Public Use Computers

Effective August 2006

Available Public Computers:

The Carol Stream Public Library has different types of computers available for public use. They include:

  • Computers for accessing the Library’s catalog
  • Computers with non-Internet games for ages 3 through 10
  • Computers with access to the Library’s online subscription databases

Microsoft Office is available on the computers with non-Internet games and on the computers with online databases in the Youth Services Department.

There are other computers in the Library which allow public access to the Internet and also contain Microsoft Office products. The use of those computers is covered under a separate policy.

Who may use the computers:

The public computers are available for anyone to use, whether or not the useris a resident of Carol Stream.

Only two people will be allowed to use any one computer at any one time.

If, in the opinion of a Librarian, a person's behavior while using the computer is disruptive to others in the Library, that person will be instructed to discontinue use of the computer and may be asked to leave the Library.

Time slots:

The Library does not take reservations for non-Internet computers, nor is time limited. However, if patrons are waiting to use the computers, people will be asked to limit their use to 30 minutes.

No one may start using a computer less than 15 minutes before the Library closes. (See Library hours at the end of this document). Users must finish working, although they may still be printing, at 5minutes before closing. All computers will be shut off at five minutes before closing.

Charges:

  • There is no charge for the use of the computers.
  • Printing costs are as posted on the printers.
  • Computer disks may be  available for purchase at the Public Service Desks.
  • Any damage to equipment will be charged to the user on a replacement cost basis.

Staff Assistance:

The Library Staff will not instruct computer users in the use of the equipment or any software. Limited assistance is available for starting computers and printers only.

Computer users are responsible for learning how to use the equipment and/or software before they start. The Library will provide some reference material and user's aids for doing this.

Software and Hardware:

Patrons may not bring in their own software to use on the Library's computers.

The Library's software may not be downloaded to a patron's disk. Duplication of the Library software is prohibited by law.

Patrons wishing to save their work maybring in their own approved data storage device or may purchase a floppy disk at the Public Service Desks. Any work saved to the hard drive will be erased.

The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged files or disks belonging to the user.

The user is not allowed to bring his or her own hardware. Other than approved data storage devices, users are not allowed to physically or electronically attach anything to Library equipment.

The Library reserves the right to revise these policies and procedures at any time.  All revisions will be posted in the Library. The user is responsible for staying informed of any and all revisions.

Library Hours
Monday - Thursday      9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday         9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday (Sept. - May)   1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.