Alamance County
Public Libraries

Alamance County Public Libraries is pleased to offer wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access to its patrons. This service is free of charge and is accessible during each library's normal hours of operation.

Library users may also be able to access non-Library wireless networks within the library. Use of these networks within Library facilities is also subject to state and federal regulations as well as the Alamance County Public Libraries Internet Access Policy.

Like most public wireless “hotspots,” the Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent to or from your laptop can be intercepted by anyone with a wireless device and the appropriate software.  We strongly encourage users to observe standard security practices in relation to passwords and credit cards. Users should also make sure their devices have the latest virus protection software and system patches installed.

Users should also note:
·         There is no guarantee that all wireless devices will work with the network.
·         Use of the wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.
·         There is no guarantee that wireless access will be available in all areas of each library building.
·         The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of a patron’s personal equipment or data resulting from the connection to the wireless network.
·         The Library is not responsible for any losses incurred from using the wireless network.
·         Staff can provide general information for connecting to the wireless network but cannot troubleshoot problems with your network equipment or make changes to the configuration or settings of your equipment. 

Use of the Alamance County Public Libraries wireless network indicates agreement with the Alamance County Public Libraries Internet Access Policy, and the Alamance County Public Libraries Behavior Policy.  See our Wireless FAQ for more information.

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Alamance County Public Libraries Internet Access Policy

The Internet is an information resource that enables public library patrons to access a diverse variety of information beyond that contained in the library’s own collection. However, the Internet is a constantly changing, unregulated information source with little quality control over content. The Alamance County Public Libraries staff would like to remind our users of the following constraints:

1.     Library Internet use is limited to library cardholders in good standing with Alamance County Public Libraries. A valid library card must be presented at the time of use. Individuals aged 17 years and older are required to sign a statement that they have read and agreed to follow the rules outlined in the Library Internet Access Policy.  

2.     Alamance County Public Libraries cannot guarantee that information found on the Internet is accurate, authoritative, or factual. ACPL does not monitor and has no control over materials on the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The library cannot control access to materials or protect patrons from materials they may find offensive.  

3.     While every effort will be made to provide its electronic resources during all scheduled hours of operation, ACPL cannot guarantee that service will run uninterrupted or trouble-free. The ACPL network does not support chat rooms and services such as AOL Instant Messenger. Free e-mail services such as HotMail and Yahoo may not always be accessible due to technical problems beyond ACPL’s control.  

4.     ACPLstaff have varying levels of Internet experience. We do not guarantee Internet assistance during all hours of library operation. If you have never used the Internet, are unfamiliar with World Wide Web searching, or anticipate needing an introduction to our computer equipment, please contact the library staff for availability of orientation sessions. The library reserves the right to require any or all prospective users to attend an orientation session as a condition for access to the library equipment.  

5.     Internet users are expected to exercise appropriate discretion in viewing materials that may be offensive to others, especially children.  Users may not allow minors to view, peruse, or review any material that is harmful to minors. Intentionally displaying or receiving inappropriate materials in either text or graphic format that may be reasonably construed as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors is prohibited. (NCGS 14-190.13).  

6.     It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, not the library, to determine what material accessed is appropriate for the children in their care. Alamance County Public Libraries staff recommends that children notify their parents of any online communication or Internet site that makes them uncomfortable. The library also takes measures designed to assist minors in the safe and effective use of these resources. Alamance County Public Libraries provides access to StartSquad.org, a new Web portal developed by North Carolina librarians that provides children with more than 200 links to age-appropriate Internet sites. Pending the availability of funds, Alamance County Public Libraries will make available in each location at least one workstation which uses software to assist with restricting access to sites that may be considered harmful to minors, with a clear acknowledgement that use of such software does not guarantee protection. The following rules pertain to Internet use by minors:  

A.    Children aged 12 and under require the permission and supervision of a parent or legal guardian while using the library Internet computers. Supervision by a caregiver or other designated adult is permissible if the parent has indicated a designee on the permission slip.

B.     Youth aged 13 through 16 years require a permission agreement signed by the parent or legal guardian to be kept on file at the library. Young people in this age group will be required to present their validated library card as proof that parental permission has been obtained if a parent is not present.

7.     Library patrons who damage computer equipment or who engage in disruptive or illegal behavior using the library computers will be subject to loss of  library Internet access privileges or of library privileges as a whole. Prohibited activities include:  

• Intentionally displaying, receiving or printing inappropriate materials in either text or graphic format that may be reasonably construed as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors (NCGS 14-190.13)

• Harassing others

• Attempting to access unauthorized files or systems ("hacking")

• Falsely identifying oneself in online communication such as chat rooms, e-mail, etc.

