From HPL's Policies and Procedures 4.8:
Software has been loaded on most public access computers to provide
internet usage in one hour session increments. This software requires the
user to log on to the computer using a bar code, either from their own
Power Card or a Computer Use Only Card supplied by the Library. There
is no limit to the number of sessions per day allowed to a customer.
Computer users must respect the established time limit and honor any staff
request to end their session.
Users may not:
a. Circumvent filtering or blocking software, or other security
measures to access visual depictions deemed (a) obscene, or (b)
child pornography, or (c) harmful to minors, as defined in the
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554).
b. Circumvent public access computer time management software, or
procedures.
c. Use the workstations or laptop devices to gain access to the
Library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or
computer system.
d. Obstruct other people's work by consuming large amounts of
system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer
system.
e. Attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
f. Attempt to alter software configurations.
g. Attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
h. Use any Library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
i. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their
use of Library workstations.
j. Engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously
offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
k. Install or download any software.
Violations may result in loss of access. Staff is empowered to terminate
or extend a user session if appropriate. Unlawful activities will be dealt
with in an appropriate manner, including notification of law
enforcement authorities.
It is the Library's policy that parents or legal guardians must assume
responsibility for deciding what resources (e.g., online catalog, web site
search engine, subscription databases and electronic books, journals or
articles) are appropriate for their children. There will be some resources
that parents may feel are inappropriate for their children. Parents should
let their children know if there are materials that they do not want them to
use. Parents should supervise their child's Internet sessions.
In agreement with CIPA regulations, all Library public-access workstations
use filtering software to access the Internet. No filtering software can
control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate.
Houston Public Library does not guarantee the total effectiveness of
technological protection measures such as filtering software.
Information on teaching children and teens to avoid the dangers that exist
on the Internet can be found at NetSmartz:
http://www.netsmartz.org/index.aspx
This site is sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children.
Laptop computers may be checked out for a two-hour session. A form must be filled out for each session. Valid ID and library card must be presented in the name of the same person. The one exception is a child's library card may be used with the ID of a parent or guardian who signed for the card.
Some locations have Express computers which do not need to be reserved. They are available for one, non-extendable, fifteen minute session.