Rusk County Library About

Welcome to the Rusk County Library and our Internet and public access computer resources. The mission of the Rusk County Library System is to provide the highest quality public library service in a way that will effectively contribute to the enrichment of all residents of the county and to increase public awareness of the services offered in a modern public library system. In support of this mission, the library's Internet computer workstation provides the opportunity to enhance our existing collection by connecting to information networks from around the world.

The same standards of intellectual freedom expressed in the Rusk County Library System Policy Manual apply to the Library's access to the Internet. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibility that users may come across material that is inconsistent with the goals of the Library. The library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of Library materials and resources. To maximize availability of the Internet Computer and other public access computers and to ensure fair accessibility for all, library employees will manage the computer resources and have the right to develop procedures as necessary. Users must adhere to the following guidelines.

1.0 Disclaimer

1.1 The library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Users are responsible for material that is accessed through the Internet.

1.2 The Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of its connection to Internet services.

2.0 Legal and Ethical Use

2.1 Use of the Internet at any public library in the Rusk County Library System is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege. Inappropriate use of any computer in the library includes, but is not limited to:

Violation of computer system integrity,

Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software,

Storage of data to anything other than a personal diskette,

Violation of software license agreements and copyright laws,

Violation of another user's privacy,

Violation of computer system security.

2.2 Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

2.2.1 DO NOT make copies of resources that are protected by copyright. Such resources may include, but are not limited to, software, data, text files, images, and sounds.The Rusk County Library System reserves the right to confiscate illegal copies created with our equipment.

2.2.2 DO NOT access information without the effective consent of the owner or licensee of the resources.

2.2.3 DO NOT interfere with the operation of any computer, on-site or remote.

2.2.4 DO NOT alter, damage, or destroy data or computer programs. Patrons may access any library software that is intended for use by the public. They may appear as icons, shortcuts or programs. Any unauthorized attempt to alter the public access computer may result in a forfeiture of privileges.

2.2.5 Viewing pornographic sites may be considered a misdemeanor or felony crime under Texas state law. (Texas Penal Code Section 43.21,et. seq., Section 1. Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 33.02a)

2.2.6 DO NOT violate another user's privacy.

2.2.7 DO NOT store data on anything other than a personal diskette. Diskettes may be purchased from the Friends of the Library.

2.2.8 DO NOT store anything to the hard drive (C:drive)

2.2.9 DO NOT turn computers on or off. Only library staff are allowed to shutdown or restart computers.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS

3.1 Although the Internet may provide valuable information from a worldwide network, the Internet is an unregulated medium. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. A good information consumer evaluates the validity of information found. The Rusk County Library System does not have complete control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.

3.2 The Library reserves the right to require all prospective users to attend an orientation session as a condition for access to the Internet computer workstation.All prospective users must do the following:

Have a Rusk County Library System Library Card.

Read the entire Internet and Public Access Computer Policy.

Fill out and sign the Rusk County Library System Internet Use Contract

Sign the Limitations of Liability form.

3.3 Youth under 18 years of age will be required to have parental permission to access the Internet. Children under 13 may access the Internet only when a parent or guardian is present to assist the child during the Internet session.

3.4 Library patrons are encouraged to become computer literate and to seek Internet education courses independent. It is beyond the resources of the Library to train patrons in all aspects of computer functionality and the Internet. However, the library may, at various times, offer computer or Internet training to the public as a service provided by the Rusk County Library or in conjunction with other organizations. The Library will develop a collection of computer and Internet self-help materials. When time permits and when no other sources are available, the library staff may obtain information for patrons using Internet resources.

3.5 Not all computers are connected to the Internet. Some computers will always be dedicated to the library public access catalog and other resources (such as word processing programs) for in house use.

3.6 While the Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some materials that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.Parents and/or guardians of minors are responsible for monitoring and supervising their children's use of the Internet.Parents are encouraged to read My Rules for Online Safety available at www.safekids.com/kidsrules.htm and Child Safety on the Information Highway available at www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Interactive Service Organization. These titles listed above are available upon request.

3.8 Use of the Internet computer is available for free to library cardholders in good standing with the Rusk County Library System. Patrons not in good standing should pay in full all fines or fees in order to use the computer workstation.If overdue fines or fees become seriously delinquent (past due for three months) privileges may be revoked.Users must present their library card to gain access to computers with a connection to the Internet.Library staff will hold the card while the patron is using the Internet computer.

