POLICY FOR ACCESS TO COMPUTER/INTERNET RESOURCES
1. SERVICE OBJECTIVES
The Mission Statement of OCPL is "The Oconee County Public Library connects our diverse communities with information resources that enrich, enlighten, and entertain."
In order to fulfill that mission, OCPL provides access to an extensive range of informational, educational, and recreational resources through its public computers and wireless internet connection.
2. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS OF OCPL PUBLIC COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET
The following Computer Acceptable Use Agreement must be accepted electronically by anyone using OCPL public computers.
Oconee County Public Library (OCPL) Computer Acceptable use Agreement
I understand and accept that:
1. in order to use OCPL computers I must present my own valid OCPL library card, owe no more than $5.00 in fines, and have no long overdue books/items.
2. I will abide by the policies and rules stated below.
3. if I do not abide by the policies and rules, I may be barred from using OCPL computers and may be subject to legal action.
4. OCPL staff can help me with a specific computer/Internet problem but OCPL staff cannot spend excessive time providing me with help.
5. as a parent or legal guardian of a minor child, my child may use the OCPL computers and that I am responsible to see that my child abides by the policies and rules stated below.
I understand that some material on the Internet may be objectionable, but I accept the responsibility and agree to allow my child, aged 12 through 17 to use OCPL computers. I agree to allow my child under age 12 to use OCPL computers only if I or another adult accompanies them. I understand that if my child does not abide by the policies and rules he/she may be barred from using the OCPL computers.
6. information on the Internet may be current and accurate, or it may be out-of-date, unreliable, or unavailable at times. I understand that materials on the Internet may contain items that are illegal, inaccurate, defamatory, and potentially offensive and/or disturbing to some people. I understand that OCPL cannot be held liable for the content of any Internet site.
7. OCPL cannot be held liable for equipment failures.
Policies:
Users will have a daily maximum of three 45 minute sessions on OCPL computers. The only exception is for users who are taking a test or filling out a job application and the institution will not allow for interruptions in the process.
Users who do not abide by the policies and rules will be warned twice. At the third offense, they will be barred from using OCPL computers for three months.
o First offense – verbal warning and note placed on user’s record.
o Second offense – verbal warning and note placed on user’s record. If user is under age 18, their parent/guardian will be notified.
o Third offense – user will be blocked from using OCPL computers. If user is under age 18, their parent/guardian will be notified.
Computers in Children’s areas are to be used by children under age 12 only.
Users may not establish email or other accounts which are stored on OCPL computers.
Non-residents of Oconee County may be issued a daily guest pass upon presentation of a valid photo identity card.
OCPL computer system uses filtering software as required by the South Carolina Legislature in Budget Proviso 72.95. According to the Proviso a patron may request an unfiltered library computer. The request must be made one business day in advance in order for the IT Department to disable the filtering software.
All computers will be shut down ˝ hour before closing time.
Black and white printing is 10 cents a page and color printing is 50 cents a page.
Rules:
The following actions will not be allowed:
o Sending or displaying obscene or disruptive messages, files, or images
o Using obscene language
o Changing or adding files to the OCPL computer system
o Harassing, insulting, or attacking others
o Violating copyright laws, or software license agreements
o Using personal software or downloading or installing software on OCPL computer system.
o Bypassing or demonstrating to others how to bypass filtering software
o No more than two users may use one computer at the same time.
