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Lake County Public Library Computer

Computer Use Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 7/24/97
Revised - 6/27/02
Revised - 12/28/23
Reviewed - 11/26/24

Download the PDF

Lake County Public Library provides computer and internet access for informational, educational and recreational purposes. This policy covers the management of computer data networks that are owned and administered by the Library.

Skip to: Access - Confidentiality - Responsibilities of Users - Legal Use - Ethical Use - Cooperative Responsibilities - Sanctions - Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials - Limitations of Liability - Computer Use by ChildrenDisclaimer

Access

Staff and patrons who use networks or facilities not owned by the Library will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of those networks and facilities. (Those policies and procedures can usually be obtained from the network information center of the network in question.)

Use of Library computer resources must follow the guidelines of all of the networks traversed. Staff may use Library computer resources only for purposes related to their duties as employees, their official business with the Library, and other Library-sanctioned activities.

Free wireless access is available for all Library visitors with their own personal laptops and mobile devices. Use is governed by the Library’s Internet & Computer Use policy. Use of the Library’s wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.

Confidentiality

In keeping with the Library’s general policies, information stored on computers is treated as confidential. The Library does not disclose information about an individual’s use of computer resources unless compelled to do so by local, state, or federal law, or approved by the Director or their designee. Viewing information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.

Information stored by a user on the Library’s public computers will be removed by operating system procedures and software tools at the conclusion of each user session. However, no guarantees can be made in this regard and patrons should exercise caution when exposing any private information.

Responsibilities of Users

Computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users should never be shared with others. Passwords should be changed frequently and users should take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor.

Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's data or devices or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user's privacy.

Legal Use

Computer resources are for legal purposes only. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Harassment, libeling or slandering other users;
  • violating copyright restrictions;
  • conducting illicit transactions;
  • using Library computer resources to break into other computer systems;
  • attempting to alter or damage computer equipment, software configurations, or files belonging to the Library, other users, or external networks;
  • disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
  • unauthorized purchasing in the name of the library.

Suspicion of illegal activities will result in the suspension of a user’s privileges. Proof of wrongdoing will result in the termination of a user’s privileges.

In addition, abuse of the Library’s computer resources – including using another’s password or account, breaking into restricted areas of the system, accessing other users’ private files or using the Library’s computer resources to distribute malevolent software like computer viruses – is grounds for immediate suspension or termination of a user’s access privileges.

Ethical Use

Computer resources should be used in accordance with ethical standards of the Library. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • violation of computer system security;
  • unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
  • use of computers in ways that unnecessarily impede the computer activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or email exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.);
  • violation of software license agreements;
  • violation of network usage policies and regulations;
  • violation of another user's privacy.

Cooperative Responsibilities

Computer users can facilitate computing at the Library in many ways. The Library endorses the practice of cooperative computing. It includes:

  • regular deletion of unneeded files from one's accounts on shared computers;
  • refraining from overuse of connect time, information storage space, printing facilities or processing capacity;
  • refraining from overuse of interactive network utilities;
  • refraining from use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others;
  • refraining from use of any computer resources in an irresponsible manner.

The library reserves the right to place reasonable limits on the use of its computer resources by the public.

Sanctions

Violators of the Internet and Computer Use Policy may lose library privileges. Staff will be subject to normal disciplinary procedures as well. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use of computer resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. For staff, this may include termination of employment. Illegal acts involving Library computer resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials

Use of library computer resources to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material (as defined per I.C. 35-49-2-1) in any Library building is prohibited.

Limitations of Liability

All patrons who wish to use the Library's computer equipment are required to sign and date the library’s Computer Use Form which includes a limitation of liability statement.

Computer Use by Children

The Library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children's use of the internet through the Library's connection. Parents and children are encouraged to read Netsmartz Safety Tips and to explore the additional resources at Netsmartz, a resource for parents and children of all ages, created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.


Disclaimer:

  • The Internet is a global electronic network. There is no state/county control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library cannot protect users from offensive information.

    Library staff cannot 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.

    The Lake County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connections to Internet services.

    In accordance with Indiana Code (IC 36-12-1-12), the Library performs a public review of this Internet and Computer Use Policy annually.

Classes
Tue, Aug 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 26, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Wed, Aug 27, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.

Thu, Aug 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join us for this small group class all about learning library apps. You must bring your own device. Registration required.

Thu, Aug 28, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Aug 28, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Our speaker will be Mike Hall from the Lake County Public Library Libratory. Tour and learn about the services offered through The Libratory. https://www.lcplin.org/libratory

Thu, Aug 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 02, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Wed, Sep 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful micro memoirs.

