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Blackwater Regional Library System
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Internet Use Policy
Blackwater Regional Library provides access to the
Internet and other electronic resources to further our mission of satisfying the
evolving informational and recreational needs of the region we serve. BRL
patrons can visit sites anywhere on the globe over the Internet for free. All
Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all
library users. The Library cannot control and is not responsible for the
accuracy or content of information gathered over the Internet. The Internet and
its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The
Library neither censors access to materials nor protects users from information
they may find offensive. Library users access the Internet at their own
discretion and are responsible for any access points they reach. Parents or
guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed
by their children. Parents should be aware that children who use the Internet
unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate information and images. Parents are
strongly encouraged to avoid this risk by monitoring their children’s use of
the Internet. Any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the
responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
INTERNET USE GUIDELINES
RESTRICTIONS:
Patrons are expected to use the Internet in a responsible
manner. Unauthorized use of the library’s
Internet access stations may result in the loss of Internet privileges.
Restrictions include the following:
Use of the Internet access stations for any purpose which
interferes with the activities of the library or its network or is in
violation of existing federal and state laws, including specifically child
pornography and obscenity as proscribed in Title 18.2 Chapter 8 Article 5 of
the Code of Virginia is prohibited.
To help us keep the equipment working properly and in courtesy to others,
tampering with or altering the Library’s software or hardware is not
permitted. Failure to comply may result in legal action.
Unauthorized copying of copyright protected or licensed materials is not
permitted.
Users may not use their own software, disks, or CD’s on Internet access stations.
Use of Internet access stations is limited if others are waiting.
E-mail, chat, and gaming may be limited to certain terminals and times of the
day.
All patrons using the Internet must read and sign the Patron User Agreement
before use. Patrons under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the
User Agreement.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES:
CHOOSING SOURCES
In offering Internet access, the Blackwater Library System cannot
guarantee that information found through the Internet is either accurate,
authoritative, or factual. Nor can the Library System control access points,
which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Be aware that the Internet is
unregulated and materials accessible through it may be outdated, biased,
inappropriate, or offensive. Since the Library has no control over the content,
individuals use the Internet at their own risk. Users are advised to use
caution when sending personal information such as name, address, social
security number, credit card number, etc., over the Internet.
CHILDREN’S USE OF THE INTERNET
It is the policy of the Blackwater Library system that parents or
legal guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for the child’s
use of the Internet through the Library’s connections. If there are
resources that parents do not want their children to use, they must supervise
their children’s use of the Internet. Children under the age of 10 must be
supervised by a parent or other responsible adult when using the Internet.
COURTESY TO OTHERS
Individuals are expected to use the Internet in a courteous,
reasonable, and responsible manner. Please be mindful that the Library is a
public place; use discretion in displaying text or graphics that may be
offensive to others.
If others are waiting, limit your time on the Internet
access station. Keep in mind selected Internet access stations may be reserved
in advance. The Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time a user
may devote to a single session, to insure that library resources are available
on an equitable basis to all users.
STAFF ASSISTANCE
Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on Internet operations or
personal computer skills.
Staff may, however, be able to offer searching
suggestions and answer questions.
DOWNLOADING AND PRINTING
Downloaded files must be saved to a floppy disk, not the computer’s hard
drive. Disks may be purchased at the circulation desk for $1. Downloaded
software, files, etc. may contain viruses. The Library is not responsible for
damage to a user’s disk, computer, or any loss of data. The charge for
printing is $.15 per page, or $.05 if you bring your own paper. Five (5) pages
may be printed free for school assignments.
The Library reserves the right to take appropriate action to insure
compliance with this policy.
Revised by Rawls Board March 15, 2000
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