Internet Policy

Acceptable Use Policy on Use of the Internet

Adopted by Library Commission

December 5, 2006

The Library advises you to read this policy in full before going further online. Use of the internet from the public access terminals constitutes agreement with the Policy and responsibility for complying with its terms.

Mission Statement of the Library

The mission of the Cook Memorial Library is to provide the resources and services needed to open doors to life-long learning, to serve as a literacy center for both adults and children, to fulfill citizens' information needs, and to offer and support cultural and recreational activities.

Introduction

The Library provides access to internet resources free of charge. The internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, some information found on the internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. A good information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found.

Choosing and Evaluating Sources

The internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. In choosing sources to link to from its home page, the Library follows its materials selection guidelines. Beyond this, the Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet, changes in content of the sources to which the Library home page links, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links. In an effort to assist its users, the Library has created a web site for the general population to help guide users to sources that are accurate, complete and current. In addition, the Library provides scheduled training for members of the public to assist them in using the internet in a safe, effective and efficient manner.

Filters and Safety

The Library provides filters on its public access internet stations designed to filter out hard-core pornography and child pornography sites. The filters are not designed to filter out any other controversial material. A patron over the age of 18 may request to have the filter turned off for their session. The staff may require proof of age.

Under no circumstances are pornographic images permitted on a public internet screen. A patron will lose internet privileges for willful disregard of this condition for use.

The Library complies with the Federal “Child Internet Protection Act” of April 20, 2001 and will enforce all of its provisions as long as it is law. A summary of the Act is available online at www.ifea.net/cipa.html.

Access by Minors

Parents and children are encouraged to read “Child Safety on the Information Highway” which is available online at www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm.

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents of legal guardians should guide their children in use of the internet and inform them about materials they should not use. While the Library affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children’s access to Library materials and resources, including those available through the internet, the Library has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by minors.

To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the internet, including material that may be harmful to minors, the Library
- Has internet in the Children’s area that links to special web sites for children;
- Provides training programs on safe and effective internet use;
- Encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate; and
- Provides printed material on safe and effective internet use.
To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors, the Library also urges minors to keep in mind the following safety guidelines:
- Never give out identifying information such as home address, telephone number, or school name.
- Let parents or legal guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
- Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
- Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you uncomfortable.
- Have parents or guardians report an incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children if you become aware of the transmission of child pornography.
- Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
- Remember that everything you read may not be true.
To address the issue of unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking’ and other unlawful activities by minors online, minors and all other Library users are advised that use of the Library’s computers for such activities is strictly prohibited.

Rules Governing Use

Learning how to use the equipment and resources is the responsibility of the user. Library staff and volunteer help will be available at regularly scheduled times to help anyone who wishes it.

Users are subject to fines and penalties for any damage done to hardware, willful alteration of software, or files saved on hard drive.

Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the internet, the Library may set limits on use of large files of still or moving images or sound, or on downloading files in any medium. The Library also reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual user can devote to a single session. The public must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including laws governing the transmission and dissemination of information while accessing the internet.

All computers: Use is available on first come, first-served basis. Each user may check out a computer at the checkout desk. There is no time limit as long as computers are available. If computers are not available and others are waiting to use them, a limit of 30 minutes is imposed. Each user may check out one session per day at the checkout desk. No renewals are allowed.
Patrons may reserve a future hour and must do so in person, with the following exceptions:
- Parents may sign up for their children, and
- Patrons living more than 10 miles from the Library may reserve a time by telephone.
Users may not

          o Use the network to make unauthorized entry into other computational, informational or communication services or resources.
          o Distribute unsolicited advertising.
          o Invade the privacy of others.
          o Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
          o Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory.
Specific rules for use
- Children 13 and younger use computers in the Children’s area.
- Users may only use CDs and other discs provided by the Library.(check on this)
- Copies are 25 cents per page.

Violations may result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Public Users’ Security

Users should be aware that the internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

We request that you use discretion and good judgment in utilizing this public service.

This policy is copied in large part from the New York Public Library policy, and in smaller part from the Baker County Library policy.

This policy complies with the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act requirements.