Computer and Internet Policy

Computer Use Policy

The library provides a variety of electronic media. There is no charge for the use of any of these services. Patrons may print the results of these services at .10 per page for black and white copies, .25 per page for color copies. No paper will be brought into the library for use in the library’s printers.

Patrons are required to use the computers in the manner for which they are intended. Nothing can be saved on the computer’s hard drive. Patrons may purchase a disk/cd from the library or bring their own disk/cd for saving their work.

Patrons using the computers must present a valid library card to a staff member and will be assigned a computer. Anyone who lives out of town may sign on as a visitor.

Computer access is offered on a “first come, first served” basis and will be limited to one visit of 1 hour per day. If all computers are in use, a waiting list will be started.

Patrons must not attempt to remedy any malfunction of the computers and must notify library staff of any problem occurring with the operation of the computers. The library assumes no responsibility for materials retrieved from any of the computer databases.

The library staff will assist patrons with the computers as time permits.

Internet Policy

The library provides Internet access to enhance innovative education patrons through unique access to resources; improve learning and teaching through research and dissemination of materials; provide basic services at little or no cost to the public as a whole; provide equal access to materials for all library patrons. All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the purpose, goals, and mission of the library.

Unacceptable Uses of Computers

Any use of the Internet for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes or in support of such activities is prohibited. Illegal use shall be defined as a violation of local, state, or federal law. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the library’s stated intended purpose for providing Internet access. Obscene use shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards.

There are information resources that are inappropriate to a library setting. Because the library is a public place, library staff shall end an Internet session when such material displays on the screen, and the patron will forfeit Internet privileges for 3 months.

The library’s Internet access is intended as an information resource.

All resources are provided equally to all library users. Except as outlined above, parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the information selected by their children. Parents, and only parents, may restrict their children, and only their children, from Internet resources available at the library. Parents who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet should provide guidance to their children. Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:

• Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Transmitting of offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.
• Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. Engaging in defamation (harming another’s reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, “trojan horse,” “time bomb” or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in “hacking” activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.
• Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. Disclosing or sharing the user’s password with others; impersonating another user; using one’s own software programs on the library’s computers; altering the Library’s computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.
• Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications: Minors under age 18: Giving others private information about one’s self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has “met” on the computer network or Internet without a parent’s permission.
• Uses that Violate Confidentiality of Information: as affirmed in several Kentucky Attorney General opinions, Kentucky law recognizes the confidentiality of library records. Personally identifiable information about users, including minors, will not be disclosed or used in any way, except to law enforcement authorities as provided in the law. Users should be aware, however, that due to the technical difficulties involved in providing absolute security, transactions and files could become public.

Due to the emerging nature of the Internet, the library’s policies on Internet access may change without notice and at the library director’s discretion.