Click here to view the official 
Ames Free Library Internet Policy

Computer Use

  • Please sign up to use a computer at the Circulation Desk.
  • You may work for 1/2 hour - or up to 1 hour if the computer is not needed.
  • Food and drink are prohibited at all computer workstations.
  • Use of personal software is not allowed without permission from the Technology  Librarian. Please make arrangements in advance.
  • Be sure to save all work to a disk while working. Disks for downloading and saving data may be purchased for $1.00.
  • Computers automatically reboot when left idle for longer than 15 minutes. Any data not stored on a floppy or diskette will be lost.
  • Do not shut down computers when you are finished.
  • Computers will automatically shutdown 10 minutes before the library closes, so please plan accordingly.

Internet Use

  • Children under 18 need a signed parent's permission form. Parents must sign the form in person for each child.
  • Internet use, first and foremost, is for research.

Appropriate and Inappropriate Internet Use


Internet use at the library is primarily for research. Users are subject to the library's Appropriate and Inappropriate Use Guidelines.
  • Research users have first priority. You may be asked to finish other activities if the computer you are using is needed.
  • Commercial use or political lobbying is inappropriate.
  • Transmitting threatening or harassing material is illegal.
  • Viewing websites with explicitly sexual or violent content is inappropriate.
  • Copying or downloading copyrighted material is illegal.
  • Knowingly transmitting computer viruses is illegal.
Library staff may suspend computer use privileges - or library privileges - for anyone who fails to comply with these guidelines.

If you have any questions or need help, please feel free to ask the reference or youth services staff.