COLUMBIA COUNTY LIBRARY
2009
INTERNET ACCESS AND COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The Columbia County Library offers free Internet access to the public as part of our mission to provide informational, educational and cultural resources to the community.

While, the Internet provides a wealth of information, it is an unregulated medium. Although it is a source of exceptional information, it also houses inaccurate, outdated, inappropriate, offensive and illegal material. The library does not necessarily endorse the opinions and information found on the Internet and cannot be held liable for information found personally offensive. Users are encouraged to carefully evaluate all information for themselves. This library uses a filtering system in accordance with federal funding regulations, but it cannot guarantee the filter will block sites considered by the user to be disturbing or offensive. All users of the Internet are expected to use electronic resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided.

To provide grater accessibility, the library has provided wireless access for use by customers with appropriately equipped wireless devices. The library staff is not able to provide technical assistance with wireless access and no guarantee can be provided that users will be able to make a wireless connection. In addition, the library’s wireless network is not secure. It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner to provide anti-virus and firewall protection. Staff members do not troubleshoot, repair or handle any non-County owned computers.

Rules for Computer Use:

1. Users must have their own Columbia County Library card in good standing and sign an Acceptable Use Agreement.
2. To assure parental guidance in children’s use of the Internet:
a. Children age 12 and under require a signed parental permission agreement and adult
supervision.
b. Youth age 13 through 17 require a signed parental permission agreement.
Parents are encouraged to advise their children not to give out personal identification information over the Internet.
3. There is a limit of 2 hours computer available to each person each day.
4. Printing is available for 15 cents per page and should be completed during the computer session.
5. The library is not a commercial Internet service provider, however, web-based e-mail and streaming audio/video are allowed as long as they do not interfere with library bandwidth.
6. Users must save data only to removable storage devices. Data may not be saved to library hard drives.
7. Library staff will assist Internet users only as time allows.
8. Users must wear headphones or earbuds for any program requiring sound and keep the volume at a level that does not disturb others. Personal listening devices may be purchased at the service desk.
9. Users may not:
a. Disclose, use or disseminate personal identification information;
b. Interfere with systems operations, integrity or security;
c. Alter or attempt to alter the library’s computer settings;
d. Represent themselves as another person or use the Internet to display, transmit or disseminate obscene, threatening or harassing materials;
e. Send or receive electronic files or viruses designated to slow network traffic;
f. Use the internet for commercial purposes;
g. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements;
h. Violate local, state or federal laws or regulations.
10. Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly as defined in this agreement will
result in suspension or revocation of computer and / or library privileges. Misuse of computers will result in the following action:
-First offense- one month suspension of computer privileges
-Second offense- one year suspension of computer privileges
-Third offense- permanent revocation of computer privileges



Patrons agree to pay any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software damaged by themselves or by minors for whom they are responsible. Patrons may use only library software loaded on public computers and this software shall not be copied. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. Columbia County Library is not responsible for damage or loss caused by computer viruses.