Computer Lab

Access to the Internet

Internet access is available free of charge in the computer lab and through the Library’s public wireless (WiFi).
Filters are in place to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, indecent, and contain pornography.
Patrons must use their personal Library card number to log onto an Internet computer.
Patrons who are not Palm Beach County residents and wish to use Internet computers must show photo ID with address (outside of Palm Beach County) in order to obtain a Guest Pass.
Patrons that use a Guest Pass are allowed one 30 minute session on the computer per day.
Internet Only Cards are available to customers who are not Palm Beach County residents and wish to use Internet computers for a month or more by showing a photo ID (outside of Palm Beach County).
Patrons must update expired library cards and resolve delinquent fines before they can log onto an Internet computer or place a reservation for the use of an Internet computer.
For patrons under 13 years of age, permission from a parent or guardian is required to use the computer.
Patrons are limited to a maximum of 120 minutes per day. The initial login period is 120 minutes, with the ability to extend your time in two 30-minute increments. If no other patron is waiting for computer use, additional 30-minute increments can be allowed.
When all Internet computers are in use, customers may use the Reservation Station to reserve an Internet computer for the next available time.
Customers who arrive 5 minutes or more after the reserved time will have to wait until an Internet computer becomes available or make another reservation.
Customers may not reserve Internet computers for specific time slots.
Customers who step away from their computer are encouraged to first lock their session with a password in order to avoid it timing out due to inactivity.
Internet computers will stop accepting reservations 10 minutes prior to the Library’s closing and will shut down automatically 5 minutes prior to closing.
Each workstation may accommodate up to two customers at the same time.
Scanning to a removable USB device is permitted. Customers who do not have USB drives may purchase one for $5.00 at the circulation desk.
Software installed on public computers includes Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher), Ancestry Library, Heritage Quest, World Vital Records, Rosetta Stone, Overdrive Media Console, and Adobe Reader XI.

Customer Assistance and Education

Public service staff will actively assist customers in effectively using electronic resources and in understanding the purpose and limitations of the Library’s various computer configurations.
The Library and its staff are not liable for any damage to personal equipment and files resulting from use of Library computer stations.
Customers should ensure they save or print their work prior to the end of their computer session to prevent loss of data. The Library cannot retrieve and is not responsible for the loss of data.
The Library Code of Conduct flyer shall be made available for public distribution at the Library to inform customers of the Library’s use guidelines.
Library staff cannot give customers legal, financial or medical advice and are not case workers. Library staff may assist users in searching for online resources, but may not advise customers on specific forms, sign or submit forms for customers.
Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to monitor and supervise their children’s Internet use.

Responsibilities

General use of computers is managed in accordance with the Library Code of Conduct. Misuse includes but is not limited to:
1. damaging or altering computer equipment or software;
2. displaying, printing, sending or storing obscene, libelous, threatening or harassing material;
3. downloading or installing any harmful or illegal programs on the computer;
4. violating copyright or trademark laws, software license agreements or intellectual property rights;
5. disrupting the library experience of other users
6. Customers who willfully violate the Code of Conduct are subject to any or all of the following actions:
7. verbal warning;
8. loss of computer privileges;
9. ejection from the Library; or
10. notification of law enforcement authorities
Customers who violate these policies and procedures may be given one verbal warning before losing their computer privileges at the discretion of Library staff. When dealing with a more serious offense such as the violation of a Florida Statute, Library personnel may immediately notify authorities.
All Library staff are empowered to enforce the Code of Conduct. Any staff member who witnesses and knowingly ignores behavior that violates the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

Printing and Photocopying

Each black and white page printed or photocopied on 8.5” x 11” paper costs $.25. Each color page printed or photocopied on 8.5” x 11” paper costs $.50.
Coins, $1 bills and $5 bills are accepted.
Print jobs will remain in the system for 60 minutes.
Wireless printing is available.
Printing outside the library is available.
If printing from outside the library, print jobs will remain in the system for seventy-two hours.