PUBLIC USE COMPUTERS

Internet and Computer Use

Free Wi-Fi

The library offers free and secure Wi-Fi to our patrons. The password can be found at the main circulation desk. 

General Use Computers

There are nine public use computer stations located on the first floor of the library and one public use computer station located upstairs in the mezzanine. Any member of the public may use these computers by entering their Flint Public Library card number or using a guest pass, which can be obtained at the main circulation desk.

These computers are connected to the Internet. Security software has been installed to prevent patrons from downloading and installing any programs or applications. Any files downloaded to library computers will eventually be deleted. If you are interested in saving your work, CDs to which files can be saved may be purchased for $2.00 at the library circulation desk. 

Teen Computers

There are four public use computer stations located in the Teen Area of the library (by the main circulation desk). These are for teen use only. Teens may use these computers by entering their Flint Public Library card number or using a guest pass, which can be obtained at the main circulation desk.

These computers are connected to the Internet. Security software has been installed to prevent patrons from downloading and installing any programs or applications. Any files downloaded to library computers will eventually be deleted. If you are interested in saving your work, CDs to which files can be saved may be purchased for $2.00 at the library circulation desk. 

Children’s Room Computers

There are six public use computer stations located in the Children’s Room on the ground floor of the library. These are for children or parents with children only. Patrons may use these computers by entering their Flint Public Library card number or using a guest pass, which can be obtained at the Children’s Room circulation desk.

These computers are connected to the Internet. Security software has been installed to prevent patrons from downloading and installing any programs or applications. Any files downloaded to library computers will eventually be deleted. If you are interested in saving your work, CDs to which files can be saved may be purchased for $2.00 at the library circulation desk. 

Computer Use and Internet Policies

• Flint Public Library provides access to the Internet and public use computers during regular library hours.
• The use of the computers is on a first-come, first-served basis. Users are entitled to a minimum of 30 minutes and, if other patrons are waiting, must relinquish use of the computer after 30 minutes. If other patrons are not waiting, users may continue to use the computer for however long they need.
• Users must make computers available at the request of library staff.
• Black and white printing costs 10 cents per side, and color printing costs 25 cents per side. Once a patron has printed a document, it will be sent to the print queue. Please visit the circulation desk to have a librarian release the print job from the queue.
• Under no circumstances may patrons use their personal software on library computers.
• Patron misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in the loss of computer privileges.
• If a patron wishes to watch a video or listen to music on a computer, they must use headphones so as to not disturb other library users. Headphones may be borrowed from the main circulation desk, or earbuds may be purchased for $2.00 per pair.
• Food and drink are not allowed at the computers nor anywhere else in the library.

The Flint’s Philosophy Regarding Internet Use

Adapted from the Seattle Public Library

The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching. Library staff members have attempted to identify on the Flint’s Home Page specific starting points for searches and links to sources on the Internet which are consistent with the Library’s mission and organizational values. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this access and because sites on the Internet change rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect users from information or images that they might find offensive or disturbing.

Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current, or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.

Providing Internet access at public terminals involves adapting what is ordinarily a private instrument, the personal computer, to a public setting. When using a Library computer, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. Users are cautioned that the Library public access computers are located in public areas shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images. Use of library terminals for viewing or disseminating illegal images is not permitted.

Users must understand that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered public.

User Responsibilities

All users of the Internet at the Library are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided. Responsible use of the Internet at the Library includes:

• Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
• Using the Library’s Internet resources for cultural, educational, and informational purposes.
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted data residing on the Internet.
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
• Refraining from damaging or altering the configuration of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library.
• Refraining from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.

Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library’s Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

Child Safety on the Internet

Flint Public Library supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their children’s access to print, non-print, and electronic information. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children in relation to family values and boundaries and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.

To assist parents, the Library has available Internet links that are appealing and appropriate for children’s recreational, cultural, and educational pursuits. These may be accessed on our Online Resources page.