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.
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Merlin Desktop Video Magnifier - A new Merlin desktop video magnifier at the New Carrollton Branch allows reading, writing and more for customers with low vision. This closed circuit television system offers an ergonomic design with built-in controls.
- 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 | Workstation Use Policy | Internet Policy | About this Workstation | Wireless Access
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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Prince
George's County Memorial Library System
