Jackson County Public Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Since the Internet is not subject to any form of regulation, users may encounter sites they consider offensive or controversial. In accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act all computers in the Jackson County Public Library are subject to filtering, though users in the Computer Lab may request filtering to be disabled on their workstation if it is blocking a site needed for research. BE ADVISED THAT NO FILTERING SOFTWARE IS TOTALLY FOOLPROOF, AND IT MAY OCCASIONALLY FAIL TO BLOCK ACCESS TO A SITE AN INDIVIDUAL MAY DEEM AS INAPPROPRIATE. It may also occasionally block access to a site not considered offensive.
Internet users must be cautious in the selection of sites they choose to use. The Internet is not secure or private. The Library is not responsible for any misuse of personal information you provide online.
The Library is not responsible for any damage to disks and data, including viruses, which may occur when using a Library computer.
Parents or designated guardians, who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children, should personally oversee their use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information. To prevent a child under 18 from being allowed to use the Internet, parents must come to the library and sign an Internet permission suspension card.
When using the Internet, electronic databases or productivity programs on Jackson County Public Library computers, users are expected to abide by these guidelines:
• Computer users are expected to use equipment in ways that avoid harm to user or equipment; respect the privacy of other computer users; and respect other library users and the library by using resources in a responsible manner. The Library reserves the right to end any Internet session if materials being displayed are deemed inappropriate for public viewing.
• The Library’s computers may not be used for illegal purposes. Users are solely responsible for damages or fines resulting from any violations of the law.
• Persons who owe the Library more than $4.99 may not use the computers.
• The Library does not offer electronic mail service. Computer users may make use of web-based e-mail.
• The Library is only responsible for information that the Library staff has produced and posted to the Library web site at http://www.myjclibrary.com. Great effort is taken to make Library-produced data as accurate as possible but users should be aware that errors might still occur. The Library is not and cannot be responsible for the content, availability, or accuracy of material produced by any other entity nor for any web sites linked to or from the Library’s web site.
• Library staff can and will assist with computer use as time allows, but for in-depth training, users are encouraged to participate in computer classes offered at the library and elsewhere.
• The Library asks all computer users to be mindful of the cost of printing supplies and to conserve where possible. In order to recoup the cost of consumable printing supplies, the Library charges only 10 cents per printed page for black and white prints, and 25 cents per page for color.
• The Library reserves the right to implement additional administrative rules necessary from time to time for equitable computer use.
Use of the Internet by Children
It is the parent or guardian who sets family standards and values and, therefore, the library cannot usurp that right nor assume that responsibility. The Internet, since it should be no different than TV and movies, books and magazines, is an opportunity for parents/guardians to hold discussions with their children about their family's standards. We strongly recommend that parents/guardians work with their children when they are using the Internet.
The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests solely with parents or guardians.
The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library.
• Use the Internet as a family. Join your children in Internet exploration.
• Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
• Encourage children to use sites recommended on the Library's website and counsel them to avoid sites you consider unsuitable.
• Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online, just as for television viewing.
• Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number) when using email, chat rooms, instant messaging, or any other online service.
• Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.
Computer Classroom
The Seymour Library's computer classroom is used to hold technology classes for the general public. When such classes are not in session, the classroom may be reserved by any non-profit group for training and/or classes. For a $15 donation per hour, businesses and commercial groups may use the classroom only for employee educational purposes. Reservation forms are located at the Checkout Desk. An adult trainer or instructor must be present to supervise use of the facility at all times. All of the computer use guidelines set forth above apply when using the classroom.
Public Network Access
The Library has made several wireless access points available to the public. Users may bring in their own laptop or PDA and connect to the Library's wireless network to use the Internet, check their email, etc. Due to the wide range of laptop and wireless hardware, Library staff will not be available to assist users. Users are expected to know how to configure their equipment in order to use the network.
All public network connections are also subject to the Library's Internet filtering software.
Approved December 16, 2003, Revised August 14, 2006