Technology & Equipment Policies

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Connection Information: To access the internet on personal devices, please connect to the library's public network:

Network Name (SSID): LibraryWifi

The Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library provides public access to the Internet and computer terminals to fulfill our mission of meeting the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the Collierville community. By utilizing the Library’s network, patrons agree to use these resources responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Click the headings below to view each section of the policy.

Security, Privacy, and Data Responsibility

At Your Own Risk: The Internet is an unsecured, open medium. The Town of Collierville cannot guarantee the security of personal data transmitted over the network.
User Responsibility for Data: The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for harm done to personal configurations, software, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network. Any loss of data, failure of storage media, or corruption of files is the sole responsibility of the end user. Patrons filing sensitive documents (e.g., IRS tax forms, banking details) are advised to save their work frequently on personal external drives.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

Patrons are encouraged to use the library's Internet resources for purposes that support personal growth, education, and community engagement.

Examples of Acceptable Use:

Government & Civic Services: Accessing government websites, filing online tax forms (IRS/State), and renewing vehicle tags or licenses.
Employment & Education: Searching for jobs, creating and submitting résumés, or conducting research for school projects and distance learning.
Information Retrieval: Browsing news outlets, digital encyclopedias, and accessing the Library’s digital catalog or databases.
Communication: Using web-based email services to correspond with family, friends, or employers.
General Commerce: Standard online shopping or banking provided the user acknowledges the security risks inherent in public networks.

Unacceptable Use Guidelines

Use of the Library’s network is a privilege. In compliance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-512 (Internet Acceptable Use Policies for Public Libraries), the following activities are strictly prohibited.

Examples of Unacceptable Use:

Accessing Illegal/Obscene Materials: Viewing, printing, or distributing child pornography or materials considered obscene or "harmful to minors" as defined by T.C.A. § 39-17-901 et seq.
Illegal Activities: Engaging in any activity that violates local, state, or federal law, including copyright infringement (downloading pirated movies/music) or trafficking in illegal goods.
Compromising Network Integrity: Attempting to bypass security filters ("hacking"), spreading computer viruses/malware, or altering the software/hardware configuration of Library terminals.
Harassment: Using the Internet to send threatening, harassing, or defamatory content (cyberbullying) to other individuals or organizations.
Unauthorized Commercial Use: Conducting a business operation that consumes excessive bandwidth or monopolizes library resources to the detriment of other patrons.
Loading personal software onto library public computers: Installing, downloading, or running personal software, applications, or executable files on Library public computers is prohibited, as it may compromise system security, violate licensing agreements, introduce malware, or interfere with the proper functioning of Library systems for other patrons.

Use of Computers by Minors

Internet Content Disclaimer

The Library does not monitor and has no control over the vast amount of information available on the Internet.
Online content varies widely in accuracy, quality, and appropriateness; some material may be offensive.
Patrons access the Internet at their own discretion.
The Library assumes no responsibility or liability for information found on the Internet.

Responsibility for Minors’ Internet Use

Library staff are not able to supervise or monitor minors' Internet use.
As with all Library resources and materials, parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for:
guiding their child's use of the Internet, and
restricting access according to family values and preferences.

Filtering Software Requirements (CIPA Compliance)

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554):
all public Library computers are equipped with filtering software designed to block content that may reasonably be considered:
obscene (18 U.S.C. §1460),
child pornography (18 U.S.C. §2256), or
harmful to minors (Pub. L. 106-554 §1703).
Filtering technology is not perfect; it may fail to block some offensive, controversial, or illegal material.

Online Safety Education

The Library encourages parents, guardians, and children to learn more about safe and responsible online behavior, including:
email and messaging safety,
personal information protection, and
respectful digital communication.
Library staff do not monitor children’s Internet activity and will not act in loco parentis or assume the authority or responsibilities of a parent or guardian.

Violations of the Computer Use Policy

Patrons are informed of the Library’s Computer Use Policy at the point of use and
are required to acknowledge and accept these guidelines prior to accessing public
computers.

Consequences of Policy Violations

Violations of the Computer Use Policy will result in the following actions:

First Violation: Suspension of library card computer privileges for the remainder of the day.
Second Violation: Suspension of library card computer privileges for thirty (30) days from the date of the second offense.
Third Violation: Suspension of library card computer privileges for six (6) months from the date of the third offense.

The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to or use of Library computers and online services.

Legal and Financial Responsibility

Illegal activities may result in prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Users may be held financially responsible for any damage to Library hardware or
software resulting from misuse or unauthorized alterations.

Monitoring of Computer Use

Users should be aware that Library staff may monitor public computer use for the
limited purpose of ensuring compliance with this Policy. By using Library computers, patrons consent to such monitoring.

Staff Assistance with Internet and Computer Access

Library staff assist patrons with accessing the online catalog, online databases, and the Internet. Staff are also frequently asked for help using computer software, such as word processing and other productivity tools, as well as online services, including web-based email.

Types of Assistance Offered
The Library strives to meet patron needs for assistance through the following means:
- Limited Direct Assistance by Staff: Staff may provide basic guidance as time and skill levels permit.
- Instructional Resources: Patrons may be referred to instructional manuals available for in-library use or checkout.
- Built-In Help Tools: Patrons may be directed to help screens, tutorials, or support features included within computer programs or websites.
The level of assistance available may vary depending on the experience and technical skill of individual staff members.
Web-Based Email Assistance
- Staff who are asked for help opening a web-based email account will not recommend one service over another.
- Staff may assist patrons in locating a list of available services using Internet search engines or other reference tools.
- Assistance with navigating the website of a chosen email service may be provided as time permits, consistent with assistance offered for any other website.

Computer Use Guidelines

To ensure equitable access for all patrons, the following rules apply:

Computer use is limited to two hours per day per library card.
Headphones are permitted, but volume must be kept low so as not to disturb others.
Earbud headphones are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk for $3.00.
Only two individuals may share a single workstation.
Any issues with computer or printer functionality should be reported to Library staff promptly.

Equipment Use

Public Computers
Desktop computers are available to patrons on a first come first served basis and require a Collierville library card. There is no charge for use of the computers for Collierville library card holders. To make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage is two hours per day per library card.

Guest Computer and Passes
Guest computer passes are available for 20 minutes at no charge. Two longer time options are available - $2.00 for 2 hours or $5.00 for 7 days/2 hours per day. Library staff are available for general assistance in using the computer. However, staff is not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Library patrons may explore the various computer application manuals available in the library collection or sign up to attend the free classes offered periodically.

Print/Copy Station
A print/copy station is available for black and white and color printing and photocopying. Copies are available for $.20/ page for black and white and $1.00 per page for color. All prints/copies must be paid for prior to printing. The print management system requires either coin/bills. Assistance in \the use of the print management system is available from Library staff.

Copyright
Copy machine users are advised that there are restrictions on copyrighted materials. Any violation of copyright is the responsibility of the copy machine user.

Scanning
Scanning is available at no cost to patrons.

All audio-visual equipment in the Library is to be used inside the building.