Internet Policies

Perry Carnegie Library enforces routine Internet safety and technology protection measures. The library subscribes to a filtering service, which is found on public access workstations throughout the Library. This filtering service protects against Internet access by both adults and minors to visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) child pornography (3) harmful to minors.

The Library will monitor online activity of minors but will not track Internet use of any identifiable minor or adult user. The Library warns minors that the World Wide Web and the Library’s Internet T1 line takes you to an electronic world of information. The information will have all of the thrills and jeopardy of the world around us. A great deal of the information you find may be beneficial, and some of the material will be outdated, wrong or biased. The Internet is unregulated; anyone with the right techniques can add or subtract to the content. You may find beliefs, topics, and representations that are subject to debate.

Parents are encouraged to discuss with children both the benefits and hazards of using the Internet.
When minors use e-mail and other forms of direct electronic communications the Library advises to never give out personal information (such as your name, home address, phone number, password, credit card number, or school) without the permission of a parent or guardian.
Minors may not use workstations to gain access to the library’s network of computer systems (hacking) or to any other network or computer system or use any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.

The library warns against unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

Privacy Issues

Users have the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy. However, security is technically difficult to achieve and the computer is located in a public area. Electronic transactions of information and viewing screens could become public. As a result, the library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality. Remember to exercise common courtesy. It is rude to look over another’s shoulder to see what he or she is doing on the computer, and it is disturbing to another’s concentration to stand around the computer while waiting your turn. Remember that people using the Internet after you can easily see which sites you have visited.

Disclaimer

The Internet takes you outside library walls and into an electronic world of information, which has all of the excitement and risks of the world, at large. Much of the information you find may be valuable, and some of the material will be outdated, wrong or biased. You may find opinions, ideas, and images, which are controversial, divergent, inflammatory, and offensive. By providing access, Perry Carnegie Library does not endorse or sanction the content or point of view of information or commentary found on the Internet.

The library subscribes to a filtering service, which is found on public access workstations throughout the library. This filtering service limits the amount of pornographic or obscene materials available on the Internet, but you should be aware that no filtering service is completely effective. The library does not edit what is made available or filtered out by this service. The library does not otherwise control the content of materials on the Internet. It is up to you to determine for yourself the value of what you find.

Copyright

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of a copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of not copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Filtering

The library subscribes to a filtering service, which is found on public access workstations throughout the library. This filtering service limits the amount of pornographic or obscene materials available on the Internet, but customers should be aware that filters might not protect users from all material that may be offensive to them or their children. You should be aware that no filtering service is completely effective. The library does not edit what is made available or filtered out by this service. The library does not otherwise control the content of materials on the Internet. It is up to you to determine for yourself the value of what you find.

Protection of Library Property

Misuse or abuses of the computer or Internet access will result in suspension of Internet access privileges. Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware.

Prohibited Behaviors

Users may not:

• Use the workstations to gain access to the library’s network of computer systems or to any other network or computer system .
• Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software
• Make any attempt to alter software configurations.
• Install, download or delete any software in the library’s computers.
• Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of library workstations.
• Use any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose
• Engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
• Use the Network for financial gain or commercial activity.
• Add or delete any bookmarks. Users may use the bookmarks available. If they have a site that they think might benefit the library and its patrons, a staff member should be consulted about adding the site to bookmarks.

Public Accessibility

Power to all computers will be turned off 15 minutes prior to closing.

Customers with overdue materials or unpaid fines will not be permitted to use Internet computers until all materials are returned and/or paid.

• Internet users must be computer literate.
• Internet users must have a library card.
• Internet users must have a signed Internet Use Policy on file in the library.
• Internet users must sign in at the circulation desk. Signatures must be legible.
• Internet users will be limited to one visit per day, not to exceed one hour in length.
• Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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