Management Information System Section



This section was launched last March 26, 2004. It offers the following services: Academic research, e-mails except chat, encoding, printing, CD burning, and scanning. It is also in charge of the OPAC, the library system software, the WLAN and wireless connections of the library. The Library developed the On-line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) module available to the users wherein they can have bibliographic search on all available collections of the library. Users can search by title, author, and subject. The MIS also offers training on basic computer use both for the clienteles and the employees. It also conducts literacy trainings to public schools in Quezon City. The Section is in charge of the technical aspects of all computers including network of all the branch libraries. The MIS was responsible for the development of the Q.C.PL website, http://www.Q.C.publiclibrary.org/ and the http://Q.C.pllibrarians.blogspot.com/, a site where QCPL librarians’ reports and accomplishments are posted. The section was envisioned to implement information and communication technologies (ICT) for QCPL. The MIS offer computer and internet access to the public free of charge at QCPL branch libraries locations. Anyone, regardless of age, can use a library computer.


Digital Literacy


The MIS section offers free computer tutorials on topics ranging from basic computer use to internet searching, using word processing software, doing advanced online research and more.


E-Government Services


MIS section assists patrons in accessing or applying with national and local government agencies services that have moved almost exclusively on online services. Persons with limited or no internet access, or persons, who need assistance using technology or understanding and reading forms, rely on public libraries to access e-government services and provide assistance to patrons applying for or accessing e-government services.


Workforce Development


Workforce Development resources are available at QCPL public computers and internet access is now necessary in almost every step of this process – online job listings, computer-generated resumes, and increasing requirements to job applications to be completed online. These services are provided by the library to increase opportunities for job- seekers and is an effective way to reach job seekers and connect them to employment support services.


Multimedia & Internet Section Policies


Computer and Internet Use

1. Present your QCPL current and valid library card and sign in MIS staff log book. A client/s have to wait for a computer to become available. Observe the first come, first served policy.

2. Children aged 10 years old and under must be accompanied by their parents or guardians when doing research inside the library premises.

3. All users are allowed to use Internet facilities for a maximum of one hour per computer only. If a client or user wishes to extend computer use after an hour, he/she must ask permission first with the MIS staff assigned. Extension is only allowed if there are no queue of users. Otherwise, the said user will again fall in line and wait for his turn.

4. Priorities will be given to students/clients doing research and those who access e-Government services. Those who will make resume for job application will also be accommodated.

5. Internet and WIFI use are free.

6. The following are strictly prohibited:

a. Opening, altering or changing configurations, transfer or steal any equipment or any part of it.
b. Opening any application program without the permission from the librarian/staff.
c. Accessing any e-mail, indecent or immoral information of files in graphics (picture), text, sound or other form.
d. No computer games/online games, no obscene photos or languages will be allowed or tolerated in the use of the computers.
e. Drinking and/or eating any kind of foods and beverages including candies and gums.
f. Making unnecessary noise that may disturb other users.
g. Interfacing with other users without consent.
h. Littering and vandalism.

Those who will be caught doing the above listed prohibitions will be dealt with accordingly, will be banned to use the MIS facilities and services and immediate loss of library privileges.


Printing and Downloading from a Library Computer


• A user can print pages from the library computers. Short Black and white copies are P2.00 per page. Short Color copies are P5.00 per page.

• Information can be downloaded or saved from a library computer to a removable disk or portable drive (USB, Flash, keychain drive, etc.). The QCPL is not responsible for loss or damage to downloaded data, files or hardware.


Filtering


• All QCPL Internet computers are filtered to screen out obscene and sexually explicit websites.

• The QCPL does not assume responsibility for the inaccuracy of its Internet filters. Parents have the right and responsibility to monitor their children's use of the library computers and the Internet to ensure their safety.


Computer Use Privacy


• The QCPL is committed to protecting library users’ privacy, but as a public institution, the library cannot guarantee absolute privacy.

• Users’ activities on the library’s computer are not recorded or stored on the computer hard drive.

• The QCPL assumes no responsibility for information the users choose to provide to websites, services or individuals when using the library’s computer.


