Computer & Internet Use Policy

The Davidson County Public Library System (DCPL) strives to provide all citizens with access to the Internet and digital/online resources covering a broad range of informational, educational, and recreational areas.  Patrons can access the Internet and digital/online resources using public computers or public Wi-Fi.

  • Library staff members are available to assist patrons of all ages with information literacy.
  • Patrons are encouraged to have basic knowledge on how to use a computer and the Internet.
  • The library has no control over information accessed on the Internet, nor can it guarantee that such information is authoritative, complete, current, or accurate.  Some materials may be offensive, explicit, contain strong language, and/or violence.
  • The Internet is not a secure medium and third parties may be able to obtain information regarding patron's activities.  As with other library materials, supervision of a minor's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent and/or guardian.
  • All patron of the DCPL's Internet must read, understand, and accept the Rules of Use of the Library's Internet and sign a statement of agreement before each session.

Juvenile Patrons Computer/Internet Usage

  • Juvenile patrons under the age of 11 must have a parent/guardian present when using the public computer and Internet.  
  • Juvenile patrons between the ages of 11 and 17 can use the public computers and Internet without supervision if their parent/guardian gives consent by filling out the “Parent Internet Permission Agreement.”  
  • If a parent/guardian does not grant permission or if DCPL does not have a signed “Parent Internet Permission Agreement” on file, juvenile patrons between the ages of 11 and 17 must have a parent/guardian present when using the public computer and/or Internet.   
  • Parents of minor children are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection, whether or not they are present.

Rules of Use

Access and Time Limits:

  • Patrons with a DCPL card and Internet permission can independently log themselves onto a public library computer for a session.
    • Patrons without a DCPL card can check in with a staff member to register for a session.
    • To maximize availability of the Internet and computers for all patrons, sessions are limited to one (1) hour.  Additional time will be granted based on computer availability.
    • Patrons may have one (1) other person (as space allows) permitted at the computer with them at a time.  The person using the computer must be the person whose library card or ID was used to obtain access.
    • Patrons are not to shut down computers.

Patron Documents and Personal Information:

  • Patrons should not save anything to the computer and should log out of all browsers and applications before ending their session.
  • The library is not responsible for personal information left on any public computer.
  • DCPL assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user’s data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in the user’s account, programs, or files.

Use of Additional Library Electronic Devices:

  • Patrons who borrow electronic devices and/or accessories from DCPL accept responsibility for the item(s) while in their possession.
  • Patrons may be required to give keys and/or driver’s license while borrowing DCPL owned devices to use in the library building (such as a flash drive or an external CD drive), to ensure the items are returned before the patron leaves the premises.

Copyright and Software Usage:

  • DCPL abides by copyright restrictions in the use of software.
  • Patrons must obey laws and regulations regarding copyright and software licenses.
  • Patrons are expressly forbidden to copy library-owned commercial software.
  • Patrons are not to make any use of online content that violates current copyright laws.   Patrons violating any copyright law can lose their computer privileges and may be subject to penalties under copyright law.
  • Patrons should notify library staff immediately of any problems, whether hardware or software related.


Unacceptable Use

Internet resources may be used only for educational or informational purposes that are legal and consistent with the library's mission as described above.

  • Misuse of computers or Internet access will result in a verbal warning to stop the behavior in question.  If misuse continues, the user will be asked to leave the library for the day.  Subsequent misuse may result in the permanent loss of computer privileges.  See "Library Use and Behavior Guidelines" for more information.

Unacceptable Uses (Including by Not Limited To)

  • Any purposes prohibited by federal or state law.
  • Sending, receiving, displaying text, files, or images of any type that are pornographic, obscene, offensive, or disruptive.  The county network employs measures to monitor and restrict such success.
  • Damaging, altering, or adding computer equipment, systems, or software; or deliberately creating or propagating computer viruses; or adding or altering bookmarks.
  • Using the library's connection for purposes of libel, slander, harassment, or for unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information.
  • Downloading and saving files to the library computers' hard drives.  Files may be downloaded to the user's thumb drive or similar device.
  • Illegal gambling


Public Wireless Internet

The Davidson County Public Library System provides access to the internet via a wireless network (Wi-Fi) for patrons to use with their own personal devices.

  • Patrons using Library Wi-Fi must follow the Computer and Internet Use Policy (above) and any rules published with this policy.
  • Wi-Fi access is unsecured (e.g., not password protected) and patrons assume the risk of exposure to harmful software (viruses, malware, etc.), and/or any other compromise of their security and/or privacy while using the network.
  • Patrons are responsible for having the proper hardware, software, and network settings on their wireless device to connect to the library Wi-Fi.
  • DCPL is not responsible for any theft, damage, or misuse of patrons' devices, accessories, and/or other mobile devices while they are in use in the library building.