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The Ahrens Memorial Library is committed to providing our patrons access to a global body of information. The library is also committed to providing our patrons access to software products that facilitate the creation, evaluation, and distribution of information. To that end, the library provides public access to Internet ready workstations with office software.
It is important to note that these are government computers and as such are subject to the same regulations as government computers everywhere. Naturally, this being a library, there is a great deal more leeway in their use: one does not have to restrict use to official business for example. This does not imply that all restrictions are null and void, however. While recreational use of these workstations is welcome, certain activities must be restricted. These restrictions exist to ensure the continued operation of the workstations, to minimize the overall cost in maintaining them, and to comply with existing regulations.
The library assumes a certain degree of computer literacy on the part of its computer users. If you feel you need training prior to using the workstations, contact the Systems Administrator (572-7290). Bear in mind that our primary mission is information access. We are not in the business of training individuals how to format a Word document or how to set up an e-mail account. Someone will usually be available to help you with such questions but this is not a given.
Policies are, by their nature, restrictive documents. This is not intended to discourage you from using the library's workstations but to keep you from the dark side. Individuals have in the past been caught violating computer use policies and have been remanded to the care of their first sergeants / commanding officers. We don't want to have to do this to anyone again so please read this document and abide by it.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns regarding this policy or the library computers in general, please contact the Systems Administrator (572-7290).
The library's public access computers can be divided into four categories:
These all have Internet access, library databases, office applications, and basic Windows applications (Wordpad, Paint, etc.). Some have additional programs. Printing is available from these workstations.
These are all available for checkout. Lettered workstations are located near the Reference Office. Numbered workstations are located in the Computer Lab.
The U1 computer is the only unrestricted workstation. Patrons are free to install software, manipulate settings, reboot, and use the core operating system. Our only request is that you refrain from formatting the hard drive or otherwise destroying the operating system. This computers is for your use if you wish to install your own programs, format floppies, or use DOS. A free printer is available from this workstation, but you will need to supply your own paper.
The OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) workstations only provide access to the library catalog. Printing is available from these workstations.
These are not available for checkout. They are available on a first-come, first-serve
basis. They are located across from the Circulation Desk.
The print workstation handles all public print jobs.
This is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is located across from the Circulation Desk to the left of the OPACs.
The unlimited workstation do not adhere to Restrictions 7, 8, or 9.
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Note ]
By using the library workstations, the user is granting consent to have his or her workstation and Internet activities monitored. The System Administrator will periodically monitor to insure compliance. Failure to adhere to the rules will result in loosing library privileges.
These practical guidelines have been included to make everyone's computing experience at the library more enjoyable (or at the very least, less frustrating). They will also attempt to explain some of the reasons why things are the way they are.
One must bear in mind that these workstations, as far as possible, have to be all things to all people. Hence, we have attempted to standardize the interface and the software configurations as much as possible. You may prefer a particular desktop arrangement or office setting, but such changes can easily lead to chaos. Not every user is equally computer literate. What you deem to be a minor change or improvement can result in frustration for the next user. Seemingly innocuous changes such as hiding the address bar in Internet Explorer have led to bewilderment on the part of people using the workstation afterwards. This is not to say that tweaking is absolutely forbidden, but please try to tweak things back to their original settings before leaving the computer.
The security is in place to minimize such activity and to help standardize the interface. Think of it as a necessary evil.
Access to the Internet is currently provided through Sprint via the ACC Quality of Life network (QoLNet). Sprint has set up a filter using government network guidelines. This blocks pornographic sites, hate sites, and other sites deemed unsavory by the powers that be. If there is a site you feel is erroneously blocked, please notify a member of the library staff. Unfortunately, we can no longer override the block, but we can put in a request to have the site unblocked.
Also keep in mind that just because something isn't blocked doesn't mean it's fair game. You still have to obey the restrictions and guidelines laid out in this document. Your Internet use remains subject to monitoring.
It is possible to download files from the Internet. Unfortunately, the security makes it difficult to download executable or program files. If you wish to download such files, please see the Systems Administrator. Non-program files (such as documents or pictures) should download normally.
