Betty,
If your institution is a private nonprofit corporation it would be illegal, according to state law, to use your resources for any purpose other than the furthering of your mission. Sure, board members, staff member, and the general public may secretly (or not so secretly) use resources for their own purpose, but it sets a bad precedent and your museum can be charged with placing personal interest over the interest of the institution. There are a few books by Malaro (sorry, don't remember the first name) about museum law and ethics. It discusses a nonprofit's obligations to serve the public through the mission, and that no one should personally gain from the unique situation a nonprofit holds in society. All benefits a nonprofit holds by being able to qualify for grants monies and not having to pay income tax make it a recipient of government monies, therefore, it would be illegal to use these monies or resources to personally benefit any one individual.

I hope this makes sense and works. Once a few people are let in to utilize the computer, it is difficult to then implement a policy. Hopefully the above information gives you enough information to educate the community on the ways your organization can legally serve the public. Good luck!

Jill

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