Viewing social networking sites, entertainment videos, music, etc. is now possible due to additional bandwidth (the larger Internet “pipeline”) purchased by the library. Many patrons are doing so. This unfortunately has the effect of increasing the traffic even more and slowing down the computers again. So we are back to the same difficulties that patrons and staff who need the computers for work, school and personal business have always had – it’s too slow to be of any use.
Since the mission of our public library is, first and foremost, to provide educational and informational communication and support to Hamilton County and adjacent residents, we are trying to ensure that currently available resources are always adequate for the mission. As we limit the amount of our greater bandwidth being spent on pursuits that, while valid for individuals, are not part of the library’s purpose, we hope to allow ALL our patrons adequate access to library resources. More discussion with feedback about public libraries and computer access can presently be found at David Clapp's blog, Director's Remarks.
Catalog Computers (Green label):
These computers will bring up any link or page from our website, including
the research databases. There is no library card requirement or time limit
on these computers.
General Access (Blue label):
A library card or guest card is required to log onto a general access computer.
Any site whose purpose is part of the library’s mission is available.
Patrons may use one of these for two 60 minute sessions per day. The filters
will not be deactivated.
15 Minute Access (Red label):
Patrons may use these computers for any activity that is not illegal. A
library card or guest card is required and, depending on demand, access may
be granted for a maximum of eight fifteen-minute reservations per day.
Access For Children (Orange label):
These are for use by children only. The filters are more strict and will not
be deactivated.
Much research has told us that our previous arrangement of providing
free access for any computer activity by anyone does not work when public libraries
do not have unlimited resources. Most public libraries in the United States
have had to restrict use in order to ensure that residents of the library’s
geographical area can get access when needed. Other libraries that
successfully provide access to all their members charge non-members for some
type of time-limited card.
Full library membership is free to Hamilton County residents and costs $10/year
for those living within 50 miles of our system. You must carry and produce
your library card, memorize your number, or carry valid ID showing your current
address (which we use to look up your card number) in order to use the computers
as a member. An option for those not eligible for membership is the two-day
guest card that costs $1.
There is a form that you can submit to us for Review of Incorrectly Filtered Websites. Please request and submit this form through library staff members. A decision will be made within 30 days. You can be notified by email or letter of our decision or you can call 423-757-5310 for the results.