Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Jasper County Public Library (JCPL) Internet workstations provide patrons with free, open and equal access to a wealth of ideas and information available on websites around the world.

These websites contain a wide variety of material and opinions.  Some contain material that may be inaccurate, defamatory, illegal or offensive to some people.  Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is reliable and suited to their needs.

JCPL staff will identify on its homepage selected, particularly useful, websites.  They stand ready to guide patrons in finding reliable information on the Internet.  JCPL has no control over material residing on the Internet and specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained there.

Privacy/confidentiality:  The library cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal information transmitted over the Internet.  Users should closely guard personal information, credit card numbers, passwords, and other types of authorizations when on the Internet.  Parents should instruct their children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, phone number) online.

Children and the Internet:  Children ages 10 through 16 must have parental permission to use Internet workstations or view materials on the workstations.  Children under the age of 10 may use Internet workstations only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Parents of minors should be aware of the existence of material which they might consider inappropriate for their children and should educate their children to be savvy Internet users.  Even though an Internet filter is active on Internet workstations, parents should realize a filter is only partially effective and monitor their children's use of the Internet.  The Library staff cannot determine what a parent will consider appropriate for his/her child.

The KIDS CAT gives children access to specially selected Internet websites oriented to children's needs.  Research computers give access through the Internet to INSPIRE and other online databases.  Genealogy computers allow access to the Internet for genealogical research.  KIDS CAT, genealogy and research computers are accessible to all patrons.  Parental consent is not required for minors.

Rules for Usage:  JCPL has the right to set and enforce rules concerning the use of the Internet and to change those rules at any time, without notice.  The user is expected to abide by the following rules:

1.  JCPL's public Internet workstations may not be used to access chatrooms or instant messaging.  Web-based email is allowable.

2.  Some material on the Internet is abusive, profane, sexually-oriented or illegal.  Accessing these materials from library computers is inappropriate and prohibited.  Examples of inappropriate conduct include but are not limited to:

• use of the Internet for illegal purposes
• use of the Internet to send or display sexually explicit or sexually suggestive materials
• use of the Internet for to send unsolicited commercial material or spam
• engaging in harassing behavior such as sending or posting slanderous, sexual, threatening or patently offensive messages.
• activities that could interfere with or disrupt computer users, services, or equipment

3.  All communications and information accessible via the Internet should be assumed to be private property.  Copyright restrictions and licensing agreements may not be violated.

4.  The Library uses Internet filtering software.  Federal law requires that everyone age 16 and under use the filtering software.  Parents may not authorize filter disabling for their children.  Adults may request that the filter be disabled for their own personal use.

5.  Because the library is a public place, staff has the authority to end an Internet session when the Internet Use Policy is violated.  Internet access rights may be suspended or revoked by the JCPL staff at any time, without prior notice or hearing, for violation of the conditions of use set forth in this document.  JCPL will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes abusive conduct or violation of the JCPL Internet Use Policy.

6.  Use of the Internet by both patrons and staff may be monitored.

7.  The Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time users may spend online.

In consideration for the privilege of using JCPL's Internet access, users hereby release and hold harmless JCPL from any and all claims of any nature arising from their use, or inability to use, the Internet

2/96; revised 6/04

08/28/06