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Internet
Use Policy
Sandhill Regional Library System
(Internet Safety Policy) Amended January
2002
Welcome to the
Sandhill Regional Library System’s Internet
Access. In response to advances in technology and the changing
needs of the community, the Sandhill Regional Library System
endeavors to develop collections and services that meet the informational,
recreational, and educational needs of our diverse community.
It
is within this context that the Library offers access to the
Internet. To
maximize availability to this resource, and to insure fair accessibility
for all, please follow these Internet Access Guidelines.
********************Warnings*******************
***There is sexually
explicit material and other information on the Internet that
one may find personally controversial, inappropriate,
or offensive.
***SRLS does not warrant network functionality or accuracy
of information.
***SRLS does not warrant the effectiveness of Internet filtering.
***The privacy of system users is limited.
***Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete,
or current information. Be a selective consumer, questioning
the validity of the information you find.
Service Objectives
Essential to the mission of the Sandhill Regional Library System
is ensuring that its citizens have the right and means to
free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental
to a democracy. The library will protect intellectual
freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and
provide library
materials and information services.
Throughout its history,
SRLS has made information available in a variety of formats,
from print to audiovisual materials. The
library’s computer system provides the opportunity
to integrate electronic resources from information networks
around the world
with the library’s other resources.
The Internet, as
an information resource, enables the library to provide information
beyond the confines of its own collection.
It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from
around the globe. Currently, however, it is an unregulated
medium. As
such, it offers access to a wealth of material that is
personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals
of
all ages,
but it also enables access to some material that may be
offensive, disturbing and/or illegal. Individual users must
accept personal
responsibility for determining the suitability and appropriateness
of information obtained through the Internet. To the extent
practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet
filters”)
shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms
of electronic communications, and access to inappropriate
information. Specifically,
as required by the Children’s Internet Protection
Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of
material
deemed obscene
or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful
to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection
measures
may be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful
purposes.
With the addition of the Gates computers that
include anti-virus software, the Sandhill Regional Library
System allows the
use of “free” email
access on these specific computers ONLY!
The library
upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have
access to a wide variety of material.
The library
also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to
determine and
monitor their children’s use of library materials
and resources. In affirmation of these rights, the SRLS
has established the rules
for Internet use. It shall be the prerogative of all members
of the Sandhill Regional Library System staff to supervise
and monitor
usage of the online computer network and access to the
Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s
Internet Protection Act. Procedures for the disabling or
otherwise modifying
any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility
of the Director of Technical Services or designated representatives.
Rules/Restrictions/Warnings
The
following restrictions are to be noted:
* Computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing at all library locations
* Do not send
or display obscene or disruptive messages, files, or images
* No unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of
personal identification information regarding minors*
Do not use Internet
for personal profit, private, political, or commercial
purposes
* Do not change or add files to the network or hard
drive
* No downloading of files/programs is allowed
* Do not watch videos online. Watching or downloading videos on the Internet takes up too much bandwidth and is not allowed on library computers.
* Do not play games from any Internet site, including
Web sites, MOOs, MUDDs, etc.
* Do not violate copyright laws or software license
restrictions
* No plagiarism
* No unauthorized access including hacking
and other unlawful activities
* Do not display any images,
sound
or text,
which could create an atmosphere of discomfort or harassment
for others. Harassment is persistently acting in a
manner that distresses
or annoys another person. If a user is told by a person
to stop sending them messages, they must stop
* Do not
use for
extended
periods of time (other patrons should have equal use
time)
* Do not use chat rooms or chat channels
* No instant messaging when using electronic mail and
other forms of direct electronic communication
* No
personal software is
allowed to be used with any Library computer
*Adult Patrons are not allowed to use headphones/headsets on Internet computers (these include all headphones/headsets). Headphones/Headsets are only allowed to be used when playing games already loaded onto the children's computers.
* Patrons are allowed to use disks obtained from library
staff for a cost of $1 per disk. ONLY DISKS PURCHASED
AT THE LIBRARY
MAY BE USED. Outside disks are not allowed under any
circumstances; even if it is a disk you purchased at
a previous visit
to the library and then left the building with. If
you wish
to use
the disk again
at a library computer, library staff will keep your
disk on file for you at the desk. Thank you for your
cooperation
and
your
assistance in protecting our resources.
Use of Internet Computers
*
Internet access is available during hours when the library is open,
subject to periodic maintenance.
* Library staff will turn computers on and off.
* Prospective users will sign an Internet Acceptable Use Agreement. A picture ID is required to use the Internet Access computers.
* Children age twelve (12) and under require parental permission
and adult supervision.
* Computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing at all library locations
* All other minors under the age of 18 require a signed parental
permission agreement.
* Individuals age eighteen (18) and older are required to sign
an acceptable use agreement.
* Customers may use the Internet computers for 30 minutes--renewable
if no one is waiting.
* Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in
loss of your computer privileges. Your use of the computer
should
not infringe upon the rights of others. Attempts to degrade,
disrupt
or vandalize the library’s equipment, software, materials
or data or those of any other user of the library’s computer
system or other networks connected to the system is prohibited.
This prohibition includes attempts to gain unauthorized access
to restricted information, networks, other user's accounts
or files or deliberately creating or propagating computerized
viruses
or
worms.
* The library reserves the right to require all prospective
users to attend an orientation session as a condition for access
to the library Internet stations. Orientation will include training
in the use of software and hardware, and guidelines for the responsible
care of library equipment.
* A customer found to be sending or receiving inappropriate materials,
(i.e. pornographic, race-hate, violence-condoning messages) or violating our Internet Policy will
be disconnected from the Internet, and will not be allowed to
use the Internet for 30 days. If the customer violates the Internet Policy again after the first ban, they will be permanently banned from using the Internet at ALL SRLS Libraries. Unacceptable use that is illegal
may
result in criminal prosecution as well.
This Internet Safety Policy
was adopted by the Sandhill Regional Library System’s Board
of Trustees at a public meeting, following normal public notice,
on January 30, 2002.
Sandhill Regional Library System
412 East Franklin Street
Rockingham, NC 28379
Anson, Hoke, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond
Counties
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