Internet Rules and Regulations
1. All users of the
Internet must be registered Albemarle Regional Library patrons and must follow
the basic rules of responsible use of materials in the library. Library staff may not recognize every patron within our
system; therefore, patrons are required to present their library card each time
they sign up to use the Internet computers in order to confirm user
authorization and user eligibility.
Library staff may allow out-of-town visitors
access to the Internet – though they must read the Internet Rules and
Regulations and sign the Internet Agreement form. However, protracted or repeated use
will require the visitor to obtain a non-resident borrower’s card as required
by regular patrons.
2. A user violates
this policy if he or she permits another person to use his or her library card
to access the Internet.
3.
All users must comply with all software licenses, copyright, and all other
state and federal laws, including but not limited to those governing
intellectual property and confidentiality.
4. Fraudulent,
harassing, embarrassing, indecent, profane, obscene, intimidating or other
unlawful material may not be displayed on or stored in/nor emailed from/nor to
the Albemarle Regional Library’s computers.
The Library is compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act
(CIPA), and has technology protection measures (filters) on its computers
designed to protect against access to visual depictions that may reasonably be
construed as obscene, including but not limited to child pornography or
materials harmful to minors (NC G.S. 14-190.13-14-190.15). However, the library cannot guarantee that
the filtering software will block all obscenity, child pornography, or
materials that may be harmful to minors.
5. A
parent, legal guardian, legal care giver is responsible for Internet access by
children 12 years of age and under, and must provide direct supervision when
children of that age group are using the Internet.
6. Young adults ages 13 through 17 may access the Internet
without parental supervision, providing that the library has on file a
permission form signed by a parent, legal guardian or legal care giver, who
must provide identification such as a current driver’s license or other
appropriate document, at the time of signing. This
statement must be signed in the presence of library
staff.
7. Internet users may
not use nor install their own software on library computers. Downloading
or modification of software is prohibited. Patrons may
not make changes to computer equipment,
printers, or software.
8. Internet users may
not save personal bookmarks or personal files on library computers. If a patron wishes to download files, they may be
downloaded using supported media such a floppy disk, CD-R or USB flash devices. The library is not responsible for damage to patron’s
media or data.
9. Library staff
cannot reserve any specific time for any individual; Internet use is strictly
on a first-come first served basis. Time slots are for
30-minute intervals. Patrons may sign up for
additional 30-minute slots if no one is waiting. Total
time for any one individual shall not exceed two hours per day.
10. Failure to promptly vacate a computer when instructed by staff when
others are waiting or at closing time can result in loss of Internet
privileges.
11.
No more than two individuals should use one internet workstation; exception,
for example a parent accompanied by more than one child.
12. Printing is
available at a per page cost as determined by the Regional Library Board of
Trustees. Patrons are responsible for paying for all
printed documents.
13. All
research/printing should be completed at least fifteen
minutes prior to closing.
14. Laptops may be
used in the libraries; they cannot be plugged into any library jack. Patrons may plug their devices into library electrical outlets;
however the library is not responsible for damage to patron equipment due to
electrical surges, power failures, or other electrical issues.
Patrons may not use extension cords nor run
electrical cords across walkways in any other manner that could cause a hazard.
15. The library’s Internet computers may not be used to conduct
a business or commercial enterprises, or engage in commercial activity such as
the distribution of advertising, nor used for profit making activities.
16. The Library’s
Internet computers may not be used for P2P (peer to peer)
activities.
17. The library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied,
regarding the quality and subject matter of the information available on the
Internet.
18. Due to the
limited resources available for public access to the internet, the library may
set limits, including but not limited to use of large files of still or moving
images or sound, or on downloading files in any medium.
19. The library affirms the principles and user
rights as defined in the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights
in Cyberspace. The Library’s Internet
Acceptable Use Policy affirms the safeguarding of First Amendment rights,
intellectual freedom, equity of access, confidentiality of information about
users and their use of all library resources including electronic resources,
and individual responsibility.
20. Use of the
Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation
of privileges. A user violates this policy by his or her own actions.
Violations of the
Internet Usage Policy will be dealt with as follows:
First offense: Staff
informs patron of violation of policy; issues oral warning; documents date and
offense in patron’s record.
Second offense:
Internet privileges are permanently revoked unless, upon hearing a formal
request for reinstatement of privileges, the Regional Library Board of Trustees
during a regularly scheduled meeting grants a waiver. The
Regional Library Board decision is final.
Approved by the
Albemarle Regional Library Board of Trustees: July 28, 2010
Internet Rules and Regulations
Internet Agreement Form
I acknowledge that I have read the Internet Rules and
Regulations Policy and will abide by those rules. I
understand that violation of the rules may result in loss of Internet
privileges and in appropriate legal action if necessary.
_________________________________ ___________________________________
Name
(print) Patron ID number (if applicable)
__________________________________ ____________________
Signature
Date
I acknowledge that I have read the Internet Rules and
Regulations Policy and will abide by those rules. I
authorize my child between the ages of 13-17 to have permission to use the
Internet without my supervision. My child undertands
that violation of the rules may result in loss of Internet privileges and in
appropriate legal action if necessary.
____________________________ _________________________ ________________
Name
(print) Signature Date
*(Parent, legal guardian or authorized caregiver for
children ages 13-17)
I do/do not (circle one) wish to be
notified if my child between ages 13 and 17, for whom I have signed permission
to use Internet without supervision, loses Internet privileges.
Approved by the Albemarle Regional Library Board of Trustees : July 28, 2010