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Sundown Library

Technology Usage Policy

Computers, technology equipment

With a purpose providing informational, educational, and recreational resources to patrons of all ages, cultural and economic backgrounds, the City of Sundown Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services.


Along with our “Patron Code of Conduct” and “Safe Child Policy,” the rules in this policy are set up to ensure proper use of the equipment and allow fair access to our patrons. Failure to follow these rules of conduct will result in loss of public technology privileges. This policy is available online and by request at the circulation desk. A signed copy of the Technology Usage Consent Form will be kept on file with the patron’s account.


Any damages that occur to the library’s space and/or equipment (including gaming equipment) will be the responsibility of the patron(s) using the area at the time the damage occurs. A manual invoice with an explanation of the damages may be generated and attached to the patron’s account to pay for damages. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis.


All technology equipment must be used as installed. Users are not permitted to delete, add to, or modify the installed games, hardware, or software.


All technology will be shut down 20 minutes before the library closes. (5:40pm most days) 


GAMING USE

  1. Users must have a valid City of Sundown Library account that is in good standing and be in 3rd grade or older. (Please note: as per our policy, 3rd graders must have a caregiver in the library at all times.)
  2. The gaming systems can be used throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons must sign in at the front circulation desk to use the gaming systems. At the time of sign in, users will be given controllers and other accessories needed to play. When patrons are finished playing, they must notify staff and sign out.
  3. Game playing will be limited to 30 minutes for elementary students (3rd-5th), 45 minutes for middle school students (6th-8th), 1 hour for high school students. All controllers and gaming must be returned to the front desk within the time. If no one is waiting to use that system, controllers may be re-checked. Maximum gaming time (total for all systems) is 2 hours per day per patron.
  4. Patrons may request to use their own gaming equipment & profiles with permission from the staff. No VR is allowed. The only personal games that can be used are wii games (rated E). 
  5. Anyone using the gaming system must be willing to end the game when requested by staff. The Lounge will be shut down when other library programs are scheduled or if the space is reserved for a telehealth appointment.
  6. No vulgar, foul, or inappropriate language or disrespectful actions. If players do not keep within these guidelines, they will lose gaming privileges for the day. If there are continued problems, further action will be taken.
  7. Any broken, damaged, altered, or dysfunctional equipment caused by patron misuse will result in a damage fee to the patron’s account, and library privileges will be suspended until costs are cleared. (Please note: areas are monitored by video cameras with audio.) 

INTERNET USE          Be advised that this is unfiltered internet service.

  1. Parents or guardians are responsible for minors’ computer selection, Internet use, and choice of web sites. Children ages 9 and up are allowed to use the public computer unaccompanied once the Agreement Consent form is signed. Note again: these are UNFILTERED computers.
  2. Users may sign up for one hour of use at the Circulation Desk. The user prints his/her name and the time he/she starts (or plans to start) using the workstation. If no one is waiting at the end of the hour, the user may continue to use the workstation. Thereafter, the workstations will be made available within 15 minutes of being informed by the staff that another person is waiting.
  3. Users may print copies and pay at the Circulation Desk. Copies are 25¢ per black and white page, $1 for color. Any accidental printing is the responsibility of the user. Staff will gladly assist you. Library staff is available for basic help on the computers as time and skills allow. Due to privacy concerns, we will not help with any sensitive information.
  4. Internet access in the library is provided for research and educational purposes. Inappropriate use will permanently cancel Internet access privileges. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:
  1. Using library Internet facilities for financial gain, commercial activity, or any any activity prohibited by federal, state law or local ordinance.
    • Use of impolite or abusive language, including music.
    • Transmission or receipt of offensive or sexually explicit materials. NOTE: TEXAS PENAL CODE, SECTIONS 43.21, 43.22 AND 43.24 ARE THE STATUTES WHICH MAKE DISPLAY OF OBSCENE MATERIAL A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    • Violation of the policies and procedures of other networks, including attempting to illegally enter any other computer system by “hacking” passwords of authorized users.
    • Violating copyright laws: (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use". Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user, the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.