XV. INTERNET ACCESS AND USE POLICY
The Duplin County Library is pleased to provide free access to the Internet and the World Wide Web for library patrons. The purpose of this service is to provide access to educational information that is not otherwise available and to augment existing library materials. In offering Internet access, the Library cannot guarantee that information found through the Internet and the World Wide Web is either accurate, authoritative, or factual. Nor can the Library control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Individual users are reminded that they are responsible for the sites they choose to access. As with other library materials, a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent.
To assure parental guidance in children’s use of the Internet:
Children age five through fifteen require parental permission for access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Parental permission is given by a parent when the child registers for a library card and the parent obtains a library card; the parent is entered as the responsible party for the child on the child’s record and the parent instructs the library staff to give Internet access to the child. It is the responsibility of the library patron to inform the library staff when they reach the age of sixteen.
Individuals age sixteen are issued a library card as an adult but are not considered a CIPA–compliant adult until reaching age seventeen. It is the responsibility of the library patron to inform the library staff when they reach the age of seventeen.
Individuals age seventeen and older are required to register as a library patron who is a CIPA-compliant adult.
Due to high demand, limited resources, and the nature of the medium, it is necessary to impose some restrictions on its use. By using an Internet terminal, you are also agreeing to abide by these conditions:
Internet users must be registered borrowers with a Duplin County Library System card and must have their library card with them to check in for Internet access each time. Exceptions will be made only by the Library Director or the designated staff person in-charge in the absence of the Director. People traveling through Duplin County or are short-term users of Internet and/or email services are permitted to use a temporary card as a courtesy.
Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning Internet computer jargon or personal computer use. We may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions. Internet reference books are available for your use. Because of library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available. Library staff cannot provide adult supervision for children’s Internet access.
Patrons wishing to use the Internet must check out computers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Time slots are for one 60-minute interval and an extension of 15 minutes. Patrons are limited to no more than 1 hour with an extension of 15 minutes access per day unless the Library Director or the designated staff person in-charge in the absence of the Director grants additional time to the patron. No more than one person at a computer unless approval is given by the Library Director or designated staff person for each specific request. The Library retains the right to limit the access time of any patron.
These terminals are for browsing only. Patrons may download to a floppy disk and/or USB device when the circulation desk staff on duty grants permission. Patrons may not download to the machine’s hard drive at any time.
Patrons shall not alter the hardware or software on these terminals in any way. Patrons wishing to keep a list of favorite sites should do so on paper. All bookmarks are cleared on a daily basis.
Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library’s Disruptive Behavior Policy. The public library employs measures to monitor and restrict access to unacceptable sites. The following actions will not be allowed:
any purpose prohibited by federal or state law
sending, receiving, or displaying text, messages, language, files, or images of any type that are pornographic, offensive, obscene or disruptive
using the library’s connection for purposes of libel, slander, harassment, or for unauthorized access or disclosure of personal information
violating copyright laws or software license restrictions
Failure to abide by these policies will result in the loss of Internet privileges as well as appropriate legal action.