Mountain Regional Library System Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Introduction

The Mountain Regional Library System and the Library Board of Trustees are committed to serving the information and lifelong learning needs of all the citizens of Fannin, Towns, and Union Counties. As “a global network that connects computers via telephone lines, fiber networks, or both to electronic information,” the Internet provides access to information that significantly enhances the resources contained in the Library’s collection.

As such, the Library’s Internet access is intended as an information resource. Patrons are expected to use this resource in an appropriate and lawful manner.

Content

The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the Library. Internet information may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, incomplete, inappropriate or illegal. The Library assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, usefulness, or currency of any Internet resource.

Users should be aware that the Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Each individual must accept personal responsibility for determining the suitability and appropriateness of information obtained through the Internet.

The Library does not select or edit Internet content.

Assistance

Staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits. However, the Library cannot guarantee that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist users at all times the Library is open.

To assist patrons in using the Internet, the Library also maintains a collection of current books and periodical articles about the Internet, including recommended web sites.

Youth Access to the Internet

Internet access may expose users to information that may not be suitable for minors. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for developing guidelines for their child's appropriate use of the Internet. Parents or guardians are also responsible for supervising and monitoring their child’s use of the Internet. Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian's written approval to use the Library’s Public Access Computers without supervision. The parent or guardian must sign a disclaimer giving such permission in person at the time of a minor’s registration for a PINES library card.

The Library encourages parents and guardians to develop a dialog with their child about online Internet safety. For more information on children and the Internet, visit MRLS' Internet surfing safety for kids and parents.

Staff does not act in the place of a parent or legal guardian to supervise or restrict materials a child or young adult may legally access on the Internet.

Use

Users are encouraged to take advantage of the information resources available on the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion when using it. The Library’s document Internet Use Rules of Conduct identifies behaviors which ensure fair and reasonable use of Internet resources.

Users are expected to abide by the rules and procedures of the Library as well as any remote systems they might access. Users are also expected to comply with all local, state and federal laws (including but not limited to those concerning fraud, privacy or obscenity) while using the Library’s Public Access Computers. Copyright and licensing agreements are to be respected.

Inappropriate Or Unacceptable Use

When a patron uses one of the Library’s Public Access Computers in violation of Library policy and/or applicable laws, staff have the authority to end an Internet session or to suspend or revoke Internet or other library privileges. A patron whose Internet privileges have been suspended must speak with the Regional Technology Librarian about appropriate and responsible use before Internet use can be resumed. A patron whose privileges have been revoked is no longer eligible to use Public Access Computers at any of Mountain Regional Library System’s locations.

Use of computers and communication equipment owned or leased by the Library is subject to the statutes subsumed under the federal Children's Internet Protection Act and the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 20-5-5, Internet safety policies in public libraries. These statutes establish as unacceptable the use of such equipment for “sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography, or material that is harmful to minors”. In addition, certain other acts involving computer fraud, abuse, alteration, tampering, etc. may be classified under federal, state, or local laws as crimes, and therefore punishable by fines, imprisonment or both. Patrons demonstrating unacceptable use that is illegal may be criminally prosecuted.

Security

Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium. The Library cannot guarantee that patrons who use the Internet will have privacy in their communications and other Internet uses. Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user’s privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the users’ data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user’s privacy.

The user should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of such programs. Users should report computer viruses and other destructive computer programs to staff as soon as possible.

Approved by the Mountain Regional Library Board in an advertised, open meeting on June 21, 2002. Amended August 2, 2002. Amended August 4, 2006.

Policy Links