Computer Information
The Library Catalog can be accessed at the Manske Library or via the online database.
Computers in the Library
The Library has 29 computers throughout the building with Internet access. These computers are used on a first-come, first serve basis, with a one-hour time limit. All computers have Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. The Library also has laptops available for in-Library use. In addition, there are nine computers throughout the building specifically for accessing the Library catalog.
Printing Charges
Each computer is connected to a printer. Printed pages are five cents each.
Online Research from Home or the Office
In order to access databases from home or office, patrons will need to log in to the online catalog using their Library card number and PIN. The links to research sources included in the Catalog & Research page will only work using Library computers.
Issues with Online Research
The Library has two online research pages; each page has different kinds of links. The page that is linked on the home page and the side panel includes all the databases that can be searched from any computer in the Library. The other page includes all the databases that can be searched from computers away from the Library. In order to comply with licensing agreements, only Library cardholders can access the databases from computers away from the Library.
Computer Use Policies
- Patrons using the Library's computers must agree to and abide by this Acceptable Use Policy. Patrons using the Library’s computers to access the Internet must also abide by the Farmers Branch Manske Library Internet Use Policy.
- Use of computers will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be taken. Users will limit their time to 60 minutes if others are waiting.
- Patrons under the age of 17 must have parental permission to access the Internet.
- The Library provides the first three pages of printed information for free. All additional pages are five cents each. Please pay at the Checkout Desk when you leave.
- Computers are intended to be used by one person. If necessary, two people may sit together and work on a computer. If there are any disruptions due to overcrowding, the staff will ask the non-user to leave the computer.
- Information may be copied to floppy diskettes only. Material copied to the hard drive will not be retrievable. Floppy diskettes may be purchased from the Friends of the Library at the Checkout Desk. The Library is not liable for damages to personal data, diskettes or equipment resulting from information copied from the Internet. WARNING: Software downloaded from the Internet or from any unknown computer may contain viruses. Personal computers should be equipped with virus detection software.
- Patrons may not use Library facilities for any activity prohibited by federal, state or local ordinance. Other prohibited activities include, but are not limited to the following:
- a) Using the Library's facilities to gain unauthorized access to the Library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system in any other facility;
- b) Obstructing other people's work by using the system unreasonably or by deliberately crashing or disrupting the computer system;
- c) Making any attempt to deliberately damage the computer hardware or software or to deliberately and knowingly introduce a computer virus;
- d) Making any attempt to alter, change or modify software configurations;
- e) Making any attempt to cause degradation of the system's performance;
- f) Using any workstation for illegal or criminal purpose;
- g) Using any workstation for business or commercial activity of any kind;
- h) Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements through the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted or licensed materials;
- i) Engaging in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously harassing, offensive, libelous or slanderous, or which invades another person's privacy;
- j) Installing personal software or copying software from the Internet to the Library's computer system.
- The Farmers Branch Manske Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility from access to or use of its computers or any consequences thereof. In addition, patrons agree to hold harmless and unconditionally reimburse the Farmers Branch Manske Library for any liability or damage claim arising from any use or misuse of the computers by a patron.
- The Library reserves the right to update and change this policy at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the patron to read and accept the current version of the policy. Violation of the Computer Use Policy may result in the consequences listed below.
Laptop Checkout Policy
- Patrons checking out Library laptops must agree to and abide by this Laptop Checkout Policy and the Library’s Internet Use Policy and Acceptable Computer Use Policy.
- Laptops will be checked out for in-Library use ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis from the Media Desk.
- To check out a laptop, patrons must be age 18 or over, have a Farmers Branch Library Card and must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID with a local address. Library staff will hold the ID until the laptop is returned.
- The laptops will print to the printers in the Media and Reference areas.
- Laptops will be available for one hour. If no one is waiting, laptops may be renewed for additional time. If a laptop is not returned on time, Library staff will make an announcement asking for the laptop to be returned immediately. Failure to return a laptop on time may result in a loss of laptop privileges. Laptops will automatically turn off 30 minutes before closing and must be returned to the Media Desk immediately.
