INTERNET & COMPUTER
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Purpose
The Uncle Remus Regional
Library System (URRLS) provides filtered 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
patrons of all ages and cultural and economic backgrounds. The Uncle Remus
Regional Library System views access to the Internet as a privilege of its
patrons, 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.
Patrons must present a
PINES library card in good standing to use library computers for Internet or
computer application purposes (Patrons may use a computer if they have fines,
but not if they have a status of BLOCKED in the circulation system or if they
have long overdue or lost material).
Exceptions to this policy are allowable in instances such as
out-of-state travelers, short term guests in the community, those who are
unable to presently obtain a PINES library card, and any other patron who, for
one reason or another, is unable to satisfy the requirements to obtain a PINES
card. Refusal to apply for a
library card is not a satisfactory exception to this policy.
Further, it is the
policy of the Uncle Remus Regional Library System to extend every courtesy to
our patrons and, therefore, The System allows for the use of library computers in
the event that a patron is unable to present their library card. Library employees should remind patrons
to bring their library card and state that other regional systems may have
differing policies on this issue.
They may not be able to use computers in other systems without
presenting their library card.
Additionally, a patron
may present photo identification if they are unable to present their library
card. In this instance the library
employee should establish and verify the patronÕs identity with their patron
record in the circulation system.
This should be done by matching address and/or driverÕs license numbers
or other unique information with the patron record.
If a patron wishes to use
a computer and lacks any form of identification, the library employee may
choose to locate the patronÕs record manually in the system if the patron is
personally known to the library employee.
The library employee is under absolutely no obligation to recognize any
patron to facilitate this operation.
It is ultimately the
patronÕs responsibility to ensure that they are able to use library computers and
otherwise make full use of the library by being able to present their library
card.
Responsibilities
of the Uncle Remus Regional Library System
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 or
control anyone's access to equipment or to the range of information available
within the limits of state and/or federal law. The Library System does restrict access to Internet content for all library computers through electronic filtering
provided by the Georgia Public Library Service. Even so, URRLS 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 patrons
use the Internet at their own risk. Therefore, users are encouraged to evaluate
the validity of information obtained from the Internet.
Responsibility
of Patrons and Parents of Minors
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, patrons 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.
By presenting proper photo
identification, a current Georgia Library PINES card, and filling out and
signing the appropriate form, library patrons, aged eighteen years or older,
may request that filtering software be turned off on public Internet access
computers. Filters shall be
removed only from those computers approved by library staff.
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.
Exercise
Caution During Internet Use
Internet users are
reminded that:
á
Not all sources on the
Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.
á
Public library computer
terminals are neither private nor secure.
á
Users should exercise
extreme caution about revealing any personal identification information (e.g.,
name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, social security number, age,
or credit card number) over the Internet. Minors should NEVER disclose any personal identification information
over the Internet.
á
If you receive an
e-mail message from a person unknown to you or from an unfamiliar e-mail
address, the best and safest policy is to delete it without opening.
Rules
of Conduct for Use of Library Computers
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Internet computers
shall not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, to access
child pornography, or to access materials, which by local community standards
would be considered obscene.
á
Transmitting and/or
receiving obscene materials and/or child pornography is a violation of law and
is not permitted under any circumstances. Violation of this rule will subject a
patron to criminal prosecution and result in immediate and permanent loss of
library Internet access privileges.
á
Minors, whether or not
accompanied by a parent or guardian, shall not use computers for any illegal
activity, or to access illegal materials, child pornography, obscene materials,
or materials "harmful to minors" as currently defined by law. Violations
of this rule may subject a patron to criminal prosecution and will result in immediate loss of library
Internet access privileges.
á
Installation,
downloading, or modification of software is prohibited.
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Users shall respect
copyright laws and licensing agreements.
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Users shall not make
any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted computer files or
networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
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Users are financially
responsible for any fees or printing that they may incur from their use of the
Internet or computers. Prompt payment is required.
á
Users shall sign up in
person to use the Internet on a "next available terminal" basis.
Terminals may not be "reserved" for other persons and will not be
held for persons who are not in the immediate vicinity when their name is
called. Telephone reservations will not be taken. Latecomers forfeit their time
if more than 10 minutes late.
á
Library Managers or
associates shall limit Internet access sessions.
á
Users must end their
session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by authorized library
staff.
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Upon completion of an
Internet access session, depending upon current demand for terminals, a user
may be required to wait 30 minutes before signing up for another session or may
be limited to a certain number of time slots per day.
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Library staff may
establish the number of Internet access sessions available per day, per user.
Such limitations will be dependent on facility-specific demand in order to
provide access for the majority of users.
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Users shall respect the
privacy of other users and shall refrain from attempting to view or read
material being used by others, as well as to censor or comment on what others
are viewing.
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Users are warned that
Internet access computers are not private, and that library personnel may access "tracing" files to maintain system
integrity and to investigate suspected violations of law or policy.
á
The library's computers
are set up for optimal usage by a single individual. With the exception of a
minor, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during Internet access
(unless a signed waiver is on file), only one user per computer terminal is
permitted.
á
Parents may file a
waiver with the library which will permit a child to access the Internet
without parental supervision. Parents will be held responsible for printing and
other charges incurred by their children.
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Computers may be used
only for educational, informational and recreational purposes.
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Minors are not
permitted access to chat rooms.
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Any activity
by a user that disturbs or distracts another user or staff member from his or
her own library activity constitutes a violation of reasonable library
behavior.
Termination
or Prohibition of Access
á
Misuse of library
computers will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of
library privileges, and possible prosecution. Such misuse includes, but is not
limited to, using the computer for illegal activities, hacking into the library
computer system or any other computer system, damaging or attempting to damage
computer equipment or software, interfering with systems operations, integrity
or security, gaining unauthorized access to another person's files, sending
harassing messages, altering or attempting to alter the library's computer
settings, and violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.
á Accessing web sites deemed to be graphically
obscene by the library staff on an unfiltered computer shall result in the
immediate revocation of Internet access for no less than six months.
á
Violations of these
rules will result in the loss of computer privileges for three months from the
date of the violation at all URRLS facilities. A second violation will result
in a loss of computer privileges for six months at all URRLS facilities. A
third offense will result in a permanent loss of Internet access privileges at
all URRLS facilities.
Definitions
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"Minor" is a
person under 18 years of age. O.C.G.A. ¤16-12-102(3).
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"Harmful to
minors" is defined as per current Georgia law, O.C.G.A. ¤16-12-102.
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"Inappropriate
matter" for minors is material that is obscene as defined under Georgia
law (O.C.G.A. ¤16-12-80), child pornography as defined under federal and/or
state law (18 U.S.C. ¤2256; O.C.G.A. ¤16-12-100), and material that is
"harmful to minors" as defined in Georgia law (O.C.G.A.
¤16-12-102).
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: March
2004
INTERNET & COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
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.
_________________________________________
Please Print Name
_________________________________________
_______________________
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.
______________________________________ _____________________
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
April 13, 2006