Wed, Sep 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 04, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Thu, Sep 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register.

Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Sep 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Sep 04, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Mon, Sep 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.
Registration opens Monday, September 1 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Sep 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Sep 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Certified nutritionist will provide FREE food and nutrition lessons for individuals and groups in our community.

Mon, Sep 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Do you worry about falling? Join us for a free workshop series designed to manage falls and increase activity levels!
Please contact the library to register for this event.

Mon, Sep 08, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Tue, Sep 09, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Sep 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime celebrating signing up for a library card. There will be finger plays, books, music, activities, and more.

Tue, Sep 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
Registration opens Monday, September 1 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Sep 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 09, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Wed, Sep 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
This story time program is filled with rhymes, books, music and movement designed to foster early literacy skills.

Wed, Sep 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler, and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!

Wed, Sep 10, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Thu, Sep 11, 10:30am - 11:30am
Highland - Meeting Room A
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Sep 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Sep 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
This 4 part series will get you started on your new hobby. Learn how to use a crochet hook and several crochet stitches. Please bring a size 5 (H) crochet and #5 worsted yarn in a light, solid color.

Thu, Sep 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.

Rescheduled
Sat, Sep 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
New date Saturday, September 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Sep 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Learn literacy and social skills through play. Children, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block stations. Special block stations will be available for the older children.

Sat, Sep 13, 11:00am - 12:20pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Get creative with the Highland Arts Council for a fun creative writing session as part of the Highland Art Walk Workshops!  

Sat, Sep 13, 12:30pm - 1:50pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Get creative with the Highland Arts Council for a fun creative writing session as part of the Highland Art Walk Workshops!  

Mon, Sep 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.
Registration opens Monday, September 1 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Sep 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Mon, Sep 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Certified nutritionist will provide FREE food and nutrition lessons for individuals and groups in our community.

Mon, Sep 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Sep 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this lecture, we'll explore digital tools to support habits that can help you stay sharp including wearable devices, engaging websites, and informative podcasts.

Mon, Sep 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Do you worry about falling? Join us for a free workshop series designed to manage falls and increase activity levels!
Please contact the library to register for this event.

Mon, Sep 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
School's back in session, and those papers are being assigned. Come to this information session to learn some tips on finding valid resources and see what the library has to offer!

Mon, Sep 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Tue, Sep 16, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Sep 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
Registration opens Monday, September 1 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Sep 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register.
This event is full

Tue, Sep 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 16, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Wed, Sep 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Wed, Sep 17, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Create your perfect resume with helpful resources and tips for those just getting started.

Wed, Sep 17, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Children will have fun developing early literary skills as they enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

Wed, Sep 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us at the library for a cooking program that teaches kitchen skills, nutrition, and sustainability through interactive lessons and tasty food while promoting healthy eating and food science.

Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-17) will be taken on a food adventure. We will be making after school snacks. To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required

Wed, Sep 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Explore writing about milestones and memories in short, powerful, micro memoirs.

Thu, Sep 18, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Thu, Sep 18, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids 4-6. Please register.

Thu, Sep 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Sep 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Sep 18, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Sep 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
This 4 part series will get you started on your new hobby. Learn how to use a crochet hook and several crochet stitches. Please bring a size 5 (H) crochet and #5 worsted yarn in a light, solid color.

Thu, Sep 18, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Sat, Sep 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.
This event is full

Mon, Sep 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Mon, Sep 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Sep 22, 11:00am - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Learn defensive techniques, safety strategies, new traffic laws & rules of the road. Class fee is $20 for AARP members & $25 for non-members. To register, call Jeanette Pike of AARP at 219-949-6307.

Mon, Sep 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Certified nutritionist will provide FREE food and nutrition lessons for individuals and groups in our community.

Mon, Sep 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Do you worry about falling? Join us for a free workshop series designed to manage falls and increase activity levels!
Please contact the library to register for this event.

Mon, Sep 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
Free English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Tue, Sep 23, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Sep 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Sep 23, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Wed, Sep 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Wed, Sep 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
This story time program is filled with rhymes, books, music and movement designed to foster early literacy skills.

Wed, Sep 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Baby, toddler, and caregiver hour to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and toys!

Wed, Sep 24, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Wed, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Learn more about genealogy with genealogist Herb Smith! We'll discuss the latest techniques to trace your family history, advances in genealogical technology, and more.