Speer Memorial Library Policies

Computer Usage Policy

Internet Access Policy

Fines, Fees, and Loan Periods

Rules for Borrowing Materials

Computer Usage Policy
Internet Access - Acceptable Use Policy
Fines, Fees, and Loan Periods
Rules for Borrowing Library Materials

Computer Usage Policy

We have more than 265 computers available for the public. All of these computers provide access to the Internet. Other programs that are available on some of the computers include: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Reader, and a variety of children's educational games. Please note that library staff can introduce you to these programs, but are not able to "train" you in their use. Manuals and help files are available for most of our computer programs to assist you with using these programs. A donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation brought eight computers to our Children's Department. These computers have a wide variety of games for children of all ages, and a number of tutorials for word processing, spreadsheets, and the Internet.

All of our programs are set up to be easy to use by all patrons. Altering any of our programs, or attempting to subvert our security systems, may result in your computer access privileges being suspended. You may not install or download your own programs to our computers.

If you are going to use the Internet, you should be aware that no "business usage" is permitted. As well, the viewing, posting or showing others images or text that could be described as "pornographic" is not permitted. If you need to view something that others may find offensive, please ask the staff for assistance - as there are specific computers set aside for this purpose. Please be warned that we monitor all Internet usage to ensure that it complies with the law, with library rules, and with our Acceptable Use Policy. Misuse of the computers will result in your access privileges being suspended. Parents and guardians are reminded that they are responsible for the behavior and Internet usage of their children.

The use of the Internet and the CD-ROM programs on our computers requires you to have your own library card from the Speer Memorial Library. You may not use someone else's card or number. Staff members may ask to see your library card or other acceptable identification at any time. If you cannot show them your I.D., you will be asked to exit the programs and leave the computer. If you do not have a library card, please go to the Circulation desk for assistance. You do not need to have a card to use any of the other programs on our computers.

If you have forgotten your library card, you may go to the Circulation desk and purchase a One-Time Access Slip for $2.00. This slip will give you access to your password for one day only. If you have lost your card, you may ask at the Circulation desk to purchase a replacement card. The fee for this service is $2.00, plus any fines that are on the old card.

We have four Stand-Alone computers to access the Internet. If you are unable or unwilling to get a library card at this time, and are over 18 years old, you may use these computers. Please note that these computers are primarily for those patrons who do not currently have and have not, in the past, had a library card with us. Before you use these computers, you must sufficiently identify yourself and sign in at the Circulation desk. These computers are not available to patrons who have lost or forgotten their library cards.

Chat rooms are not permitted to be used on any of the computers out on the floor. We have four computers available for patrons who would like to chat. Please ask for staff assistance to use these computers. Please note that patrons who are under 18 will need to provide a letter from their parents or guardians granting them permission to use these computers.

You must sign in with your name on the tablet located next to the computer. You may sign up in 30 minute increments only! Failure to sign in may result in your computer privileges being suspended. DO NOT USE YOUR PATRON NUMBER TO SIGN IN! YOUR PATRON NUMBER IS YOUR PASSWORD AND SHOULD BE KEPT PRIVATE. If you feel that the security of your patron number has been compromised, please ask at the Circulation desk for assistance.

Anti-virus software will scan the contents of any floppy inserted into our computers. You should be aware that if an infected file cannot be cleaned, you will not be able to open that file. The Speer Memorial Library cannot be responsible for your disks or their contents. You may purchase a formatted disk at the Circulation desk for 50 cents.

Please do not turn the computers off or reset them. If you are having difficulty with one of our computers, please ask a staff member for assistance. All computers turn off automatically at closing time. Library staff cannot stop this process.

The library's computers are set up to print out in black and white. If you print from these computers, the printouts are 10 cents per page. However, we can print out on our color laser printer; ask at the Circulation desk for this service. Every page that prints out in color costs $1.00 each - regardless of the amount of color on the page! Due to warranty restrictions, we cannot use paper that you provide in our printers or copiers.

