Grand Rapids Public Library provides access to computers, including the Internet and other electronic resources, in support of its mission. The library has installed a filter that excludes "sexually oriented" and "extreme violence" materials. Users may choose unfiltered access, but all patrons using computers at any of the Grand Rapids Public Library locations must read and adhere to the following Rules for Computer Use. Violators will be required to terminate their computer session and may lose their Internet privileges, computer privileges, and/or their library privileges.

The library provides minimal support on its application software and encourages patrons to use our resources, including tutorals, guides, and classes.

1. Be considerate of each other. Profane, obscene or injurious language, text or graphics that is purposely directed at another person, or purposely displayed for public view, will not be tolerated.
   • Materials brought up on any public access computer at any of our libraries are considered on display for public viewing.
     
     
2. You must adhere to federal, state, and local laws governing the content, transmission, and dissemination of information.
   • The Grand Rapids Public Library enforces MCL 397.606 (Sect. 6 of the Library Privacy Act). Therefore, the Library does not allow anyone using a computer on library premises to view matter that is obscene or material that is sexually explicit and harmful to minors, because a minor could view it. Persons who do not comply with this rule will lose their Internet privileges and may lose any or all other library privileges.
   
   
   
3. The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the duplication of copyrighted software and other electronic materials. The person using the equipment for copying is liable for any infringement.
   
   
4. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians, or others responsible for children to determine what is appropriate for the minor child in their care. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children.s use of the Internet through the library's connection (including use of e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication). The library's privacy policy extends to cover personal information about minors and other patrons. The library does not provide unauthorized information about minors. or any age group.s use of the Internet. Parents or guardians assume all responsibility for any personal information provided by minors in their care. The library staff cannot and will not act in loco parentis.
   
   
5. Only currently installed software may be used on library computers.
   
   
6. Close all applications at the end of your session.
   
   
7. Hacking, attempts at hacking, configuration changes or attempts, and software modifications or attempts are prohibited and will result in the loss of library privileges.
   
   
8. There is a limit of one person per computer (unless approved by staff). Patrons must not engage in loud or boisterous conduct.
   
   
9. You must pay for all pages printed. If you have any questions about printing, ask for assistance.
   
   
10. Using another person's library card, Internet user number, password, or signature may result in loss of computer use privileges.
    • You are allotted a specified amount of computer time each day, and you are limited to that time.
    • Use of multiple library cards and/or Internet user numbers is forbidden.
    
    
    
11. Your alloted computer time counts even when you are sharing a computer with someone else.
    
    
12. All computers and printers are turned off 15 minutes before the Library's closing.

Disclaimer: The Grand Rapids Public Library does not censor access to material nor protect users from controversial information. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children.s use of the Internet through the Library's connection. The Library does not control the availability of information links, which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Also, the Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its WWW server or from its connections to other Internet services through our service provider.