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INTERNET USE
POLICY laptop power cords
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. In compliance with the provisions
of the Children's Internet Protection Act, all computers are filtered.
The filters can be disabled at the request of an adult patron (age 17 or
over). Internet access is free and provided equally to all library
users. A group of patrons sharing one terminal, if unfiltered, must
all be eligible for unfiltered access.
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.
Library users access the Internet at their own discretion and are responsible
for any access points they reach.
Although the library filters it's computers, parents or
guardians are ultimately 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 even with
filters. 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.
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.
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Unauthorized copying of copyright protected or licensed materials is not
permitted.
- Users
may not use their own software 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.
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All patrons using the Internet must read and sign the Patron User Agreement
before use.
User
Responsibilities:
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Choosing Sources:
In offering Internet access, the Blackwater Regional Library
cannot guarantee that
information found through the Internet is either accurate, authoritative, or
factual. Be aware that the Internet is unregulated and
materials accessible through it may be outdated, biased, inappropriate, or
offensive.
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Since the Library has
limited control over the content, individual’s use of the Internet is 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.
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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.
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Courtesy to Others:
Individuals are expected to use the Internet in a courteous, reasonable, and
responsible manner. Please by 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.
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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.
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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 $1.00. 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.
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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
7/21/04
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