Public Access Computers

The library offers 8 computer work-stations that provide free public access to the Internet via a DSL connection.

  • Five PCs are in the main part of the library, in our Vermont Room. Each computer is set up with printing capabilities and has the most current Office Suite of programs. All registered library card holders have the ability to sign on to the computers. If you do not have a library card, you can request a guest pass from the front desk.

  • Three PCs are in the children’s area for children in grades K - 8. If a child does not have a library card, they can request a guest pass from the Youth Librarian or the front desk.

Computer time is limited to a 30 minute session with the opportunity to add an additional 30 minutes. The maximum allotated time for the public computers per day is 1 hour.

Internet Access

The entire library is wired for free WiFi access, and there are numerous work spaces with access to outlets to plug in laptops. Wireless internet has been extended outside the library build as well.

  • Inside the library - connect to SFL Wireless WiFi . No password needed.

  • Outside the library - connect to Stowe Hotspot. No password needed. This wireless network covers the porch, the lawn, and down to the front parking area. In the back of the building it reaches the parking lot.

Printing

The library offers printing services to patrons and guests.

  • The cost is $0.10 per page.
  • $0.20 per page for legal or double-sided copies.
  • Copies are only available in black & white.

All the public access computers are connected to the printer. Patrons and guests can also connect to the printer with their own devices. Information on wireless printing is located next to the printer or ask for help at the front desk.

Printing requests can also be emailed to the library and picked up. Send your print requests to info@stowelibrary.org and include the number of copies.

Technology Policy

The Stowe Free Library adheres to the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights (Appendix I), and supports access to information, regardless of content or format, to every library user in agreement with ALA’s Access to Digital Resources and Services: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (Appendix III). The Library provides expanded services via technology, and enables users to access information, above and beyond physical materials held at the library.

Internet Use

The Internet is a resource for global information, provides a plethora of resources, and represents multiple points of view. The Library encourages library users to be informed consumers, but information accessed through the Internet is not vetted nor controlled by the Library. Patrons must evaluate the information that they access for validity. Library users should be aware that information accessed through the Internet:

  • May not be reliable nor come from a reliable source.
  • May not be accurate.
  • May not be current.
  • May not be found through valid links nor vetted sites.
  • May be controversial.
  • Is not censored or filtered by the library.

Privacy

When accessing the Internet, Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy. However, total confidentiality and privacy cannot be guaranteed, and security on the Internet is hard to achieve. Although the Library does what it can to optimize security, patrons should consider their Internet activity as public information and limit their activities accordingly.

Children’s Access

The Library supports the right of all library users to access information regardless of age. The Internet may contain information that is inappropriate for children. The library staff does not monitor children’s use of Internet resources and electronic information. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet and are encouraged to discuss safety issues and appropriate use of electronic information with their children.

Acceptable Use of Equipment and Networks

The Library requires that patrons using the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use. The following activities are unacceptable:

  • Use of the Internet in any way that violates federal, state, and/or local laws, including but not limited to laws regarding copyright, licensing, and content restrictions.
  • Damage to the library’s electronic equipment, software, or networks.
  • Violation of the Library’s system security.
  • Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to the overuse of the Library’s electronic equipment/services, which denies access to other users.
  • Display of sexually explicit graphics.
  • The transmission of threatening messaging or obscene materials.
  • False representation of the user.

Wireless Connection

The Library provides wireless access to the Internet for properly equipped and configured laptops and hand held devices. The wireless signal may be accessed throughout the Library, although the signal may be weaker towards the back of the library and out on the front porch.

When users access the “SFL Wireless Wi-Fi” connection, they are agreeing to abide by the Library’s Technology Policy, which is displayed on the access page. Copies are available at the circulation desk and in both of the computer rooms.

Using Wi-Fi poses the same risks to personal information that a wired network poses, but with the added vulnerability of having the network more open and less secure. The Wi-Fi network is easily accessible to many people, thus users should be aware of risks in providing personal information while on any wireless connection.

Wireless Printing

The Library now provides a wireless printing service through the use of the Library’s Kyocera Printer. A password is required. Instructions for access and the password are available at the front desk. Printing costs apply.

Library Computer Use

  • There are 5 public access computers available to be used by adult users and 3 public access computers to be used by juvenile (through middle school age) users. For safety reasons, users must use the age appropriate library computer area.
  • Library computers are equipped with a time management system. Patrons are limited to 30 minutes a session, 2 sessions per day. The sessions may be consecutive if the computer is not reserved for another patron.
  • A valid library card is required to login to a library computer. If a user does not have one, a temporary card can be requested at the front desk. To log in, the user must type in or scan the library card number. The user must agree to follow the library’s policies spelled out in this document.
  • A reservation for a library computer may be made for that current day. The reservation will be forfeited if the user is ten minutes late to log in.
  • Computers will be turned off ten minutes prior to closing.
  • Due to space, computer use is limited to a maximum of two people per computer workstation. If there are two users on one computer, they will be considered one user with respect to the time limitations mentioned above.

Printing

Printing is available through the Library’s public access computers and the users’ personal devices. Printing is only available in black and white.

Printing costs:

  • The printing charge for letter-size documents (8 ½” x 11”) is 10 cents per page/side.
  • The printing charge for ledger-size documents (11” x 17”) is 20 cents per page/side.

Equipment and Systems Maintenance

The Library staff is responsible for the overall maintenance of the electronic equipment and systems. Users should report problems to the staff immediately.

Non-library files on the public access computers’ hard drives, the contents of the temporary folders and the cache, as well as the Internet browser history will be deleted daily.

The library has a technology plan to ensure functional, up-to-date equipment and electronic services.

Staff Assistance

The library staff is available to assist users in the use of electronic equipment and information networks, as time permits. For particularly lengthy one-on-one troubleshooting issues, please schedule some assistance in advance. For liability reasons, the Library requires the verbal permission by electronic equipment owners before staff will attempt to assist the owners with troubleshooting their personal equipment.

Staff will occasionally provide general technology training programs, and will post them on our website and calendar as notification of these programs.

Disclaimer

The Stowe Free Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library user’s use of Internet resources and the assistance in personal equipment troubleshooting.

Violation of Policy

The cost to repair damage to the Library’s electronic equipment, software, and/or networks knowingly caused by any user will be charged to that person.

The Library reserves the right to terminate the user’s computer privileges and/or contact authorities regarding activities that violate acceptable use of equipment and networks.

Approved, Dec. 6, 2019.