Printing costs 5 cents per page for black and white documents and 20 cents per page for color. A change machine is located next to the copier. Printing is available on all public workstations except for the unrestricted workstations. To print, simply choose print from your program's menu and send the job to the print station. Then go to the print station, select your document, input your money, and print. Ask a member of the library staff for assistance if you are having difficulty. For maximum safety, you should have the printed document in hand prior to closing the document you're trying to print. Documents have been known to disappear in the cyberspace between workstation, server, and print station.
Do not reboot, restart, or shutdown the machine without the express permission of a library staff member. Why is this so important? One, an improper shutdown can lead to file corruption and system instability. There are times when a reboot is necessary but this should be determined by the library staff. Two, the workstation must be logged on for everything to work. The logon must not be bypassed! Among other problems, printing will not work unless the workstation is logged on. If you feel a reboot is necessary, please notify a member of the library staff.
Users must be age 10 or over to use the library workstations. Users under the age of 10 may use the workstations only if their parent or guardian supervises them. A computer is available it the Kid's Room for children under 10 years old. They must still be supervised.
The MilNet and Unlimited computers have a 30 minute time limit from sign-in.
All other computers have a 2 hour time limit from sign-in.
Time limits are not enforced unless people are waiting to use a computer.
In the event that all workstations are in use when another user attempts to sign-on, users currently occupying the workstations will be bumped in the following order:
A bumped user should be off the workstation 5 minutes after receiving notice that someone else is to be assigned to that workstation.
In the event that none of the users fit the above bumping criteria (i.e. all have properly signed-on and have time remaining), the user attempting to sign-on will sign his or her name to a waiting list. That user will then be assigned to a workstation when one of the above criteria is met. Users on the waiting list must be readily available when this occurs, as desk staff will not seek them throughout the building.
Users are required to sign-on to a workstation at the circulation desk prior to use. On the workstation log, the user will print his or her name, record the current time in the sign-on column, check the appropriate status box, and input the assigned workstation letter. A valid ID card is also required. Desk staff must verify that the patron record is in order before use can be authorized.
The workstations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations may only be made in special circumstances (e.g. for a library tour) and must be arranged with the library staff. Users must proceed to their assigned workstation immediately after sign-on. An unattended workstation will be assumed to be a vacant one. In the event that the user needs to leave his or her workstation for more than a few minutes, circulation desk staff should be notified. Such an absence will not, however, result in extra time. Allotted time will always be measured from time at sign-on.
In addition, users may not switch workstations without approval. A user assigned to one workstation but who has switched to another without approval will be considered to have improperly signed-on and will thus be moved to the top of the bumping list should that need arise. Switching will only be allowed in the event of workstation failure and must have the approval of a member of the library staff. Extra time may be granted at the discretion of library staff.
Users are required to sign off their Internet workstation at the circulation desk after their use is complete. The user will record the current time in the sign-off column.
Failure to sign off will result in circulation desk staff recording the time at which the workstation is discovered to be vacant as the sign-off time.
Users are expected to clean up their work area after use. Put the keyboard back on its tray, put the mouse in its original position next to the keyboard, and gently slide in the keyboard tray to shut the desktop.
U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, and programs) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.
By using the library workstations, the user is granting consent to have his or her
workstation and Internet activities monitored.
Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. It is
the responsibility of the user to question and determine the validity of the information
found.
The Ahrens Memorial Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from the
access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any
consequence thereof.
This is a Department of Defense computer system. This computer system, including all related equipment, networks and network devices (specifically including Internet access), are provided only for authorized U.S. Government use. DoD computer systems may be monitored for all lawful purposes, including to ensure that their use is authorized, for management of the system, to facilitate protection against unauthorized access, and to verify security procedures, survivability, and operational security. Monitoring includes active attacks by authorized DoD entities to test or verify the security of this system. During monitoring, information may be examined, recorded, copied, and used for authorized purposes. All information, including personal information, placed on or sent over this system may be monitored. Use of this DoD computer system, authorized or unauthorized, constitutes consent to monitoring of this system. Unauthorized use may subject you to criminal prosecution. Evidence of unauthorized use collected during monitoring may be used for administrative, criminal, or other adverse action. Use of this system constitutes consent to monitoring for these purposes.
©2003 Holloman AFB
Library. Operated by Alpha Services Las Vagas, NV.
Questions or comments regarding this web site should be directed to the
Ahrens Memorial Library System Administrator steven.lavallee@holloman.af.mil.