I. 	PURPOSE

The Naperville Public Library (NPL) offers public access computers as a source of information and 
recreation.  The purpose of this policy is to set the conditions under which patrons may utilize the 
Library’s public access computers.

II. 	SCOPE

	This policy applies to all public access computers.

III.	PROVISIONS

	A.	Adult Public Access Computers

NPL provides computer access to catalogs, databases, and the Internet to all patrons. NPL also 
provides access to computers with specialty software and scanners for all patrons.
	
NPL provides game computers and computers with filtered Internet access in the Children’s 
Services Departments to all patrons. Filtered Internet access may not block all material that 
users might find offensive. Parents may wish to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. 
Children under the age of 8 must have a parent/guardian present at all times while using the 
Internet. (Policy 311 – Unattended Children).


    B.	Public Access Computer Rules and Regulations

A patron may be limited to three (3) hours of computer time per day Monday through Saturday 
and one and a half (1½) hours of computer time on Sunday. A patron may be limited to one (1) 
hour of computer time per day on game computers and scanner computers. Visitors may be 
limited to one (1) hour of computer time per day on all public access computers.  Library staff 
may extend a patron’s computer time beyond these limits during off-peak times when vacant 
computers with the same type of hardware and software are available. 

		Public access computers may be used only for designated and legal purposes. Illegal 
		or prohibited acts may include but are not limited to: unauthorized copyright use, 			
		viewing obscene material or viewing sexually explicit material resulting in complaints 		
		from other patrons or staff, falsification of documents, violating software 
licenses, damaging or attempting to damage Library equipment/software/software 
configurations, compromising system security, impacting network performance, libeling, 
slandering, misrepresentation, solicitation, and harassment. 

Use of personal licensed software on public access computers is limited to computers in the 
Adult Computer Labs. Any personal software requiring a reboot of the computer cannot be used 
on any Library computer.  Installation, configuration and use of personal software are the user’s 
responsibility. The Library is not responsible for any problems that may occur with personal 
software and hardware when using Library computers.

Illegal/prohibited use of the public access computers will result in suspension of computer 
privileges and may lead to loss of Library privileges or in being banned from the Library 
buildings. Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

As in any area of the Library, patrons are expected to follow the provisions of General Rules of 
Conduct (Policy No. 310) while using public access computers.

Failure of any user to follow the terms of this policy will result in the loss of Library privileges, 
including Internet access, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

    D.	Disclaimer

The Internet provides a gateway to the world of information that can enhance the Library’s 
collections.  The vast network of Internet sites may reveal inaccurate, misleading or controversial 
material.  The Library neither controls nor monitors Internet sites and cannot be responsible for 
their content.




NAPERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY                                                                        Policy No. 255  

SUBJECT:  PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTERS

Approved: 03/18/98; Effective 04/01/98; Approved 08/16/00; Approved: 02/21/01;  Approved 
10/17/01; Approved 08/20/03; Approved 02/18/04; Effective 04/01/04.  Approved: 11/17/04.  
Approved:  01/17/07;  Approved: 3/18/09; Approved: 9/21/11. Approved 8/15/12; Effective 10/1/12. 
1