-inch disk or CDR. Disks may be purchased for $1.00, and CDRs for $1.50.

Classes
Free classes in computer use and software are scheduled regularly.

Help
Computer Lab assistants are available to provide assistance.

INTERNET USE POLICY

It is the mission of the Tuscaloosa Public Library to provide recreational and cultural opportunities and information to a diverse community through traditional services, new technologies, and innovative programs for citizens of all ages and needs in an inviting environment. Because of technological advancement and to better meet the needs of its users, the Tuscaloosa Public Library provides Internet access for its patrons. The Tuscaloosa Public Library is not responsible for information accessed through the Internet, nor is it responsible for the content or accuracy of this information. It is the intention of the Tuscaloosa Public Library to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Tuscaloosa Public Library utilizes a filtering service on all public and staff Internet computer workstations in order to block access to inappropriate information, specifically, information deemed to be harmful to minors. Adult users aged eighteen and older may request that the filtering be disabled for the purpose of “bona fide research or other lawful purpose”. This request is subject to staff discretion and supervision.

As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, inappropriate network usage, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities, is prohibited. Also prohibited is the use of Internet chat rooms by computer lab patrons. The Tuscaloosa Public Library staff will monitor usage of the Internet and the online computer network, including use of electronic mail, or other forms of electronic communication. Patrons accessing the Internet at the Tuscaloosa Public Library agree to the following rules and stipulations:

1. Prohibited Materials: The following types of materials are prohibited from use in the Tuscaloosa Public Library computers: obscene materials, child pornography, material that appeals to a prurient or unhealthy interest in, or depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, violence, nudity, sex, death or bodily functions, material that has been designated as for “adults” only and material that promotes or advocates illegal activities.

2. Family and Personal Values: There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not be fitting with the particular values of the families of students. Parents/guardians are encouraged to specify to their children what material is and is not acceptable in accord with their family values for their children to access.

3. Responsible Use: Users may not engage in activities that are illegal, use harmful language, engage in plagiarism or copyright infringement or engage in actions that jeopardize the security of the Tuscaloosa Public Library system.

4. Warranties: The Tuscaloosa Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through the library’s Internet system will be error-free or without defect. The library will not be responsible for any damages users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data, interruptions of service, or exposure to inappropriate material or people. The library is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information.

5. Due Process: The Tuscaloosa Public Library will cooperate fully with local, state or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through the Tuscaloosa Public Library Internet System.

If a user inadvertently accesses material that is considered to be prohibited, he/she should immediately disclose this to the lab monitor.

Summary
Using the computer lab is a privilege. The Tuscaloosa Public Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet or other computer session at anytime for activities that are harmful to the equipment, computer lab, community, or library patrons. Repeated violations can result in loss of computer lab privileges. Illegal acts involving library resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal officials.