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PUBLIC INTERNET USE POLICY Introduction The mission of the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library is to provide “equitable access to the evolving world of information, education, and leisure.” It is within the context of this central mission that the library offers access to the Internet and other electronic information resources. Library staff is happy to help users get started and will answer general questions regarding the databases and other software that are made available on the library computers. However, due to budgetary constraints each patron will be responsible for his or her own searches and documentation. The library will offer free public computer instruction classes on an ongoing basis to the community. A. Disclaimer The Internet is a global network of computers with no central organizational structure or control. It provides a gateway to millions of local, national, and international sources of information. While the Internet generally provides access to a wealth of information that is valuable and enlightening, the user may find information that is controversial, offensive, disturbing, erroneous, or illegal. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the appropriateness, accuracy, and usefulness of the information accessed through the Internet. The provision of access to electronic information by the Library does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. As with access to other materials and services of the Library, supervision of minors with respect to the use of the Internet and other electronic resources is the responsibility of the minor's parents or legal guardians. Parents or guardians concerned about their child's use of the Internet are encouraged to read and share with their children "My Rules of Online Safety." This is included in an excellent publication from the National Center for Missing and Exploited children, entitled “Child Safety on the Information Superhighway.” Parents who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their children. B. Filtering For the purposes of this policy children are defined as being 12 years of age and under and young adults are defined as being 13 to 17 years of age. Adults are defined as patrons 18 years of age and older. The W. Walworth Harrison Public Library uses filtering software on all Internet computers designated for use by minors. It is used to assist in preventing access to sites which may be harmful to minors and violate Texas Law: PC 43.24, Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor. The current filter settings for the children’s computers block sites featuring chat, nudity, pornography, graphic violence, and vulgar text. The current filter settings for computers designated for young adult use block sites featuring nudity, pornography, and graphic violence. The software also allows the Library staff to override a block or to place a block. Upon request librarians may override blocked sites deemed not to be in violation of the criteria set forth in the user guidelines section of the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library Internet Policy. Parents and guardians are advised that filtering software is not comprehensive and minors may be exposed to materials found to be personally offensive or inappropriate. W. Walworth Harrison Public Library provides both filtered and unfiltered Internet access for adults. C. Conditions of Use To ensure that Internet and electronic resources are provided fairly, and equitably, in the least restrictive environment possible the following conditions of use shall apply: Minors under the age of 18 are required to have their parent or legal guardian’s permission to access the Internet. This can be provided orally to library staff when the child is accompanied by their parent/legal guardian or by signing the appropriate documentation. Children must use the computers in the children’s area of the library. Young adults must use computers designated for young adult use. Adults must use computers designated for adult use and may use filtered or unfiltered terminals. Internet workstations will be available during the Library's normal hours of operation until 10 minutes prior to closing. Computer reservations may be made for the current day for 1 hour of computer time. Reservations will be held for 10 minutes after start time. Persons are limited to one reservation session per day. If computers are available and there are no pending reservations, additional time may be allocated to an individual. Walk-in usage is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Library reserves the right to set time limits for individual sessions of use so that monopolizing of Internet resources is minimized. To protect the library’s computers from potential viruses, persons may not bring disks or other devices in from the outside to load onto library computers. However, for the convenience of our patrons, 3 ½” disks may be purchased – at cost - at the circulation desk for use in downloading and saving information. The cost of printing is fifteen (15) cents per page. This fee is imposed for all pages printed. No more than two people may be seated at a computer workstation at one time. D. Internet User Guidelines Library users who access the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library's Internet and other electronic services are responsible for using them in an ethical, legal, and considerate manner. Examples of prohibited usage include, but are not limited, to: Using the Internet workstations for any illegal purposes. Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Representing oneself as another person or using the Internet to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials. Viewing, displaying, or printing explicit graphical images in violation of Texas Law: PC 43.24, Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor. Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or to other users, including adding, altering, or deleting files on Library workstations, hard drives, or other Library computer equipment. Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords, or alter the configuration of Library workstations in any way. Violating copyright laws. U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of "fair use." Responsibility for any possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user. The W. Walworth Harrison Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting thereof. E. Confidentiality of Use While the library supports our patrons’ right to privacy, security is technically difficult to maintain when the computers are located in a public area. Please remember that electronic transactions could therefore become public and that the library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality. F. Sanctions Library users who violate the Internet User Guidelines, or who refuse to comply with the Conditions of Use, may be removed from the Library and may have their Library privileges revoked. The Librarian in Charge has the authority to terminate a user's Internet session in accordance with these sanctions. This decision may be appealed to the Library Director. The decision of the Director is final. Violations of the policies described above regarding the legal and ethical use of the Library's electronic resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving the Library's Internet and electronic resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. G. Responsibility and Authority Final responsibility and authority for Internet and electronic information access rests with the Director of Library Services, who will operate within a framework of policies and principles approved by the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library Board. The staff will operate under the Director's delegated authority. The Library is authorized to develop such procedures, guidelines, and rules as may be necessary to carry out these policies. Further, the Library is authorized to utilize appropriate technologies to address the implementation of these policies. Approved by the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library Board on 7.14.05. |
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