Internet Access Acceptable Use Policy (AUP):

1. The Internet is an appropriate and useful information tool for children, young adults, and adults. The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view, not all of which are equally suitable for the informational and recreational needs of each age group.
2. The Speer Memorial Library will develop and promote positive examples of internet resources for each of the above groups. However, library staff cannot control information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. The Speer Memorial Library assumes responsibility only for the information contained on its own home page, but not for the informational links.
3. This policy was developed by the Speer Memorial Library with input from and the concurrence and support of the library's advisory board and city government.
4. The Speer Memorial Library Director, Librarians and staff will maintain information on current internet use policies and concerns of state and national library and governmental organizations, and other groups committed to freedom of information.
5. Patrons using the Speer Memorial Library facilities to access the Internet must agree to and abide by this acceptable use policy established by the library. Patrons shall agree to hold harmless and unconditionally reimburse the Speer Memorial Library for any liability or damage claim arising from any use or misuse of Internet access by the patron.
6. Library staff will not censor what a patron wishes to access on the Internet. As with all informational resources in the library, a library staff member may review what is being accessed and offer assistance in locating additional information. If the information being accessed is sensitive, or inappropriate for viewing, the patron's viewing area may be positioned to provide the viewer privacy, and so that others might not inadvertently become exposed to material which they may consider inappropriate.
7. Parents or guardians of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the library's facilities. Minor children who access the Internet will be asked to verify that they do so with their parent's permission and knowledge of their joint responsibility as users and are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach. The library will make available to parents and other interested individuals information related to safety and censorship issues, freedom of information, family values, and other topics related to internet access. Much of this information is available on the Internet from organizations such as the American Library Association, the "Internet Advocate" (a web-based resource guide for Librarians and Educators interested in providing youth access to the net.), the U.S. Government, educational institutions, public libraries, and others.
8. Patrons may not use the library's facilities for any activity prohibited by federal, state law or local ordinance. In addition, patrons may not:
   1. Use the library's facilities to gain unauthorized access to the library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system in any other facility.
   2. Obstruct other people's work by using the system unreasonably or by deliberately crashing or disrupting the computer system.
   3. Make any attempt to deliberately damage the computer hardware or software or to deliberately and knowingly introduce a computer virus.
   4. Make any attempt to alter, change or modify software configurations.
   5. Make any attempt to cause degradation of the system's performance.
   6. Use any workstation for illegal or criminal purposes.
   7. Use any workstation for business or commercial activity of any kind.
   8. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements by the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted or licensed materials.
   9. Engage in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous, or which invades another's privacy.
9. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information from the Internet through its facilities or any consequences thereof.
10. The library reserves the right to update and change this policy at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the patron to read and accept the current version of the policy. Any violation of the acceptable use policy may result in the individual being denied access to the library's facilities.

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Fines, Fees, and Loan Periods

Any authorized additions, deletions, or changes to the loan period, fine, and fee schedule will be posted in the circulation section of the library.

Note: Total fines accrued per individual will be limited to a maximum fine of $15 through the "same day" (or the last day if there is no "same day") of the next month from the date of their "first" overdue notice. Patrons will need to bring their "first" overdue notice in for our staff to verify the date and calculate the fines due from items on the notice. Fines not cleared within this time period will be calculated according to our regular fine schedule.

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Rules for Borrowing Library Materials

1. A driver's license, Texas I.D. card, utility bill, checkbook with your current mailing address, or other acceptable form of identification is needed to verify your address before a library card will be issued.
   
   
2. Patrons under the age of 18 applying for a card must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must bring acceptable identification.
   
   
3. Your first library card is free.
   
   
4. Do not lend the card to anyone; you are responsible for items checked out on your card.
   
   
5. Notify the library immediately if you lose your library card, or if you change your address.
   
   
6. A charge will be made to replace your card due to loss or damage.
   
   
7. Patrons must present their library card each time any library materials or equipment are checked out from the library.
   
   
8. Every patron's record is checked before issuing a library card, or before any materials or equipment are checked out from the library.
   
   
9. All library material and equipment charged out must be returned on or before the specificed due date, or overdue fines will be charged.
   
   
10. Fines for overdues, charges for lost, missing, or damaged library material, and fees for other library services are expected to be paid promptly. When the total due the library is in excess of $5.00, library circulation privileges will be suspended until all fines, charges, and fess are cleared.
    
    
11. Parents or legal guardians of minor patrons are responsible for seeing that any fines, charges, or fees incurred are cleared.
    
    
12. For lost or damaged items, patrons will be required to pay the replacement cost, plus a non-refundable handling charge.
    
    
13. The library has an outside book-drop for the return of books only. All audiovisual equipment and materials checked out of the library must be returned inside the library. Audiovisual materials returned in the bookdrop will result in a fee charged to the patron responsible for the item.
    
    
14. Failure ("neglect") to return library materials is a potential violation of the City of Mission Ordinance Number 1274, paragraph 1, 5-14-84.
    
    

The Speer Memorial Library has an agreement with the Biblioteca Municipal de Reynosa No. 342, "Prof. Agapito Zepeda Uriegas," in Reynosa. On special occasions, members of our library may obtain a letter of authorization for library services in Reynosa.

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