Internet Use and Safety Policy

Jasper County Public Library (JCPL) multi-useworkstations provide access to the Internet, digital information, online catalog and Microsoft Office software.

The Internet contains a wide variety of material and opinions. Some websites contain material that may be inaccurate, defamatory, illegal or offensive to some people. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is reliable and suited to their needs.

JCPL staff will identify on its homepage selected, particularly useful, websites.  They stand ready to guide patrons in finding reliable information on the Internet.  JCPL has no control over material residing on the Internet and specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained there.

Privacy/confidentiality: The library cannot guarantee the confidentiality of personal information transmitted over the Internet. Users should closely guard personal information, credit card numbers, passwords, and other types of authorizations when on the Internet.  Parents should instruct their children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, phone number, etc.) online.

Children and the Internet: Children ages 16 and under must have parental permission to use the Internet or view materials on the Internet.  Parents of minors should be aware of the existence of material which they might consider inappropriate for their children and should educate their children to be responsible Internet users.  Even though an Internet filter is active on Internet workstations, parents should realize a filter is only partially effective and monitor their children's use of the Internet.  The Library staff cannot determine what a parent will consider appropriate for his/her child. As a part of its Internet and Safety Use Policy the Library highly recommends that parents read Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet, a publication available on the Internet. The library strongly recommends that parents use the Internet access services provided by the library with their children and that the parents provide appropriate supervision.

Online catalog computers give access through the Internet to INSPIRE and other online databases.  Branches with Genealogy computers allow access to the Internet for genealogical research.  Genealogy computers/printers/scanners are accessible to all patrons 6th grade and older. Parental consent is not required for minors.

Individuals Using Their Own Equipment:  Wireless Internet access is available at all JCPL locations.  Patrons are welcome to bring laptop computers into each of our branches; however, patrons must provide their own wireless network cards that are compatible with 802.11g standard.  Technical support is not available for personal laptops.  Individuals using their own equipment remain subject to the terms of this policy.  Patrons need to be aware that wireless networks are inherently insecure and it is strongly recommended that they secure their computers.

Rules for Usage:  JCPL has the right to set and enforce rules concerning the use of the Internet and to change those rules at any time, without notice.  All users, regardless of age, are expected to abide by the following rules:

1. Some material on the Internet is abusive, profane, sexually-oriented or illegal.  Accessing these materials from library computers is inappropriate and prohibited. Examples of inappropriate conduct include but are not limited to:
   • use of the Internet for illegal purposes
   • use of the Internet to send or display sexually explicit or sexually suggestive materials
   • use of the Internet to send unsolicited commercial material or spam
   • engaging in harassing behavior such as sending or posting slanderous, sexual, threatening or patently offensive messages
   • activities that could interfere with or disrupt computer users, services, or equipment
      
2. Copyright restrictions and licensing agreements may not be violated. All communications and information accessible via the Internet should be assumed to be private property.
3. The Library uses Internet filtering software. Federal law requires that everyone age 16 and under use the filtering software. Parents may not authorize filter disabling for their children. Adults may request that the filter be disabled for their own personal use. 
4. Because the library is a public place, staff members have the authority to end an Internet session when the Internet Use Policy is violated. Internet access rights may be suspended or revoked by the JCPL staff at any time, without prior notice, for violation of the conditions of use set forth in this document. JCPL will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes abusive conduct or violation of the JCPL Internet Use Policy.
5. Use of the Internet by both patrons and staff may be monitored.
6. The Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time users may spend online.

In consideration for the privilege of using JCPL's Internet access, users hereby release and hold harmless JCPL from any and all claims of any nature arising from their use, or inability to use, the Internet.

Internet Use Policy (for employees)

The Internet Use Policy, as stated above, applies to both patrons and employees.

The following additional provisions apply specifically to employees.

All workplace technology--telephone systems, computers, email & voice mail systems, etc., are business equipment owned by JCPL.  All communications and activities conducted on company-owned equipment are the property of the library.  Employees should have no expectation of privacy when using library-owned equipment.

Passwords used by employees prevent unauthorized access by other employees but should not be construed as creating an expectation of privacy from authorized access for monitoring purposes.

Employees violating library policy with regard to use of workplace technology will be disciplined.

2/96; revised 6/12