Using Leicester Libraries Public Computers

Acceptable Use Policy

[Latest changes made 22 January 2010 are in red]

• You must use these library computers and any other information technology equipment in a responsible manner, in accordance with existing legislation and with Leicester City Council policies and procedures.

• Computer use will be monitored. If you fail to comply with these standards, library staff will terminate your session. You may be temporarily or permanently banned from using the computers. Illegal acts will be referred to the Police for investigation and may lead to prosecution.

• The Council retains records of all Internet browsing for up to 6 months and will release that information to the Police and other relevant bodies if it receives an appropriately authorised request under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Data Protection Act (DPA) or any other legislation which orders release.

• You must use only your own library membership number/PIN to book or log on to the computers.

• You must not allow anyone else to use your library membership number/PIN.

• You must pay for all printouts on collection.

• We may contact you if you miss one or more computer bookings. Future bookings may be refused.

• You must not knowingly violate the security of the network; introduce or transmit a virus; or contravene licensing agreements or copyright law.

• You must not interfere with the equipment or software, introduce or download other software, or connect any external devices (other than memory sticks and headphones) without seeking permission. Downloading software to the hard drive is not permitted.

• You must refrain from using, transmitting or downloading material which is pornographic, obscene, racist, defamatory, illegal or offensive to others.

• Filtering software is in place to prevent access to material on the Internet which the Council considers inappropriate. However, no filtering software is completely effective and the Council cannot guarantee that access to inappropriate material will be blocked.

• Leicester City Council accepts no responsibility or liability for damage or loss arising from the use or unavailability of the computer facilities or information obtained through these facilities.

• Due to the public nature of these facilities, users visiting web sites that request that the user save their settings/details/credentials should elect NOT to save such details on library computers. To do so puts your privacy at risk and Leicester City Council accepts no responsibility.

• Leicester City Council makes every effort to ensure that its public computing facilities are safe and free from malware and viruses. However, due to the public nature of these facilities, members of the public use Leicester Libraries computers at their own risk.

version 1.3 January 2010