[Michlib-l] Computer Notices to Patrons

[Mutch, Andrew]

Jessica,

A trend I've been seeing is libraries moving to drop the agreement page from public Internet computers and wireless networks. Libraries doing this have stated that patrons don't and won't read these agreements and even if they click on the agreement, when it comes time to enforce the policy, the patrons argue that they were unaware of the policy provision you are enforcing. Let's be honest - almost no one is reading the multiple paragraphs of text that you find with the typical library use policy. As one director noted, we don't require patrons to read and acknowledge an acceptable use policy when they walk in the door but if they start acting in an unacceptable way, that doesn't prevent us from enforcing applicable library use policies when the patron starts acting inappropriately. Most libraries going this route still post a copy of their computer use policy in a visible location but generally not at every computer. Otherwise, you'll just end up with a lot of sign clutter than no one reads. 

Andrew Mutch
Library Information Systems Administrator
Waterford Township Public Library


-----Original Message-----
From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org] On Behalf Of Jessica Bostian
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2017 3:28 PM
To: michlib-l at mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Computer Notices to Patrons

     Hello libraries of Michigan!

      I was wondering if any other libraries placed printed notices on their public computer terminals in addition to an agreement page when users log in to public computers? Something concerning copyright laws, file-sharing, etc.

     If so, would anyone be willing to share their examples with me? I appreciate your time and assistance. Have a great day!

--
Jessica Bostian
Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library
211 N. Almont Avenue
Imlay City, MI 48444
810-724-8043

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