• Disclosing personal identification information of minors

• Misrepresenting oneself to gain access to the library's computers

• Using sound or visuals that might be disruptive to others

• Propagating computer viruses

• Sharing of a computer by more than 2 authorized users

• Sharing of a computer with unauthorized individuals

• Infringing copyright or copying licensed materials

• Failing to pay for computer printouts

• Overstaying your scheduled time slot without permission

• Saving or changing files on the library's hardware or attempting to access programs not related to the computer's intended use

 8.     Library patrons should be aware that downloading files from the Internet is a possible source of computer viruses. The library will not assume responsibility for damage to non-library computer equipment caused by viruses unwittingly copied to your personal disk.  

9.     The ACPL staff reserves the right to limit or deny access to Internet workstations for noncompliance with any aspect of the ACPL Internet Access Policy.  

Adopted 12/2002
Revised 09/2004

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Alamance County Public Libraries Behavior Policy

 It is the policy of Alamance County Public Libraries to maintain in the library a quiet, pleasant environment conducive to serious study as well as casual use. 

Library users and staff have a right to assume that visits to the library will be free from harassment, physical discomfort, danger, and psychological stress. The library considers the following to be unacceptable behavior: 
1)             Loud conversation, laughter or noise that is disturbing to others. This includes children’s behavior. Parents are expected to monitor their child’s behavior.
2)             Leaving young children unattended. A responsible adult must supervise young children. See Alamance County Public Libraries’ Safe Child Policy for further information.
3)             Using obscene or abusive language or behavior.
4)             Using audible devices without headphones, or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible ringers must be turned off.
5)             Blocking or interfering with the free movement of individuals.
6)             Bringing animals or pets, except for service animals, into the library.
7)             Smoking, or any other use of tobacco products in the library or within 10 feet of the library entrance.
8)             Bringing/consuming food or beverages in the library.
9)             Showing explicit signs of affection.
10)           Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts.
11)           Use of restrooms for meetings, loitering, bathing, solicitation, or any other misuse of restroom facilities. Taking library materials into restrooms.
12)           Consuming, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
13)           Sleeping in the library.
14)           Bringing large duffel bags or other large bags or containers into the library.
15)           Use of library telephones by any person other than library personnel.
16)           Distributing or posting printed materials not approved by the library.
17)           Soliciting, panhandling, or selling of any kind on library property.
18)           Theft of library materials, equipment or furnishings. Intentionally destroying, damaging, or defacing library materials, furnishings, equipment, or any part of the facility or fixtures.
19)           Entering the library barefooted, without a shirt, with a shirt unbuttoned or unzipped, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the library environment.
20)           Carrying weapons of any sort by an individual except law enforcement officers.
21)           Trespassing in staff and other nonpublic areas. Being in the library without permission of an authorized library employee before or after library operating hours.
22)           Displaying other behaviors inappropriate in a public library setting. 

Violators of this policy may be subject to restrictions on the use of the library up to and including permanent exclusion from all library facilities and grounds, as well as legal action.

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Alamance County Public Libraries  Wireless Access FAQ 

1. Who can access the library’s wireless network?

Anyone with a wireless equipped laptop can use the library’s wireless network. 

2. Is there a charge for wireless access?

No, this is a free service of the library. 

3. Where is wireless access available?

Wireless access is available at the May Memorial (Burlington), Mebane, North Park and Graham libraries.  There are areas within each building where the signal is stronger. 

4. When is wireless access available?

Wireless access is available only during the hours that the individual library is open. 

5. What type of equipment do I need to use the library’s wireless network?

Users must have their own laptops equipped with appropriate wireless adapters to use the library’s wireless access. The library currently does not loan laptops to users. 

6. Is printing available on the library’s wireless network?

Printing is not currently available on the wireless network. 

7. Is the library’s wireless network secure?

As with most public, wireless connections, the Library’s wireless connection is not secure. Others could intercept any data received or transmitted. Alamance County Public Libraries recommends that users of our wireless service do not transmit personal information, including credit card numbers, social security or driver's license numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or any other sensitive information while using any public, wireless connection, including ours. The Library cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred if patrons choose to use the Library's Internet connection to conduct commercial transactions. 

8.  Can electrical outlets in the library be used for charging personal laptops?

Electrical outlets in library buildings may be used by patrons’ laptops on a first come, first served basis with no guarantees that an outlet will be available at any given time.  Proper safety precautions must be observed when using library outlets.

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