PLEASE NOTE:  Due to limited staff and library policy stating that LIBRARY STAFF WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OF PRIVACY, DAMAGES OR LOSS OF INFORMATION CAUSED BY USE OF INTERNET SERVICES, we are unable to assist individuals with navigating the internet using our computers.  You are welcome to bring a knowledgeable individual to assist you in this way.

PLEASE REVIEW the following information, as we have tried to cover all aspects related to the use of our Library Computers.  However, if you have any questions please feel free to Contact Us or stop by the front desk and let us know how we can help.

Select a topic from the following list, then click on the link for details:

Children & The Internet:

The Payson Public Library provides Internet access equally to all library users 18 years and older.  Identification is mandatory.  Minors under the age of 18 may use the Internet only under the direct supervision of parents or guardians ( Direct supervision means the parent or guardian must sit with the child at all times. ) 

PLEASE NOTE:  Computers are available in the Children's & Young Adult areas for age appropriate games.  These are 'in-house' computers and are not connected to the internet or printers.

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Electronic Mail & Interactive Services:

The Payson Public Library does not provide electronic mail accounts or access to interactive services. We do not allow patrons to use the following: Chat Rooms, Instant Messaging, MNS or Yahoo Messenger, Dating Services & Games or access to any site that is not conducive to a library setting.

MYSPACE.COM IS NOT ALLOWED.

TAGGED.COM IS NOT ALLOWED.

WEB PROXY SITES SUCH AS V-TUNNEL ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Equipment & Software:

The Internet & Public Use computer equipment and software must be used as installed. You may not add, delete, or change anything on library computers.

Internet Access & Use:

The Library has no control over information accessed through the Internet, some of which may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. Users are responsible for critically evaluating the information they access. Library users access the Internet at their own risk.

Internet Access Policy:

Through signature, all users must agree to the Internet Access Policy every time access is granted. That means you must sign in at the reference desk every time you use the computer, and you must sign out when finished. Signature must be legible. All users must provide driver’s license or library card to verify Gila County residence in order to use the Internet for free. If unable to provide the proper I.D., you will be considered an out-of-county resident. Out-of-County residents are charged a $2.00 fee per sign-in to use the Internet. Only the person signed on to the computer may use it; sharing is not allowed. Any donations by in-County Internet users are greatly appreciated – any monies collected are used to help maintain and upgrade machines.

Internet Limitations:

At times patrons may not be able to go to places on the Internet. Some of these reasons follow:

1. There are too many Internet visitors and the host computer has closed or limited access.

2. The host computer has changed its address or has closed down.

3. The Library’s Internet connection may be periodically and temporarily inoperable due to technical difficulties.

Personal Information & Privacy:

Users’ need to be aware that any information you enter into the Internet can be read by other people. Sending credit card numbers, account numbers, your name, address or other information is not safe. The Library is not responsible for loss of privacy, damages or loss of information caused by use of Internet services. The Payson Public Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

Printing Costs:

Users are responsible for all printing costs of 15 cents per page for anything and everything, including mistakes printed in black and white, and $1.00 per page for anything and everything, including mistakes printed in color.  Please ask library staff for assistance for color printing.  All of the computers are networked to a printer at the front desk; copies must be picked up there.

Session Sign-up & Duration:

Use of the Internet & FirstSearch on library computers will be on a first come, first served basis. No reservations.  ONE SIGN IN PER DAY.  We currently have 13 INTERNET computers, which also have word processing programs on them.  If all 13 INTERNET computers are busy, you may sign the waiting list, and we will call the next person on the list as a computer becomes available.  If you are not in the building when it is your turn we will go on to the next person on the list.  ALL users must SIGN IN at the reference desk, giving name & phone number.  Individuals failing to complete all information on sign in sheet will forfeit their time on the computer.  Name must be legible. Once you have signed in, you are responsible for any sites accessed & any infractions that take place during your sign-in period – do not share your time with someone else or fail to sign out as you will be held responsible.

A time limit of 60 minutes will be imposed on the Internet computers, unless there is no one waiting. Users must agree to make the computer available within 5 minutes of being informed by Library staff that there is a person waiting. ALL COMPUTERS WILL BE SHUT DOWN 15 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING. If your work is not completed you will need to come back the next day the library is open.

Unacceptable Use Of The Internet:

Access to obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit materials to post, view, read or print is strictly forbidden. All users who access these types of materials will be asked to leave the library, and will be permanently barred from ever using the Internet in the library again. The Payson Public Library’s staff is fully aware of, and concerned for, a safe educational Internet experience for children despite the unregulated nature of the Internet. ARS Title 34, Chapter 5 (Computer Access Harmful to Minors – ARS 34-501 & ARS 34-502) regulates public libraries. ARS 13-3507 – Public display of explicit sexual materials; classification; definitions is attached. Other pertinent ARS statutes: 13-3501, 13-3502, 13-3506, 13-3501 are available at the reference desk.

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USERS MAY NOT...

1. Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources.

2. Distribute unsolicited advertising.

3. Represent himself or herself as another person, real or imagined.

4. Transmit or display threatening, obscene, harassing, libelous or slanderous materials;

5. Invade the privacy of others;

6. Use the Internet or Public Use computers for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation. Library users are responsible for any consequences of copyright infringement.

7. Use the Internet for activity that violates Arizona law. This includes:

   a)  Engaging in activities that are harmful to minors when children are present, as defined in Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3501, 13-3506, 13-3507.

   b)  Committing telecommunications fraud as defined in Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3707.

It is unacceptable to misuse library computers.  Unacceptable behavior will result in your being asked to leave the library & use of Internet/Public Use computer privileges permanently revoked, or, in the case of criminal offense, the police being contacted.

The Internet & Public Use Computer Equipment & Software must be used as installed.  You may not add, delete, or change anything on Library Computers.  It is unacceptable to misuse library computers.  

Virus Protection & Downloading:

The Library is committed to reducing the risk of contamination by computer viruses. Patrons may not, under any circumstances, use their own personal software on Library computers. Downloading to our computer hard drives is prohibited. If users wish to download material to a diskette, they may purchase and use diskettes sold by the Library at $1.00 each.  Be aware that disk cpacity is 1.44 MB.  You cannon save papers, photos, etc., which require larger storage space.  The CD drive is not available for saving material.  All diskette’s must be checked for viruses at the reference desk before putting them into the library’s computers. The Payson Public Library is not responsible for damage or liability that may occur from patron downloads of the Internet on the Library’s computers.

American Library Association Statements:

 The Payson Public Library is guided by the following American Library Association statements on access to information:

• The Library Bill of Rights

• Freedom to Read Statement

• Freedom to View Statement

• Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights:  Free Access to Libraries for Minors and Access to Electronic Information Services and Resources

The Internet policy may be revised from time to time. Policy adopted February 12, 1999.  This policy will be strictly enforced.  Revised 07/24/2008.