Computer & Internet Use Policy

The goal of the Paris-Bourbon County Public Library is to provide a diverse array of books and other materials, programs, and services, including electronic information sources, to meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of residents of all ages. In keeping with this goal, the Library provides public access to the Internet. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. The Library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information accessed. Internet resources are provided equally to all library users. Any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian NOT the Library or its staff:

INTERNET USE RULES RESTRICTIONS:

Individuals are expected to use the Internet in a responsible manner. Restrictions include the following:

Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations, or install any software.
Users are liable for costs arising from malicious damage to Library equipment or software.
Users may not use any Library computer for illegal purposes including hacking.
Users may not violate licensing agreements or copyright laws.
Users may not use Library or personal computers for any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Viewing of sexually explicit material and material harmful to minors on library or personal computers is strictly forbidden.
Users may not disregard time limits on the use of a Library computer while others are waiting.
The Library employs the use of Web content filtering software and/or hardware to assist in prohibiting access to material that is obscene, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors and to comply with Federal law. However, users should be aware that the nature of the Internet precludes any filtering software/hardware from being fully effective. Some sexually explicit sites may evade the filtering device. Other sites may be inadvertently blocked. Please report any problems accessing a site to a Library staff member.
Library staff will temporarily disable the Internet filtering device for research or other lawful purposes at the request of an adult user; however, all other restrictions on the usage of the Internet listed in this document continue to apply. Violation of any rules in this policy while the filtering device is disabled may result in loss of Internet use privileges.

PUBLIC WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

The Paris-Bourbon County Public Library provides access to the Internet via a wireless network (WiFi) for users with their own personal laptops and other mobile devices.

WiFi access provided by the Library is unsecured. Anti‐virus, security, and privacy protection are the responsibility of the individual.
Users are responsible for having the proper hardware, software and network settings on their wireless device to connect to the Library provided WiFi. Library staff do not provide technical assistance related to customers’ wireless devices.
Users must follow the same Internet rules as those using Library computers.
Printing is not available via the Library’s WiFi service. WiFi users are encouraged to use the cloud printing service offering by the Library.
The Library is not responsible for any theft, damage or misuse of users’ laptops and other mobile devices while inside the Library.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Choosing Sources

The Internet offers a wealth of educational, recreational, and cultural information that vastly increases the resources available to the Library’s users. It is the user’s responsibility to choose which resources to access. Be aware that the Internet is unregulated and materials accessible through it may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, biased, inappropriate, or offensive. Since the Library has no control over the content, individuals use it at their own risk. Users are cautioned to access and evaluate materials online as they would a printed source. The Library does not vouch for or endorse viewpoints or information found on the Internet just as it does not do so for printed materials in the collection.

Children’s Use of the Internet

Parents or guardians, NOT the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by children. Parents and only parents may restrict their children from access to the Internet. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet use as the Internet is unregulated and contains some information resources which are sexually explicit or which they may find personally offensive and inappropriate; however, library staff will monitor online activities for appropriate use.

The library promotes the safe and secure use by minors of direct electronic communications (such as e‐ mail, chat rooms, and instant messaging) by encouraging parents to monitor and supervise their children’s online activities. The library helps prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information by encouraging parents to monitor and supervise their children’s online activities.

Courtesy to Others

Individuals should use the Internet in a courteous, reasonable, and responsible manner. When using the Library’s computers, please limit your use if others are waiting. Also, please remember that the Library is a public place; use discretion in viewing text or graphics that may be offensive to others. Assistance from the Staff

Library staff can offer general assistance and will assist individuals in the use of the Library’s web site and offer basic instruction in the use of sites directly linked to the Library’s web site.
Staff cannot assist users in extensive searching through the many other sites available via the Internet. Users should have a minimal level of computer experience and be able to use a mouse. Library staff are able to teach a variety of computer classes and are happy to recommend the appropriate class and assist in registering users for that class.
Users with disabilities should contact the Library staff if they have special needs.

Printing and Downloading

The Paris-Bourbon County Public Library network does not support downloading of material from the Internet to a public computer.
Printing is ten cents per page for black and white and twenty-five cents for color.

Warnings

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction, distribution, public performance, and public display of copyrighted material. Responsibility for possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user and the Library disclaims any responsibility or liability.
Displaying of sexually suggestive objects or pictures could be in violation of Federal and State obscenity laws.
The user agrees to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities relating to the use of information obtained from the Library’s electronic information system.
Information downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and users are cautioned to have virus‐ checking software on their computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to a user’s storage media, or computer for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from an individual’s use of the Library’s Internet and/or computer services.
Activities which disrupt the Library or its network are prohibited and may result in the loss of access to some or all library services and/or legal action.
The Library reserves the right to modify the Computer & Internet Use policy at any time.