General Access Internet Computers

 

Internet users must sign an Acceptable Use Policy when logging onto a library computer, either as a card-holder or as a guest (non-card-holder).  In order to use a general access Internet terminal, users must be of 12 years or older.  In order to use a general access Internet terminal, children under 12 years of age may access the Internet only under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has signed the Policy.  A parent or legal guardian may sign to have their child blocked from Internet access.  Library staff will not act in loco parentis.

 

Wireless Internet Access

 

Wireless Internet users must sign an Acceptable Use Policy, either as a card-holder or as a guest (non-cardholder).  There are no age limitations on who can use the library’s wireless Internet access.  The wireless signal is filtered to the same extent as the general access computers thus meeting the CIPA requirements noted below.

 

CIPA

 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all computer terminals in the library with access to the Internet will be filtered to meet the requirements of the act. Upon request, the filter will be disabled by the staff for use by an adult, so long as said usage does not violate other terms of this policy.

 

Limits

 

The library will not provide home page service or electronic mail (e-mail) service for patrons, although users may access e-mail through free services available on the Internet. The library may request that individuals refrain from the streaming of movies should it be found that Internet speeds have slowed as a result.  Information may be downloaded onto the user’s own external storage device, but patrons may not download any programs or store any files on the library’s computers, including files changing desktop or screensaver appearance. The library staff is authorized to delete any files on the hard drive or public access disks.

 

The following activities are not permitted by library internet users; the list is not exhaustive. Library internet users cannot:

 

1. access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit                                   material;
2. transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language;
3. violate any local, state, or federal statute;
4. vandalize, damage or disable the property of another individual or organization;
5. access another individual’s materials, information, or files without permission;
6. violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or                                 organization without permission;
7. disrupt any of the Internet networks as a whole or any equipment or system forming                   part of the library’s connection to the Internet;
8. make mass distribution (or other form of intrusive “broadcast”) of any message over                   the Internet, including but not limited to advertising.

 

Any violation of the library’s Internet policies or procedures may result in the loss of the individual’s right to use library-provided Internet Access and/or general library privileges.

 

The library staff is authorized to establish procedures to implement this policy. 

 

Non-Internet Computers

 

Non-Internet computers are available for public use subject to the following guidelines:  time restrictions may be imposed; users may not load any programs or store any files on the library’s computers; and charges will be imposed for using printers.