Equipment Use Policy

 

Equipment Use Policy

Platteville Public Library maintains a variety of equipment to support Library operations, programs, and services. Some equipment is available for public use. No equipment is available for loan or use outside the Library, except by Library staff for Library purposes.

Public Use Equipment

The following equipment is available for public use in the Library. Charges for photocopies, computer printouts, and supplies offered for sale are set by the Library Board. [See Fee Schedule] The price of all items includes sales tax. All other equipment is available for use at no charge to patrons.

  • B&W and Color Printers: Patrons may use their own copy paper with the approval of Library staff, but charges per page remain the same. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs copyrighted material. The person using the equipment is liable for any infringement.
  • Microfilm Reader: Patrons may use this equipment with microforms from the Library’s collection or other sources.
  • Computers: Computer workstations are equipped with internet access, word processing, and other office applications. Computer use for Internet access is subject to the Library’s Internet Access Policy. There is no charge for use of the computers, except for printing. Time management software (EnvisionWare) is employed to ensure a fair use of the equipment.
  • Public Access Catalogs (PACs): The Library’s computer catalog is accessed through PACs located throughout the Library. PACs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Button maker: Patrons may only use supplies purchased from the Library.
  • Scanner: A document scanner is available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons can save scanned documents to a USB drive, email, or print them.
  • Photocopier: Patrons may use their own copy paper with the approval of Library staff, but charges per page remain the same. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs copyrighted material. The person using the equipment is liable for any infringement.

Meeting Rooms Equipment

Equipment is available for use in the Library’s meeting rooms. The equipment must remain in the Library. Users are expected to report any equipment malfunction to Library staff immediately.

The individual or organization scheduling the meeting room will be responsible for the repair or replacement of any equipment damaged during its use. Platteville Public Library will not be responsible for any loss or damage to any items used in conjunction with Library equipment. Priority will be given to Library uses of all equipment.

Laptop Lab for Group Use

The Platteville Public Library Laptop Lab is equipped with Windows PC laptops intended for group instruction. The Laptop Lab is primarily used for patron training and instruction in technology. Groups may request to use the lab in the Library’s meeting spaces. The following rules apply to all Laptop Lab use:

  • A representative of the organization or group is required to sign a Laptop Lab Agreement and will be held financially responsible for any and all theft or damages incurred during use.
  • A reservation for the Laptop Lab should be made at least one business day in advance.
  • The person reserving the Laptop Lab must be at least 18 years of age and must be present during laptop use.
  • All groups and individuals must abide by the Computer and Internet Use Policy.

Use of the Laptop Lab does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of a program or point of view expressed. Use of the Laptop Lab by any group signifies the acceptance of the terms of this policy. Any exceptions are subject to the approval of the Library Director. Priority will be given to Library uses of the laptop lab equipment.

Staff Use Only Equipment

The library owns a variety of equipment for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing the usability of library resources. The following equipment is intended for library related use by authorized library staff and is not available for public use:

  • Digital Camera
  • Staff Computer Workstations
  • Staff Photocopier
  • Staff Printers
  • Dymo Label makers
  • Shredder
  • Paper cutter
  • DVD cleaner

Adopted by the Platteville Public Library Board of Trustees, September 2, 2014;
revised March 5, 2019