- Wireless coverage is available throughout most of the building. Coverage will vary throughout. Most wireless software has an indicator that tells you a signal is being received. Make sure the link quality and signal strength are both at least "good." If not, move about the room to a location that allows a stronger signal.
- Information may be copied to floppy diskettes only. CD-ROMs are not available for the laptops. Material copied to the laptop’s hard drive will not be retrievable. Floppy diskettes may be purchased from the Friends of the Library at the Checkout Desk. The Library is not liable for damages to personal data, diskettes or equipment resulting from information copied from the Internet.
- The Library reserves the right to update and change this policy at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the patron to read and accept the current version of the policy. Violation of the Laptop Checkout Policy may result in the consequences listed below.
Internet Use Policy
To fulfill its mission to provide the community with an inviting center for learning, culture, recreation and information in all its forms, the Farmers Branch Manske Library provides public access to the Internet.
NOTICE: The Library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the information accessed over the Internet. The Library uses filtering software to reduce the possibility that Library users may encounter objectionable content. The Library assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and effectiveness of any installed filter.
Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, who must give written permission in order for a person under the age of 17 to use the Internet. Permission forms are available at all public services desks. The Library does not have the right or responsibility to act in the place of a parent. For more information about children and the Internet, see the pamphlet "Child Safety on the Information Highway" located at the public services desks. The workstations located in the Children's Area direct young people to a home page that lists age-appropriate Internet sites. These stations may be used by children or adults accompanied by children.
The Library only assumes responsibility for the information provided on its home page and supporting pages. While the Internet offers access to many valuable sources of information, not all sources provide accurate, complete and current information. Because of the size of the Internet, staff cannot apply the same selection criteria that are used for other library materials. Users should evaluate the validity of the sources providing the information.
According to the Texas Penal code 43:24. Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor: (b) A person commits an offense if, knowing that the material is harmful: (2) he displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display.
DISCLAIMER: In consideration for the privilege of using the Library and for having access to the information contained in it, patrons hereby release and hold harmless the City of Farmers Branch, its officers, agents, servants or employees, the Farmers Branch Manske Library, its staff, volunteers, representatives or advisors, from any and all liability or responsibility for any and all claims or expenses arising either directly or indirectly from the use of the Library, whether or not caused, in whole or in part, by alleged negligence of the City of Farmers Branch, its officers, agents, servants, employees, volunteers, representatives or advisors.
Acceptable Use Guidelines:
- Patrons using the Library to access the Internet must agree to abide by the Farmers Branch Manske Library Internet Use Policy and Computer Use Procedures.
- The user may not utilize the Internet for any illegal activity or upload material to the Internet related to any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- The Library will not be responsible for damages due to release of personal information, including credit card information. Library users will be responsible for any materials ordered via the Internet.
- The Library staff is available to assist users in accessing the Internet but cannot provide in-depth personal training. Internet classes will be offered by Library staff in response to demand. While Internet use is encouraged, information may be more easily available through the Library's traditional sources. Staff will assist in locating these materials.
- The Library will provide primary Internet access through the World Wide Web via a graphical browser that also includes other Internet capabilities such as telnet, ftp and gopher. The Library will not provide special software for direct access to electronic mail, electronic discussion groups, newsgroups or chat.
- Patrons have the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy. Users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve and computers are located in public areas, electronic transactions of files and viewing screens could become public. As a result, the Library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality.
- The Library reserves the right to update or change this policy at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the patron to read and accept the current version of the policy. Violation of the Internet Use Policy will result in the consequences listed below.
Policy Violations
Consequences for violations of computer polices may include:
- First offense - Denial of computer/laptop privileges for one month
- Second offense - Denial of computer/laptop privileges for three months
- Third offense - Denial of all future computer/laptop privileges
Parents or guardians of minors who violate the Policy will be notified in writing of any sanctions and the reasons for the sanctions.
Decisions regarding the consequences of violating the Internet Use Policy will be made by the Library Director or his/her appointed agent.
Illegal acts involving the Library computing resources may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
Any repairs due to malicious destruction of equipment will be the financial responsibility of the user who caused the problem.
Unreturned laptops will be considered stolen, and the photo ID will be turned over to the Farmers Branch Police Department.
For questions about the policy, contact a librarian.