The Peter White Public Library's Computer Lab is located on the second level of the 2000 building. It has sixteen (16) Pentium 4 computers with a collection of commercial software programs and Internet access which may be used in the lab. Only PWPL software may be used; patrons may NOT load their own software. Computers within the lab may be used for three hours at a time except during scheduled classes. There is a black & white laser printer available for printing. A color printer is also available. All printouts are picked up at the Reference Desk.
Eight (8) more identical computers are located just outside the computer lab. These computers are available for three-hour blocks of time for patrons to access the Internet or use any software program already installed. Time limits decrease to one hour usage during classes or lab closures. A black & white laser printer, located at the Reference Desk, prints for these computers. The same color printer prints for these computers, too.
The Library installed CybraryN, a management software application, on all Internet-access computers during its October 2002 upgrade. This software allows the user to sign himself/herself onto a computer using a library card barcode and PIN. Current use by non-PWPL resident cardholders is handled with guest cards for a $2.00 charge for three hours of computer time.
Cost of Use
There is no charge to use the computers for PWPL resident cardholders from our service area. Guest cards are available for $2.00 for Michicard patrons, non-cardholders and/or visitors to the area. There is a nominal fee to defray printing costs. Black & white printouts are $.10 (ten cents) per page even if using your own paper. Color printouts are $.50 (fifty cents).
Several of the popular software packages require a data diskette for normal operations. If you wish to save any of your work, you will need your own diskette. The Library sells 3.5 inch disks for $1.50 at the Reference Desk.
Limited Library Assistance
This is a self-teaching facility. Computer users are asked to carefully read provided directions and manuals. Library assistance will generally be limited to helping new users get started and assisting with printer problems. Staff do not have complete knowledge of all the programs beyond getting started and other basic information.
Access
A PWPL library card barcode is required to gain access to an Internet-access computer at the Library in addition to a PIN. PINs are computer assigned when a patron receives a new card, but may be changed to suit the individual patron. Michicard patrons must purchase either a daily guest card, or a non-resident card to gain access to PWPL computers. Guests need a picture ID to purchase a guest card at the Circulation Desk. The guest card allows access to PWPL's computers for up to three hours for the $2 charge.
The lab and its computers are generally available during open Library hours up to twenty (20) minutes prior to the Library's closing. The exception is during a computer class or setup when the lab is closed to patron use. The eight (8) computers outside the lab are available during classes as well as five (5) computers found on the main floor. All public access computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Respect the equipment
Anyone who misuses or abuses the equipment or disregards the rules may lose user privileges. He/she will be liable for damages or face criminal prosecution.
Computer Hardware and Software
|
Hardware
4 Compaq computers across from the Circulation Desk on Main Floor 1 Gates Foundation Gateway Pentium III for word-processing 17" color monitors on Dells
Black & white laser printers Color laser
printers |
Software Compaqs-Windows ME Gateways-Windows 98 MS Office
2000 (Word, Excel, Publisher, Powerpoint and Access) Public Web
Browser (Internet) Solitaire and other games CybraryN Management software CyberPatrol Internet filtering Windows Media Player Adobe Acrobat Reader |
The Peter White Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damage or loss of data.
Peter White Public Library offers Internet access, electronic databases, and computer workstations to fulfill the information, educational, recreational and entertainment needs of its patrons.
The Peter White Public Library on-line catalog and research databases can be used in the Library at any time. Users do not need to have a valid Peter White Public Library card to use these resources.
Access to other Peter White Public Library computers and the Internet will be provided without charge to persons who have a valid Peter White Public Library resident library card. Residents of Marquette County, who live in the Peter White Public Library service area, must have a valid library card and be in good standing to use Library computers and the Internet. As defined in "Borrowing Privileges" in PWPL Circulation Policy.
Persons who do not possess a PWPL resident card will be required to pay a guest fee of $2.00. This fee pays for three (3) hours of access on an Internet-accessible computer. (See Guest Pass below.)
Marquette County residents, who do not live within the Peter White Public Library's service area, but are regular computer and/or Internet users, must purchase a non-resident Library card or pay the per use guest fee of $2.00. Guest Passes will not be issued to people with outstanding debt to the Library.
