INTERNET & COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE
A POLICY OF THE
UNCLE REMUS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM
The Uncle Remus Regional Library System (URRLS) provides unfiltered access to the Internet as a means of fulfilling its mission to "collect, organize and make accessible informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resources" to meet the changing needs of its constituents of all ages and cultural and economic backgrounds. The Uncle Remus Regional Library System views access to the Internet as a privilege of its constituents, not a right. The Board of Trustees supports the idea that all members of the community have free and equal access to the entire range of library resources, regardless of content, approach, format, or amount of detail. These rights extend to all users of the public library, including minors. The Board of Trustees is committed to making information available to its constituents in a variety of formats – from traditional print and audiovisual materials to the latest in electronically accessed materials. The computers offered by the Library System are intended to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the Library System's other resources and, by doing so, provide information beyond the boundaries of its own collection.
At present the Internet is an unregulated and rapidly changing medium. It contains a wealth of diverse material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, but it also contains materials that may be offensive, controversial, disturbing, illegal, harmful to minors, inaccurate, or incomplete. The Uncle Remus Regional Library System does not monitor, control, or restrict anyone's access to equipment or to the range of information available within the limits of state and/or federal law. The Library System has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Provision of Internet access by the URRLS does not constitute an endorsement of any particular information contained on the Internet. The Library System shall have no liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed on the Internet from library equipment. Library constituents use the Internet at their own risk. Therefore, users are encouraged to evaluate the validity of information obtained from the Internet.
Individuals must accept responsibility for determining what is or is not appropriate for themselves. The Uncle Remus Regional Library System upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials and also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of library materials and resources. A parent or legal guardian shall supervise their children under the age of 18 years at all times during use of computers to access the Internet unless the parent or guardian has signed a waiver that permits Internet use for children without parental supervision. Parents and guardians who wish to limit or restrict the access of their own children must personally oversee their children's use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information. Parents and guardians are encouraged to work closely with their children in the library and particularly on the Internet. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values and is appropriate for the age and understanding of their children. The Library System does not and cannot provide this monitoring or supervision. Parents are encouraged to read "Librarian's Guide to Cyberspace for Parents & Kids," copies of which are available on the World Wide Web at www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/guide.html. Minors who visit the library without a parent or guardian are responsible for their own decisions and behavior and will be denied access to the Internet unless a signed waiver is on file.
In order to use library Internet computers, constituents must have completed the Internet Registration form. Children under the age of 18 years must have a parent or legal guardian read and sign the Internet Registration form before they will be permitted to access the Internet. The parent or guardian must also verify the minor's age. Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify age-appropriate Websites for children accessing the Internet.
Internet computers shall not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be considered obscene. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct and/or to prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
Internet users are reminded that:
Right of Appeal
An Internet user whose access session has been terminated or whose Internet access has been prohibited shall have the right to appeal and/or request that Internet access privileges be reinstated. An appeal must be in writing and submitted to the Uncle Remus Regional Library System Director within five days of the termination or prohibition. Within ten days of receipt of the appeal, the Library System Director shall review the matter and notify the patron in writing of his/her decision. If the Library System Director's decision is adverse to the patron, the patron may appeal in writing within five days to the Uncle Remus Regional Library System's Board of Trustees, which shall thereafter consider the matter at its next regularly scheduled meeting, and issue its decision in writing within 30 days following that meeting. No further appeals shall be considered. Temporary or permanent denial of Internet privileges at any Uncle Remus Regional Library System facility will be effective at all URRLS facilities.
Revised: May 2001
REGISTRATION FOR INTERNET USE
I agree that I will use the Internet for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. I have read, I understand, and I will abide by the INTERNET & COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (found on the Uncle Remus Regional Library System Website or at the Circulation Desk) whether I have read it or not. I understand that any violation of law while using the computers may subject me to criminal prosecution. I further understand that if I violate any rule, my Internet access privileges may be revoked and/or appropriate legal action taken.
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Please Print Name
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Signature of User Date
If user is under the age of 18 years, the parent or legal guardian must be present and must read and sign this Agreement.
As the parent or legal guardian of the above minor child, I agree that the minor child will abide by the INTERNET & COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (found on the Uncle Remus Regional Library System Website or at the Circulation Desk), whether I, the parent or guardian have read it or not. I understand that this access is for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. I recognize and agree that it is impossible for the Regional Library System to restrict access to controversial and/or inappropriate materials on the Internet, and I agree that they are not responsible in any way for any such materials acquired or viewed by my child. I understand that any violation of law while using the computers may subject me, on behalf of my child, to criminal prosecution. I further understand that if my child violates any rule, his or her Internet access privileges may be revoked. I hereby accept full responsibility for supervising my child(ren) at all times during his/her/their use of the Internet.
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Parent or Legal Guardian Date
PARENTAL WAIVER FORM
I agree to allow my child (under 18 years of age) to access the Internet without my supervision.
__________________________________________ ________________________
Parent or Legal Guardian Date