Computer Services & Policies

All branches of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) offer workstations to help with customers’ computing needs.

• Online Catalog and Library Website PCs - Offer access to the Library’s Online Catalog, Licensed Databases, Event Calendar and other Library online resources.  Not all branches provide catalog-only PCs.
• Reserved PCs - Offer Internet access, MS Office Suite, Library Catalog and Licensed Databases. Files can be saved to flash or floppy drives, or copied to a writable CD. Customers must provide their own media. You will need a valid PGCMLS library card to reserve a session without the intervention of a library staff member.  Library staff can assist non-library card holders in reserving a computer workstation.  Each reserved session is for thirty minutes; time may be extended if no one is waiting. 
• Express PCs - Offer 15 minutes of use only. Time may not be extended. Not all branches have express PCs.
• Wireless Access - The Accokeek, Beltsville, Bladensburg, Bowie, Fairmount Heights, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hillcrest Heights, Hyattsville, Largo-Kettering, Laurel, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, Spauldings, Surratts-Clinton and Upper Marlboro Branches now offer wireless access to customers. Wireless connection tips.

Acceptable Use Policy

The Library provides free access to the Internet as part of its mission to promote literacy, lifelong learning, personal fulfillment, and the principles of intellectual freedom.

All individuals must accept responsibility for determining the appropriateness of the resources that they elect to access. Responsibility for youth using the Internet rests with the guardian, not with Library personnel.

Customers may not:

• use profanity, obscenity, or other language that may be offensive to another user;
• transmit any material in violation of any local, state, or federal law; (This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted materials, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.);
• display, send, receive, or print text, images or graphics of obscene material or materials harmful to minors;
• display, send, receive, or print text, images or graphics that violate laws relating to child pornography;
• use an Internet workstation to transmit threatening or harassing material;
• engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment for Library staff and customers;
• violate copyright or software licensing agreements;
• gain unauthorized access to any computing, information or communications devices or resources;
• interfere with or disrupt other users;
• damage, alter, or degrade computer equipment, peripherals, software or configuration;
• create and/or place a computer virus on the network.

Staff members are authorized to terminate the session of any customer who fails to comply with this policy, to take further action in accordance with the Library Rules of Behavior, and to report illegal activity of which they become aware to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

Workstation Use Policy

Workstations must be used in accordance with the PGCMLS Internet Policy and Acceptable Use Policy. These workstations are intended for searching the Library catalog, licensed databases and Internet information resources.

• In the interest of serving all our customers, the Library reserves the right to set time limits on workstations. Users must vacate a computer when asked to do so by library staff.
• Users may print information at a cost of 15 cents per page. We recommend that users always preview the number of pages in a document before selecting the print option to avoid having to pay for unnecessary pages. Please make an effort to conserve paper.
• The user assumes all responsibility for his/her use.
• Users are reminded to follow Netiquette (Internet etiquette) and to be responsible and courteous to other users.
• Librarians will be available to assist users in accessing information.
• If a user's behavior becomes inappropriate, the Library reserves the right to end the session.
• Users wishing to save material are responsible for bringing and using their own disks. Downloading from a disk to a Library computer is not allowed.
• Computer workstations in children's areas are for children's use.
• Branch staff have full authority to designate certain computers for specific purposes (for example, library catalog only, databases only, children's use only, etc.) in order to manage access to limited resources.

Internet Policy

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collections. It allows access to information, ideas, and commentary from around the world. This global network of networks, accessible via the workstation, is unregulated. It offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It also enables access to material that may be inaccurate, offensive or disturbing.

Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. Access to obscene matter, visuals harmful to children and child pornography is prohibited on all Library computers. Toward that end, PGCMLS has in place software designed to filter prohibited materials on workstations. There are also procedures in place to enforce the policy. PGCMLS respects the rights and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of library materials and resources and cautions parents against relying on software to protect the children or themselves from unwanted content.

The Library's Rules of Conduct, which are posted, and the procedures for enforcing the rules have been endorsed by the Board of Library Trustees and are a public record.

Guidelines for Wireless Access

• The Library offers Wireless Internet access as a courtesy to our customers. If you're having trouble connecting, consult our Wifi troubleshooting tips.
• All Library rules and policies apply to Wireless Internet access from our branches. The Library reserves the right to deny wireless access to customers violating our policies. Please view our Acceptable Use Policy.
• The Library is not responsible for customer possessions that are lost, stolen or damaged.
• Customers are responsible for understanding how to enable wireless connections on their own computers. Staff will not be able to physically handle customer computers or assist with configuring wireless access. The Library does not guarantee wireless connectivity.
• The Library does not guarantee the availability of AC outlets for customer equipment.
• The Library is not responsible for customer files, disks, and email accounts or for the security or privacy of online communications. The Library is not responsible for viruses, malicious code or any other outcome resulting from customer Internet activity.
• The library does not offer printing services to wireless customers.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees - October 21, 2004.