Wireless Access


• Free wireless Internet access is available at QCPL. No plug or phone jack is needed. Simply, turn on your notebook, laptop or other wireless device.

• The wireless network is not secure and the Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your equipment, security or data files. Information may be captured by anyone with a wireless device and appropriate software.

• Wireless Internet access in the library is filtered in the same manner as the library’s own public use computers.


E-Government Services Policies


The clientele should be guided on the following:

1. The library’s computers use to obtain e-Government services do not retain any personal information, no “cookies” are kept, temporary and Internet files are removed, and the internet cache is cleared at the end of each user’s session

2. The library and the MIS staff will not collect or retain any personal information used in accessing e-Government services.

3. MIS staff will not view any personal information that patrons enter into the computer in order to obtain e-Government services. The viewing of personal information by MIS staff may be necessary only in order to assist customers with their e-Government transactions.

4. The library is not responsible for the content found on other websites, for any failure in transmission of online application or forms to other agencies, or for accurate submission of forms or information. The library cannot guarantee that other agencies receive forms or information submitted from library computers or act on them appropriately. No agreement or contract is created between the patron and the MIS staff of the library system.

5. The library uses best efforts to ensure network security. Nevertheless, the patron assumes all responsibility for the use of the library’s network and networked resources, including interference with the patron’s data, laptop computer or other devises.

6. The library is not liable for the loss or compromise of any confidential or sensitive, or any other information, or for any and all damages resulting from that loss or compromise.

7. The library is not responsible for the outcomes expected by patrons as a result of their e-Government transactions (i.e. receiving or not receiving benefits). The library is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided by patrons to e-government service providers.


Management Information System (MIS) Policies


Policy on CCTV

1. The system will only be used for the herein below-identified objectives, and not for any other purpose. It is intended that the operation of the CCTV system will help ensure that a safe environment is provided for both staff and library users.

2. The CCTV system is employed by the library only for the following specified purposes:

•To prevent and detect crime, this includes theft and criminal damage;
• To protect staff and service users from the fear of commission of crime;
• To provide evidence of crime committed on library premises;
• To provide evidence in service user exclusion procedures; and
• To improve performance management, working practices and workflows.

3. The use of the CCTV system will not infringe an individual’s right to privacy or monitor staff and visitor activities except in the above stated situations.

4. Disclosure of personal information recorded by the CCTV system will be restricted and carefully controlled, to ensure that the rights of individuals are preserved. All library staff should be aware of the restrictions on the disclosure of recorded images, and access to recorded images should be restricted to staff who need access for the purpose of the management of the system.

5. An individual upon contacting the QCPL will be informed of possible disclosures of their personal information save in situations where an exemption may apply i.e. if the individual is alleged to have committed an offence and the disclosure is requested to aid the investigation.

6. The QCPL will only disclose personal information in the following situations:

• Where the service user has been informed of the disclosure.
• Where the information is required for the prevention or detection of crime, and the apprehension or prosecution of offenders (confirmation should be sought from the individual/body requesting disclosure that a failure to provide the information would prejudice these purposes).
• Where the information is required for legal proceedings, including prospective legal proceedings (confirmation should be sought from the individual/body requesting disclosure that a failure to provide the information would prejudice these purposes).
• The date and time of the disclosure of the information;
• The identification of the third party who the disclosure was made to;
• The reason for allowing the disclosure; and
• The extent of the information disclosed.

7. Access to monitors for the purpose of operation and viewing of images is restricted to staff who have the necessary authority (only certain identified managers will have access to the archival images and to the copying process). Public access to the monitors will not be allowed save where there is a lawful and proper reason. It will be the responsibility of the City Librarian/Main Library to maintain/monitor an access and actions log.

8. An individual has the right under the Act to make a request for a copy of their personal information held by the library service – this includes situations where their images are captured on a CCTV recording. An individual on making a written request is entitled to be provided with a description of the purposes of the recording and details of any disclosure of the recording. All staff involved in the operation of the CCTV will be the responsibility of the City Librarian/Main Library to maintain/monitor an access and actions log.

