Computer Use Policy
The East Rutherford Memorial Library offers computers to access the databases of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) and the Internet. We permit free use of our public computers, as long as it falls within the policy guidelines outlined below. Patrons registering to use computer workstations should have an operating knowledge of computer skills needed (i.e. familiarity with Windows & the Internet). The library staff may assist, time permitting, but they cannot provide individual tutoring. There are computers reserved for adults (ages 18+) and separate computers reserved for young adults (Grade 6 and up) in the upstairs area; computers for children (Grade 5 and under) are located in the Children’s Room.
Library computers are located in public areas shared by Library users of varying ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to be considerate about accessing potentially controversial information and images. Please be aware that display or transmission of obscenity or materials harmful to minors is illegal and is therefore prohibited. East Rutherford Memorial Library Staff reserves the right to end an Internet session when such materials display on the screen. Repeated or blatant violations of this guideline may result in appropriate legal action and/or loss of computer privileges.
East Rutherford Memorial Library does not monitor or control the information available online and is not responsible for its quality, accuracy or content. Library patrons use the Internet and the information and services available on it at their own discretion.
All patrons must present a valid adult BCCLS Library Card or appropriate ID at the circulation desk to be signed on to the Internet. Computers may be used for a 30-minute time period. If no other patrons are waiting, users may extend the time for another 30 minutes. If conditions warrant and only at staff discretion, additional time may be added, not to exceed a two-hour maximum per day. The Staff reserves the right to manually “lock-down” a computer from the circulation desk if a patron continues to exceed this timeframe and/or ignores requests to voluntarily terminate the session.
Patrons are expected to use the Internet and the East Rutherford Memorial Library computers in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws. These computers may not be used to conduct a business, to advertise, or to perform any illegal activity, including but not limited to: deliberate propagation of computer viruses; massive e-mailing (spamming); seek disallowed access to any other computer system (hacking); transmission of threatening, harassing, or abusive language or images; or to violate any standing copyright protection. Patrons agree not to attempt to alter, even temporarily, the computer set-up, files or programs. Any vandalism, destructive behavior or illegal activities may result in loss of privileges and criminal prosecution.
Users are cautioned that security in an electronic environment, such as the Internet, cannot be guaranteed. All transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and therefore should not be considered confidential. Internet users must respect the privacy of others by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others. East Rutherford Memorial Library is obligated to cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any e-mail transmitted on or misuses of the network and computing systems.
When a computer session is ended, all information about that session is automatically deleted. The Library does not, as part of its regular practice, retrieve or store any information, including websites visited, passwords, credit card numbers, or any other information a user has entered. At the end of the business day, all personally identifiable computer use and reservation records other than what is required for statistical reporting are erased.
No files shall be downloaded, installed or saved to Library computers. Patrons may save files or documents to a personal flash drive. The library does not provide these. East Rutherford Memorial Library offers word processing capabilities, as well as spreadsheets and slide presentation software. Patrons using this software must still adhere to the 30-minute time limitation, including any printing necessary. Files can NOT be saved on the computer hard drive.
A printer is networked to allow data from the Internet and/or word processing to be printed in either black & white or in full color. The cost is $ 0.10 per page for each black and white page printed. Color copies/print-outs are $0.25 per page. As a courtesy, and until further notice, East Rutherford Memorial Library card holders will receive the first 20 black and white pages gratis; color prints/copies are $.25 per page from page one on.
NOTICE: It is the patron’s responsibility to verify the print job settings via “Print Preview” or to ask staff for clarification before sending a job to the printer to avoid incorrectly printed or unwanted pages. Any and all pages printed will be counted, regardless of intent, and the patron will be charged accordingly.
Use by Minors
The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to determine and monitor their own children’s use of Library materials and resources. The Library has neither the right nor the responsibility to act in place of a parent or guardian (in loco parentis) and assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by minors. The Library strongly encourages parents and guardians to discuss appropriate Internet use with their child, e.g., which sites you prefer your child to use and sites with which you disagree.
Effective May 1st, 2018, the Library will no longer keep Internet permission slips on file. Each library card registration will include the following notice: “I understand that library cardholders have unfiltered access to the Internet.” Parents and guardians signing library cards are asked to initial this statement to verify that they have read the statement. Parents who do not wish to give their child permission to use the Internet in the library are responsible for retaining control of the child’s library card.
