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Jackson County Public Library
Computer and Internet Use Policy

Purpose or Intent
The Jackson City and County Libraries provide free use of computers and access to the Internet to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources. The purpose of the Computer and Internet Use Policy is to insure the best use of computers and access to the Internet by the greatest number of people.

Internet Use Guidelines
Library workstations may not be used to view sexually explicit material, illegal drug-related, gang related, hate group related or violent materials. Library computers may be used to visit chat sites or other forms of electronic communications. Users will not disclose, use or disseminate personal information regarding minors without authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved. Users will obey copyright laws & licensing agreements. Users may not change the settings and configuration, use non-library software, or save anything to the hard drive of a library workstation. It is not acceptable to use the Library’s computers for any purpose, which violates U.S. or state laws, to transmit, obscene or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt network users. The Library’s Rules of Behavior on Library Premises policy applies to the behavior of patrons using library equipment and resources. Failure to follow this policy could result in revocation of library privileges. Library employees are authorized to terminate any users access session, or to prohibit a user from access given cause that the user has failed to comply with the policies of the library. A second violation may result in permanent termination of the users privileges.

Time Limits
Computer workstations are available on a first come basis whenever the library is open. Workstations may be reserved by signing up at the circulation desk, or by telephone. Workstations may be reserved up to one week in advance. Use of the Internet is limited to a single one-hour session per day. Use of a computer workstation for word processing will be limited to a single two-hour session per day. If no one is waiting to use a computer/Internet workstation, use may continue until it is needed for another person. If a person does not show up at the scheduled time, the workstation will be available for other persons use 15 minutes after the originally scheduled time. Two persons may share one access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.  Extended use of a computer workstation is up to the discretion of the librarian on duty.

Charges and Fees
Charges and fees for printing are the same as those stated in the Jackson County Library Photocopying and Other Services Policy #140. Pre-formatted disks/CDs are available for sale at the circulation desk for $1.00 per disk. All fees must be paid at the time of service. 

Minors
Parents and legal guardians have responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet, including e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communications. Parents should caution their minor children, which personal facts are not to be shared on the Internet. Parents are strongly encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable family rules of the Internet. Children under the age of 16 must have a Laptop Computer Loan Agreement form signed by a parent or guardian before being allowed to check out a laptop.

Filters
To comply with Federal and State laws, the Board of Library Trustees has approved installation of software designed to filter sexually explicit content on all computers. The blocking software filter is inherently imprecise and flawed. It inevitably will block access to a vast array of constitutionally protected material on the Internet. Because of its technological limitations, the filter is also incapable of protecting against all access to Internet material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. The library can unblock individual web sites that have been blocked by the filter. The library will disable the entire filter for adult users 17 and over upon request. The requesting user will not have to explain why he or she is asking that the site be unlocked or that the entire filter be turned off. The library encourages users to request that the filter be disabled as needed.

Privacy
The library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of patrons. Sign-up sheets are maintained on paper locally to manage access to computer workstations. Those lists are shredded weekly. There is no electronic tracking of workstation use that would enable the library to determine who that user is or what they did on a library computer after the customer logs off. Users must also exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identifiable information. Users are encouraged to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing information that may reasonably be offensive to someone else. Absolute privacy for people using electronic resources in the library cannot be guaranteed.

Wi-fi Access
The Jackson County Library Computer and Internet Use Policy #230 applies to any laptop used to access the Internet through the library’s Wi-fi connection. As a result, your Internet connection will be filtered and prohibited websites are blocked. Users are responsible for making sure their computer has the correct settings and necessary hardware. Library staff cannot assist users in configuring their equipment or troubleshooting problems. Library staff will provide limited instruction for access. The library cannot guarantee that user’s hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection. Printing is not an option for Wi-fi users.

Library Laptops
All users are required to present their library card each time they wish to borrow a library laptop. All users are required to read and sign a Laptop Checkout Agreement form prior to checkout. The Jackson County Library Computer and Internet Use Policy #230 and Circulation Policy  #130 applies to all library laptops. Computers are to be used in the library only. The user bears responsibility for damage to the laptop due to neglect, abuse or loss. Repair or replacement costs will be assessed to the user that has the laptop checked out.

Responsibility of the Library
The library is obligated to comply with federal and state law regarding the use of computer resources in the prevention of exposure to certain explicit images and material. Library staff is available to introduce Internet access and provide limited instruction only. If more instruction is needed, Introduction to Internet Access classes are held on an as needed basis.

Disclaimer
The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. The user is the selector in using the Internet with individual choices and decisions. Users may encounter material that could be considered inappropriate. Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibilities arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof. Laptops and other devices should never be left unattended in the library. The library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft or loss of any kind to a user’s equipment, software, or data files.

Policy Number 230
Jackson County Library Policy Manual
Adopted May 2004
Revised September 2005
Revised July 2006
Revised September 2007
Revised January 2009

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