USE OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS
15.4 Internet Acceptable Use Policy Rev. 1/18/2017
I. Internet Philosophy
Providing Internet access as an information resource is a logical continuation of the Library’s role of formal education support and reference service. The Internet enables the Library to provide information and commentary from around the globe to users who may not otherwise have access to this resource. This resource enhances the library’s existing collection in depth and in currency.
However, the Nottoway County Public Library System disclaims any responsibility as to the Internet’s quality, informational accuracy, authoritativeness, or usefulness for a particular purpose. The library also assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its connection to the Internet or other electronic resources.
II. Responsibilities of Internet Users
The library wishes to make the Internet and all computer resources available to anyone who respects the rights and property of others, including the library, and who abides by these policies. In offering Internet access, library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach.
Parents or guardians of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of or exposure to the Internet through the library’s connection. The Library System applies a filtering system to their computers to protect against access to visual depictions that are obscene, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. However, access to Internet sites containing “adult” content, as well as on-line communication with anonymous persons, is still possible. This is because no filter system has been found to be perfect and there can be no guarantees that our filtering system will block undesirable sites 100% of the time.
In order for the library to be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and with section 42. 1-36.1 of the Code of Virginia, the following regulations, provisions, and recommendations are provided for Library Internet use:
1. All Internet accessible computers are filtered and may be used by patrons of any age without restrictions.
2. Adult patrons (18 years and older) may request from Library staff unfiltered access to the Internet, without explanation.
3. A minor (17 years and younger) may request a librarian to unblock an Internet site. If the librarian determines to the best of their ability that the site is not obscene, does not contain child pornography, and is not harmful to minors as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act or Virginia law, the librarian may unblock the site.
4. Computer resources may not be used for the following purposes:
• Violation of any applicable federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations.
• Harassment of other persons or parties.
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other users.
• Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communication devices or resources.
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
• Unauthorized copying of copyright or other protected material.
• Violation of computer security or privacy.
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others
• Violation of software license agreements.
• Access or transmit illegal activity, child pornography, sexually explicit material that appeals to the prurient interest or any other material that is not constitutionally protected.
• Online dissemination of obscene or harmful to minor’s materials, including those for the specific purpose of inducing them to engage in or perform sexual acts.
• Violation of another person’s or party’s privacy. Use of computer facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating electronic communications or email exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.)
5. The library has sole discretion regarding content displayed on a computer screen; this is subject to constitutional limitations. If content is determined by the library staff to be unacceptable, the staff member may request the patron using the computer to cease viewing the offending computer site.
Any staff member who observes any violation of NCPL Internet policies will take action to enforce compliance. In this regard, failure to comply with NCPL policies can result in suspension or cancellation of Internet access, and/ or in some cases legal proceedings.
III. Staff Assistance
Because of limited staff resources, the Nottoway County Public Library System will not always be able to provide intensive assistance to Internet users. At busy times, staff will only be able to assist a patron with getting started, and then if possible will return later to check on progress.
IV. Time Limits
Due to a limited number of computers, all patrons wishing to reserve a computer will need to sign up at the Circulation Desk. Reservation for computers designated for one-hour sessions are taken during the same day that the computer would be used, but can be taken by phone as well as in person. A patron is booked only one hour per day; the library reserves the right to “bump” any patron who has used up their hour of computer use, if that computer is needed for another scheduled patron. Patrons are expected to begin logging off five minutes before library closing time.
V. Printing
Each user may print at the charge of fifteen cents per page for black and white or fifty cents per page for color. This is the same rate charged for use of our photocopiers. Printed copies must be paid for at the Circulation Desk.
ALL PATRONS USING ANY OF THE LIBRARY’S COMPUTERS FOR INTERNET ACCESS MUST ACKNOWLEDGE AND ABIDE BY ALL OF THESE COMPUTER RESOURCES AND INTERNET ACCESS POLICIES.