Social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. that require users to be 13 years or older are not allowed in the Children’s Room.
Amended on April 10th, 2023
Library computers are located in public areas shared by Library users of varying ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to be considerate about accessing potentially controversial information and images. Please be aware that display or transmission of obscenity or materials harmful to minors is illegal and is therefore prohibited. East Rutherford Memorial Library Staff reserves the right to end an Internet session when such materials display on the screen. Repeated or blatant violations of this guideline may result in appropriate legal action and/or loss of computer privileges.
East Rutherford Memorial Library does not monitor or control the information available online and is not responsible for its quality, accuracy or content. Library patrons use the Internet and the information and services available on it at their own discretion.
All patrons must present a valid adult BCCLS Library Card or appropriate ID at the circulation desk to be signed on to the Internet. Computers may be used for a 30-minute time period. If no other patrons are waiting, users may extend the time for another 30 minutes. If conditions warrant and only at staff discretion, additional time may be added, not to exceed a two-hour maximum per day. The Staff reserves the right to manually “lock-down” a computer from the circulation desk if a patron continues to exceed this timeframe and/or ignores requests to voluntarily terminate the session.
Patrons are expected to use the Internet and the East Rutherford Memorial Library computers in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws. These computers may not be used to conduct a business, to advertise, or to perform any illegal activity, including but not limited to: deliberate propagation of computer viruses; massive e-mailing (spamming); seek disallowed access to any other computer system (hacking); transmission of threatening, harassing, or abusive language or images; or to violate any standing copyright protection. Patrons agree not to attempt to alter, even temporarily, the computer set-up, files or programs. Any vandalism, destructive behavior or illegal activities may result in loss of privileges and criminal prosecution.
Users are cautioned that security in an electronic environment, such as the Internet, cannot be guaranteed. All transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and therefore should not be considered confidential. Internet users must respect the privacy of others by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others. East Rutherford Memorial Library is obligated to cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any e-mail transmitted on or misuses of the network and computing systems.
When a computer session is ended, all information about that session is automatically deleted. The Library does not, as part of its regular practice, retrieve or store any information, including websites visited, passwords, credit card numbers, or any other information a user has entered. At the end of the business day, all personally identifiable computer use and reservation records other than what is required for statistical reporting are erased.
No files shall be downloaded, installed or saved to Library computers. Patrons may save files or documents to a personal flash drive. The library does not provide these. East Rutherford Memorial Library offers word processing capabilities, as well as spreadsheets and slide presentation software. Patrons using this software must still adhere to the 30-minute time limitation, including any printing necessary. Files can NOT be saved on the computer hard drive.
A printer is networked to allow data from the Internet and/or word processing to be printed in either black & white or in full color. The cost is $ 0.10 per page for each black and white page printed. Color copies/print-outs are $0.25 per page. As a courtesy, and until further notice, East Rutherford Memorial Library card holders will receive the first 20 black and white pages gratis; color prints/copies are $.25 per page from page one on.
NOTICE: It is the patron’s responsibility to verify the print job settings via “Print Preview” or to ask staff for clarification before sending a job to the printer to avoid incorrectly printed or unwanted pages. Any and all pages printed will be counted, regardless of intent, and the patron will be charged accordingly.
Use by Minors
The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to determine and monitor their own children’s use of Library materials and resources. The Library has neither the right nor the responsibility to act in place of a parent or guardian (in loco parentis) and assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by minors. The Library strongly encourages parents and guardians to discuss appropriate Internet use with their child, e.g., which sites you prefer your child to use and sites with which you disagree.
Effective May 1st, 2018, the Library will no longer keep Internet permission slips on file. Each library card registration will include the following notice: “I understand that library cardholders have unfiltered access to the Internet.” Parents and guardians signing library cards are asked to initial this statement to verify that they have read the statement. Parents who do not wish to give their child permission to use the Internet in the library are responsible for retaining control of the child’s library card.
Social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. that require users to be 13 years or older are not allowed in the Children’s Room.
Amended on April 10th, 2023