Libraries - Conditions for Using the Internet

1. Users
Access to the personal computers and the Internet is free for the first hour per day in all Royal Borough of Kingston public libraries. This includes all emailing and use of scanners where available.
We charge for access after the first hour and for printing, USB memory sticks or other storage media, and for tutored training sessions.

2. You do not need to be a library member (except Children - see below) to use the computers. You will need to provide proof of your identity beforehand and you will be issued with a personal computer use membership card if you are not a full library member.

3. Children under 16 years of age must have permission from a parent / guardian, to use the Internet.
Normally a note to show this has been obtained is added to the child's record held on the library computer system. Children must therefore be library members.
Children need to be booked on by a member of staff; they cannot use the booking kiosks (where available).

4. Filtering
The Council filters public access to the Internet to prevent content unsuitable for viewing or use on a public computer. However, this does not guarantee that unsuitable sites will not accidentally be viewed. In general, sites that are blocked could contain pornography; threats, or violence (this can result in some war-related sites being blocked); promotion of discrimination of any sort etc; or gambling. Library staff have no control over the filtering, and the policy and rules in place are determined by the Council.

5. If you consider that a website that has been blocked should be accessible to the public, or that a website should be blocked, please advise a member of staff of the full website name and ask if they can request that the website is unblocked or blocked as required. Your request will be reviewed by the Council. Library staff have no control over the filtering or the review process.

Staying within the law

Personal computers and the Internet must not be used for any activity which is a criminal offence. If library staff learn of any such misuse your session will be terminated. In serious cases this will be reported to the Police and could lead to prosecution. It is your own responsibility (or a parent or guardians must take responsibility in the case of minors) to be aware of the following laws and to comply with all legal requirements.

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988). You must make sure that you have the necessary permission before downloading or distributing copyright information from the Internet.
Telecommunications Act (1984). This applies to e-mail and forbids the transmission of messages or any other matter that is of a grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.
Computer Misuse Act (1990). This covers unauthorised access to a computer (computer hacking) and writing or the intentional introduction of computer viruses .
Obscene Publications Acts (1959 and 1964). You are not allowed to view, download or print pornographic material.
Data Protection Act (1998). This applies to obtaining, using and publishing information about identifiable individuals on the Internet
These laws may be amended by Parliament from time to time.
Other Laws may also apply to your use of the internet service.

Operation

Bookings:
Library members can book computer sessions for a maximum of two hours per day. This can be in several sessions.
The default booking is one hour. Computer user members can book computer sessions for a maximum of 90 minutes per day. This can be in several sessions.
The default booking is 30 minutes. Bookings not logged on within 5 minutes of starting time will be automatically cancelled and the time will be deducted from members available time.
Adult bookings are normally made at booking kiosks where available. Children’s bookings have to be made by library staff who will check parental permission is available.

Advance Bookings: Up to three sessions can be booked up to 7 days in advance
Time Extensions: Users will be given warning messages before their session is due to finish. Longer or extended sessions are not generally available. However if people are following recognised training, further time may be permitted. This is at the discretion of staff and cannot be guaranteed. Any time available will vary according to demand at the time.

8. Reliability of information
Some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, or misleading, or a matter of individual opinion. This is especially true of some commercial sites. Users should be aware that by offering the facility the Council is not endorsing or recommending any organisation, service or information which may be accessed on the Internet.

9. Liability
Users should be aware that all use of the computers and Internet is at their own risk. Kingston Libraries will not accept any liability for damage or loss of computer files. As a condition of use, you acknowledge that the Council accepts no responsibility or liability of any kind as a consequence of your access and use of the facility. The Council accepts no liability for any inaccurate or misleading information you obtain. The Council accepts no liability for any problems or loss relating to financial transactions you make over the Internet.

10.

Withdrawal of Service
Members of the public may be banned from using the Internet in Kingston Libraries in the future if they:

Are found, or reported, viewing sites deemed to be unsuitable, or causing offence
Do not clear any outstanding charges
Are found to be breaching clause 6 above, or misusing clause 7 above
Show threatening or otherwise confrontational behaviour toward any member of staff or library user.

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