Internet Use Policy and Guidelines
This policy applies to all users of Paulding County Library Services computers or networks. In agreement with CIPA Regulations, all Library public access workstations use filtering software to access the Internet.
Purpose
To fulfill our mission, Paulding County Library Services provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. We make this service available as part of our mission to be the community's place for learning, fun and adventure, access to innovative technology, creative solutions to information needs, and service excellence empowering personal and professional growth. However patrons must have a basic knowledge of Computer usage. The Librarians are not qualified to instruct Patrons on use of the public computers.
Supervision of a child's access to the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent or guardian; the Library does not have the right or responsibility to act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent/guardian). However, in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554), the Library does filter Internet access for both minors (persons under the age of 18) and adults to certain visual depictions that are (1) obscene (as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code), or (2) child pornography (as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code), or, with respect to use of computers with Internet access by minors, and (3) harmful to minors.
Responsibilities of Users:
Rules Governing Use
Library Patrons must have a valid Pines Library Card to use a computer.
Computer use is limited to a 1 hour time period when there is a waiting list.
Computer users must
respect the established time limit and honor any staff request to end their
session.
Users may not:
1. Circumvent filtering or blocking software, or other security measures, to access visual depictions deemed (a) obscene, or (b) child pornography, or (c) harmful to minors, as defined in the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554).
2. Circumvent public access computer time management software or procedures.
3. Use the workstations to gain access to the Library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
4. Obstruct other people's work by consuming large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system.
5. Attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
6. Attempt to alter software configurations.
7. Attempt to cause degradation of system performance
8. Use any Library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
9. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations.
10. Engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
11. Install or download any software.
12. All copies printed from the public computers are 15 cents per page. You must pay for all copies printed, including any you do not want. You can do a “Print Preview” in order to view what you are printing to make sure it is what you need.
Violations of these rules
may result in loss of access. Staff are empowered to terminate a user session if
necessary. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate
manner, including notification of law enforcement authorities.
Supervising Children's Use
It is the Library's policy that parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what resources (e.g., online catalog, web site search engine, subscription databases and electronic books, journals or articles) are appropriate for their children. There will be some resources that parents may feel are inappropriate for their children. Parents should let their children know if there are materials that they do not want them to use. Parents should supervise their child's Internet sessions.
In agreement with CIPA regulations, all Library public-access workstations use filtering software to access the Internet. No filtering software can control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate. Paulding County Library Services does not guarantee the total effectiveness of technological protection measures such as filtering software.
Parents should instruct children in the "Internet Safety Tips for Kids" recommended by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.