Computer, Internet, and Wireless Use Policies

Computer Use

• Customers use library computers at their own risk.
• Public computers in the libraries shut down ten minutes before closing.
• Computers are re-set to factory settings, with all files and data wiped at the conclusion of each session.
• Customers whose library card accounts are blocked because they owe $25 or more in fees will be able to use the libraries' computers but not laptops. Read more about paying fees.
• Computer time limits are as follows:
  • 60 minutes per session and unlimited minutes total per day on Children’s Room computers;
  • 15 minutes on an Express computers; and
  • 120 minutes per session and unlimited minutes total per day on adult computers.
• Non library card holders can request an internet card for computer and internet usage. 
• Customers using workstations should not interfere with or disrupt other users.
• Users must relinquish computers if a staff member asks them to do so.
• Equipment and software must be used as installed. Customers must not reconfigure the workstations, load new software, or run their own software.
• Customers may bring their own headphones to use with library computers.
• Computers in children's area are for the use of children below 13 years old and/or their accompanying guardian.

Internet Use

Wi-Fi is available at all branches. Internet may be periodically affected by service providers and the County network. 

• The library is not responsible for the privacy of information you transfer over our network.
• You are responsible for ensuring that your computer has security protection against viruses and other malware. You use the library's wireless network at your own risk.
• The library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of a customer’s equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the library's facilities.
• Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance. 

Restrictions, Filtering, and Privacy

MCPL utilizes filtering software on all Library workstations and devices using MCPL's network. Federal law requires libraries receiving federal funding to apply web filters to block access to internet material containing visual depictions that are obscene, contain child pornography or are harmful to minors. 

Upon request, the library offers privacy screens to protect customer privacy. 

For more information about the confidentiality of computer use records, see MCPL's Privacy Policies.

Downloading

Users may save information from the library computers to their personal flash drives or to free personal accounts on cloud-computing platforms.

Printing

• Printing from all library computers is $.15 cents a page for Black and White and $1.00 a page for Color.
• Copies and prints are produced only on standard paper contained in MCPL printers. Customers may not introduce their own paper, labels, transparencies, or any other media into the Library’s printers.
• Circulation records, information about customer accounts, ILL information, and up to three pages of information to answer customer information/reference questions will be printed free by staff at the service desks.
• Fifteen cents is the minimum that can be added to a customer's session management printing account, and $15.00 is the recommended maximum that can be added. Payments by check must be for at least $1.00. Unused money from a session management printing account will not be refunded.
• MCPL will issue refunds for photocopies or computer print-outs only if the machine produced a blurred, black, or otherwise unreadable copy or if the machine print-out is torn or wrinkled.
• Customers should always use Print Preview before sending a print job to make sure that the number of pages is correct, that no blank pages show, and that the text on the page is complete. Printing a blank page or a page with missing text does not constitute a bad copy for refund purposes.