The library provides 5 types of computer access. Click on the correct type
for further information:
Catalogs. Computers that access the library's online
catalog and subscriptions to full text magazine articles, newspapers, etc.
Internet access computers, which also provide Microsoft
WORD, EXCEL, PowerPoint, VLC Media Player and Adobe Reader. Use of these computers
is limited to no more than 2 hours per day, and generally requires a reservation.
Reservations are not required, but they are advised
Individuals who do not have Marin County Free Library cards are encouraged
to apply for them in order to use the library computers. Internet Only cards
are available. One time use passes are also available.
Session times vary from library to library, from 15 minutes up to 1 hour
One person may only reserve and use up to 2 hours per day system-wide.
Additional time cannot be granted, even if computers appear to be available.
One person may have only 2 active reservations in the Library Online system
Reservations cannot be activated ahead of the scheduled time
Reservations are canceled if a person does not log in within 10 minutes
of his/her scheduled time (5 minutes in some cases). If a patron has multiple
sessions booked back to back, all sessions are lost with the no-show.
Computers are unavailable within 5 minutes of a reservation
A new session cannot begin within 15 minutes of closing time
Computers shut down 5 minutes prior to closing (10 minutes at some branches)
Printing is not available from wireless laptops to library printers
LIMITATIONS OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS
Programs from CD’s or other formats may not be loaded onto library computers
Documents and other materials may only be saved temporarily on library computers. They are erased when a session ends (see Saving documents)
Some websites may not load on library computers, due to software requirements. Contact a staff person for assistance
Only one or two people may use a computer together
“Contact us” and “mail to” links on websites will not work on library computers. To send e-mail from library Internet computers, log into your personal e-mail account and then e-mail the website contact/organization to whom you’d like to send mail
Privacy cannot be guaranteed in a library setting. If you choose to enter personal information, such as social security numbers or credit card numbers, you take some risk of someone seeing and using that information
Time limitations are enforced by the library’s online reservation system. Be sure to complete your work, and save it if necessary, in the allotted time
E-mail: many websites provide free e-mail accounts, including Yahoo, Hotmail and G-Mail
Specific web Address or URL: enter a specific address or URL into the address box (usually top center of the screen). Include all numbers, symbols, etc. Press the “enter” key
If an URL ends in ".com", you may enter just the main body (eg: Google) then press CTRL/ENTER
General Internet information: Library staff are happy to assist you in finding specific information on the Internet. They are trained to search efficiently, find reliable information and use special databases that the library subscribes to for specific purposes. They can show you very handy shortcuts and codes that will enhance your searching!
INTERNET SAFETY
Internet Blocking and Filtering Blocking software (sometimes called “filters”) can restrict access to sites with objectionable material, but also may prevent access to sites that have no controversial content, but do contain information on topics such as the Mars Explorer or breast cancer. These false blocks are the reason that the Marin County Free Library chooses not to use blocking software. The CIPA requirement for filters does not apply to the Marin County Free Library as we do not receive Federal funds for Internet access. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child uses the Internet in an appropriate manner.
Children on the Internet
The Library cannot replace the role of parents who are responsible for supervising their child’s use of the Internet. Each branch does provide a specially designated children’s computer with learning software and sites recommended by educational professionals for children and youth.
Harmful, obscene and disruptive materials on the Internet
California state law prohibits the exhibition of harmful materials to minors or obscene material to any individual [Cal. Penal Code 313 et seq].
State Penal Code 311 defines “obscene matter” as “matter, taken as a whole, that to the average person, applying contemporary statewide standards, appeals to the prurient interest, that, taken as a whole, depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and that, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.”
State Penal Code 313 defines “harmful matter” as “matter, taken as a whole, which to the average person, applying contemporary statewide standards, appeals to the prurient interest, and is matter which, taken as a whole, depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual conduct and which, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.”
Viewing material that falls into these categories on the Library’s Public Use Computers constitutes exhibition and is therefore illegal. Patrons viewing such material may be denied access to Library computers.
Although Library staff are not able to monitor all Public Use Computers at all times, they will respond immediately in situations where illegal, harmful or obscene material is brought to their attention.
