Computer Use Philosophy

The Ahrens Memorial Library is committed to providing our patrons access to a global body of information as well as providing our patrons access to software products that facilitate the creation, evaluation, and distribution of information. To that end, the library provides public access to Internet ready workstations with office software.

It is important to note that these are government computers and as such are subject to the same regulations as government computers everywhere. However, being a library, use is not restricted to official business.

By using the library workstations, the user is granting consent to have his or her workstation and Internet activities monitored.

The library assumes a certain degree of computer literacy on the part of its computer users. If you feel you need training prior to using the workstations, contact the Systems Administrator (572-7290). Bear in mind that our primary mission is information access. Someone will usually be available to help you with questions but this is not guaranteed.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns regarding this policy or the library computers in general, please contact the Systems Administrator (572-7290).

Computer Resources

1. Standard workstations

   These all have Internet access, library databases, MS Office, and basic Windows applications (Wordpad, Paint, etc.). Some have additional programs. Printing is available from these workstations. Lettered workstations are located to the side of the New Book section. Numbered workstations are located in the Computer Lab. All computers are CAC accessible and can be used to login to military email, AF Portal, and accomplish training through ADLS.

2. NIPRNET Workstation

   The library has one military networked computer for patron access. This computer may be used if access cannot be attained through the standard workstation; you must have a Holloman CAC. USB devices are NOT allowed. Printing is free and is restricted to 10 pages per day. The printer is located in the library staff work area; see the circulation desk to retrieve them.

3. Catalog workstations (OPACs)

   The OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) is is used to find the location of items in the library. They are located near the library entrance and in the children's room.

4. Print workstation

   The print workstation handles all public print jobs. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is located across from the Circulation Desk.

Computer Restrictions

1. Do not use the computers to access pornography
2. Do not use the computers to engage in illegal activities (including hacking)
3. Do not use the computers to process classified information
4. Do not have food or drink near the computers (this includes food or drink for children)
5. Do not shutdown, reboot, or restart the computer without the express permission of a member of the library staff
6. Do not move equipment (workstation, keyboard, mouse). Please do not try to fix a problem, but notify the staff of problems you're having.
7. Do not alter existing software configurations without the express permission of the Systems Administrator.

The System Administrator will periodically monitor to insure compliance. Failure to adhere to the rules will result in losing library privileges.

Account Number and PIN

Library staff can look up account and PIN information for the sponsor and/or spouse only with proper identification presented.  It is the sponsor’s responsibility to give the PIN to children under 18 to access computers. Up to 5 family members are able to log on at one time using the same library card.

Downloads

It is possible to download files from the Internet. You can save it to our server (named: "SaveYourWorkHere"), CD, or USB flash drive.  We have 8Gb USB flash drives available to check out for 3 days

Printing

Printing costs 10 cents per side for black and white documents and 25 cents per side for color. The bill validator will take $1, $5, and $10 bills but returns only coins. Please use the lowest denomination bill to keep from depleting the coin-op. To print choose “Print” from your program's menu. A blue pop-up will appear, name the print job and click the button. Then go to the print station, select your document, input your money, and print. Ask a member of the library staff for assistance if you are having difficulty. For maximum safety, you should have the printed document in hand prior to closing the document you're trying to print. Documents have been known to disappear in the cyberspace between the workstation and the print station. It is good practice to print preview your prints when printing from the internet and/or Outlook. The library is not responsible for print jobs sent incorrectly.

Age Limit

Users age 15 or over with an ID card may use their sponsor's library account number provided they have been given the PIN to access the computers.  Users under the age of 10 may use the workstations only if their parent or guardian supervises them.

Copyright

U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, and programs) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.

Disclaimer

Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. It is the responsibility of the user to question and determine the validity of the information found.
The Ahrens Memorial Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from the access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequence thereof.