3.9 The Internet computer workstation is intended to be used as a shared resource and should be used for information gathering only. The Library does not sponsor public access to electronic mail accounts, discussion groups, chat rooms, or other interactive services.However, patrons may use the Internet Computer to access off-site email, such as, Hotmail or YahooMail.

3.9.1 Users who are temporary residents must complete requirements listed in 3.2. People who are not residents of Rusk County and are vacationing or visiting for a short time and who wish to check their email may do so by completing only requirements B,C and D listed in 3.2. However, this exception is only for vacationers and is for a limited time (3 weeks or less).Vacationers may not access Telnet.Vacationers may check their email if the email resides on a computer other than the library computer by using Web email services such as Hotmail or Yahoomail. Vacationers must present their drivers license and home phone number to library staff when requested. The driver�s license will be held during the Internet session.

4.0 ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES

4.1 The Internet computer is normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during regular library hours. However, all computer activity must stop thirty (30) minutes prior to the library closing time. In order to better facilitate public access, the Library reserves the right to implement and change procedures as needed. The Library has established procedures that will make the Internet computer workstation available on a first come, first served appointment basis. For specific details, please read Procedures for Using the Internet Computer.

5.0 OTHER USES OF THE COMPUTER WORKSTATION

5.1 Any files or data that are downloaded from the Internet must be saved to a 3.5 diskette (SEE 2.1.8).Any unauthorized data found on the hard drive will be erased. Diskettes may be purchased from the Friends of the Library for 1.00. Although we use a virus checker on the Internet access computers, this will not completely protect you from the chance of getting a virus. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and it�s your responsibility to have virus-checking software on your own computer. Library staff reserve the right to implement a charge for printing in order to recoup the cost of providing paper and ink. Printing fees will be posted at the computer workstation. The fee will include all pages printed whether you keep them or not. Printing without paying will result in termination of all Computer-use privileges.

6.00 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

6.1 All patrons who wish to use the Library's Internet computer are required to sign and date the following "Limitations of Liability":

6.2 The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read and understands and agrees to the Rusk County Library System Internet Computer Workstation Public Access Policy.

6.2 The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that the Rusk County Library (System) assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data or for any damage or injury to library users arising from use of the Internet computer workstation.

I _________________________________ acknowledge that I have read and understand the Rusk County Library System Internet and Public Access Computer Policy. I further acknowledge and agree that the Rusk County Library System assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user�s data or for any damage or injury arising from use of any Internet computer workstation or public access computer workstation.

_____________________________ _________________

Signature

RUSK COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
INTERNET USE CONTRACT

I,_____________________________________________________

(PRINT FULL LEGAL NAME)

____ am an adult signing for myself,

or (Please check only one space)

____ am a parent or legal guardian signing for my child

________________________________________________________

(PRINT CHILD'S FULL LEGAL NAME)

and take full responsibility of my child's Internet activities.

I live at _________________________________________________

(PRINT FULL RESIDENT STREET ADDRESS)

and hereby apply for the privilege to use the Rusk County Library (System) Internet Workstation Computer and will abide by the Library policies as they now exist and as they may be amended by the Rusk County elected officials or their appointed representatives.

I certify that the above information is correct and I understand that these privileges may be revoked at any time.

_______________________________________________________________________

(SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT)

_______________________________________________________________________

(DATE)

Procedures for Using the Internet Computer

Library staff will manage the Internet computer as a shared resource. The Internet computer will be available during the normal operating hours at each library. All Internet activities must stop 30 minutes prior to closing time. Library hours are listed below.

Central Library - Henderson

Monday and Thursday 9am � 8pm

Tuesday & Wednesday 9am � 6pm

Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 9am - 12pm

McMillan, Morrow and Tatum Branch Libraries

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8am � 5pm

Thursday 10am � 7pm

Printing

Printing fees will be posted at the computer workstation.The fee will include all pages printed whether you keep them or not. Printing without paying will result in withdrawal of all Computer-use privileges. Please allow plenty of time to print your documents. Do not wait until your time is up to do all your printing.