The non-resident card will qualify the holder for full library services as well as access to the Internet.
| Time Period | Individual Card | Family Card |
| Three Months |
$25.00
|
$40.00
|
| Six Months |
$40.00
|
$65.00
|
| One Year |
$75.00
|
$125.00
|
Guest passes will be issued at the Peter White Public Library Circulation Desk. Patrons registering for a guest pass must provide valid proof of identification (driver's license, State-issued ID, federal employee ID, etc.) to receive a guest pass. Guest Passes will not be issued to people with outstanding debt to the Library. The Circulation Desk Staff will hold the identification until the guest pass is returned.
Visitors to the area may request a guest card for one-time use. Guest card fees are $2.00 per 3 hours of computer use. Time limits for patron cards also apply to guest cards. (Guest pass time limit & charge is changed during computer lab closure/usage. Check at the Circulation Desk for varying time and charge.)
Two (2) free, public Internet stations are available for 15 minutes. One is located on the Main Floor across from the Circulation Desk, and a second station is on the second level. These Express Stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restricting the use of library materials by minors is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians. The Peter White Public Library staff is unable to act in the place of a parent or guardian in advising minor children on acceptable use of the Internet. The Library cannot enforce any limitations which a parent or guardian may place on a child's use of the Internet.
Parents or legal guardians may request that a child's card is blocked from using the self-sign-in system, but staff cannot ensure that a child does not gain Internet access in other ways. A parent or guardian who wishes to deny access to the Internet by his/her child is required to complete a Minor Internet Access Restriction Form (Form available at Circulation Desk).
The Internet (World Wide Web) offers a wealth of information. However, not all sources provide accurate, age-appropriate, current, or legal information that is acceptable to everyone. Users need to evaluate for themselves the validity of all information found.
The Library reserves the right to set limitations on the use of electronic resources.
Internet access is filtered at the Library. However, filters are unsuccessful in limiting access to all web sites that some individuals may find objectionable. Due to the nature of the Internet, despite its efforts, the Library cannot ensure the availability, accuracy, accessibility, or even appropriateness, of electronic resources.
Users of the Library's Internet access via workstations or data ports must observe copyright and communication laws and others' right to privacy.
Illegal activities or any other activities intended to disrupt computer or network services or equipment are prohibited.
Individuals are prohibited from using Library resources for illegal purposes as may be defined by applicable local, state, or federal law and may be subject to prosecution for violation.
All patrons using Library computers or accessing the Internet via Library data ports must comply with the following Peter White Public Library Computer/Internet Use Guidelines.
The Library and its staff will:
The Peter White Public Library Youth Services Department offers four public access Internet computers for use by children. These computers are restricted for use by children 14 years of age or younger.
The Youth Services Department computers will not allow for chat, instant messaging and e-mail. They are intended for informational and educational use only.
The Youth Services Department computers are scheduled for a period of 30 minutes per user. The staff may allow time extensions if other patrons are not scheduled or waiting for computers.
Adults may use these computers, if a minor accompanies them. Library staff reserves the right to remove an adult from these computers if they are not using the computers for their intended purpose, or children are waiting to use the computers.
All other rules and regulations detailed in the Peter White Public Library Computer and Internet Use Policy and Guidelines will apply.
Any activity that interferes with or disrupts computer access is prohibited. The Peter White Public Library reserves the right to restrict computer and Internet access to violators. When it is appropriate, violators will also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Examples of misuse include:
Library staff will determine if a patron has violated the Peter White Public Library Computer and Internet Use Policy and Guidelines. Consequences are based on the severity of the infraction. For most violations the following procedure will apply.
The patron will be informed in person by PWPL staff of the Peter White Public Library rule(s) that has been violated and will be given a verbal warning. The patron will be asked to leave the Library for a period of 24 hours.
The patron will be informed, by letter, of the Peter White Public Library rule(s) that has been violated. The patron will be banned from using public access computers/Internet for a period of seven calendar days.
The patron will be informed, by letter, of the Peter White Public Library rule(s) that has been violated. The patron will be banned from using public access computers/Internet for a period of 28 calendar days.
The patron will be informed, by letter, of the Peter White Public Library rule(s) that has been violated. The patron will be banned from using public access computers/Internet for a period of 180 days.
Immediate disciplinary action, including prosecution, will be taken if a patron uses the Library's computers for illegal purposes, steals Library property or intentionally abuses or vandalizes Library equipment.
A user who has been notified of a violation of the Peter White Public Library Computer and Internet Use Policy and Guidelines may schedule a hearing with the Library Director. If the user is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must attend the hearing. To schedule an appointment with the director, please call 228-7434.