9. Recorded images on hard disks are to be held securely. Hard disk recordings will be held in a locked room with limited access.

10. All staff involved in the operation of the system must be able to recognize a request from an individual for access to recorded images.

11. Requests for the release of personal information should be made to the Head of the Library and should:

• Be written (this includes e-mail).
• Supply photo identity evidence i.e. copy of driver’s license, passport or other photo id.
• Submit sufficient details to enable the information to be located i.e. date, reasonable time window and location details.

12. The library service will handle subject access requests within the statutory 40/day period. In accordance with library policy requests made for personal information will be handled free of charge. 13. In situations where a requestor requires a copy of the CCTV recording, the individual will be required to provide the recording format (CDR) - (individuals should be informed of this policy when making arrangements to access the data). Where an individual request to view their recorded information – it will be necessary for the requestor to make an appointment.

14. CDs will not be edited before release to remove identifiable images of third parties. In accordance with the CCTV Code of Practice produced by the National Privacy Commission – as the CCTV cameras are all sited in public areas – there is a lesser expectation of privacy and therefore it will not be necessary to edit recordings before release. It is advisable to keep an action log in situations where a subject access request is received.

15. The CCTV system should be maintained regularly to ensure that the equipment performs properly. All archival images will be recorded directly onto the system’s hard drive. CDs will only be used in situations where an individual has made a Subject Access Request or if there is requirement for the library to make and keep a copy. Individuals will only be provided with a maximum of 30 minutes recorded footage, and good quality CDs should be used.

16. CCTV cameras should be situated to ensure that they capture images relevant to the purpose for which the scheme has been set up. For example, if the purpose of the scheme is the prevention and detection of crime or apprehension and prosecution of offenders. The cameras should be sited so that images enabling identification of perpetrators are captured.
In the event of camera damage, there should be a clear procedure for identifying the person responsible for ensuring that the relevant camera is fixed within a specific time period.

17. CCTV recordings will be kept for a period of 30 days, after which the recordings will be overwritten, unless a longer period is authorized by a designated manager. In some situations, it may be necessary to keep recordings longer – for example when taking legal advice.

18. Ownership of the recorded material and copyright in the recorded material will remain with the library service.

19. The library service will display CCTV system notices, and as a minimum requirement will provide contact details for the library service.

20. The library service will ensure that new staff (permanent) are briefed and trained on all operational and administrative functions of the CCTV system. The appropriate level of training will be determined by individual staff user and access rights.

21. The library operates 21 fixed interior cameras and 3 fixed outside cameras. There is server room with restricted, locked access within Main Library for all cameras. Local viewing of the images is possible through other users/selected LED TVs mounted on wall:

• City Librarian Office
• Admin Services

Live viewing is permissible for all library staff as necessary and appropriate. Designated managers will have viewing rights and archival image copying authority for saved images.

The policy is to be reviewed every 12 months.

Contact Details Written requests for access to recorded images should be addressed to:

City Librarian
Quezon City Public Library
Gate 7 City Hall Compound
Barangay Central, Quezon City
E-mail requests: quezoncitypubliclibrary@yahoo.com


E-Resources Policies


Part of the goal of the e-Resources in promoting accessible electronic information is opening the availability of various database of information for the public to use. The electronic Resource contained in this unit include newspaper and magazine database and even local and international academic journals, books and reference materials.


The policy that should be observed are the following:

1. All computer terminals at the e-Resources area are to be used for accessing electronic resources and/or online databases ONLY.

2. Library users/patrons/clients of the e-Resources are only given forty-five minutes (45 mins.) to use the computers.

3. Fifteen minutes of extension time is to be given to clients/patrons as the need arises.

4. Any valid ID or a QCPL library ID must be presented first in order to have access to the computers/online database services of the QCPL.

5. Printing of articles and documents are allowed.

6. Children below 12 years old are not allowed to use the computers unless they are accompanied/supervised by their parent/s and/or guardian/s.

7. Food and drinks are not allowed at the E-resources area.