October 21, 2024

The Rapid City Public Library provides access to digital information, services and networks to meet the personal, professional and educational information needs of the community.

Internet filters are utilized on the library’s public computers and wireless networks; however, users are responsible for determining what online information is appropriate for themselves and their dependent minors.

Access Requirements and Time Limits

Computers for library account holders:

• Ninety minutes of access per day per patron, with time extensions if no other patrons are waiting. Total time allowed per day including extensions may be adjusted by management to minimize wait times.

Rapid access computers:

• Login access via predefined credentials on each computer
• Limit of one 30-minute session, no time extension

Makerspace computers:

• Use is limited to work on projects, design, and training. Activities such as general web browsing, social networking, or gaming are not permitted
• Available on a first-come basis

Rapid City Historical Collections Room computers:

• Use is limited to research and digitization. Activities such as general web browsing, social networking, or gaming are not permitted
• Can be reserved online, otherwise available on a first-come basis

Catalog computers:

• Use is limited to researching the library’s collections and databases. Activities such as general web browsing, social networking, or gaming are not permitted
• Available on a first-come basis

Wireless network:

• No time limits
• All terms of use for internet access apply

Laptops and other electronic devices for checkout by library account holders age 18 and over:

• As indicated within the Lending and Fees Policy

Terms of Use

All users are expected to use the library’s electronic resources in a responsible manner that includes but is not limited to:

• Using resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only, not illegal or improper purposes
• Users will not use another person’s credentials to access library computers; or attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others
• Users will not seek unauthorized access to any computer system, or damage or alter software components or any networks or databases
• Making or printing only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data
• Not sending, receiving, printing, or displaying text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene
• Not making any changes to the set-up or configuration on the library’s computers
• Using headphones to keep from disturbing other users
• To protect privacy, users must delete personal files, not save any personal information, and log off the library’s computers when done
• The library is not responsible for lost data

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the loss of library services.

Revised October 21, 2024; October 16, 2023; August 14, 2023; September 13, 2021; March 8, 2021; January 22, 2020; April 8, 2019; November 14, 2016; September 14, 2015; May 11, 2015; March 9, 2015; April 8, 2013; January 21, 2013; January 19, 2012; July 15, 2010; August 13, 2003; Adopted June 12, 1996, RCPL Board of Trustees