Internet Access Policy

The Gibson County Memorial Library is pleased to offer public use of the Internet as part of the library’s mission of providing free and open access to materials and services to meet patrons’ personal, educational, and professional needs. The library’s computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from around the world with the library’s other resources. Please read the following policy guidelines that include our computer and Internet policies and rules. Misuse of computer or Internet access or failure to abide by the following guidelines and rules will result in the loss of computer privileges and possible legal action. By scrolling down and clicking on “I Agree” at the bottom of the page or by continuing past this page you are indicating that you have read and agree to follow these rules.

Disclaimer 

• Information accessed through the Internet is not warranted by the library to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. It is the patron’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of any material found on the Internet.

• Internet resources may contain material of a controversial nature. It is the responsibility of the user, parent, or legal guardian to determine what is appropriate.

• The library uses filtering software in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), to prevent access to visual depictions that are: obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors”. The term “harmful to minors” is defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h] [7], as meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that: 

-Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion;

-Depicts, describes, or represents, a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual

contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals.

-Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

• Filtering software is not foolproof. Filters often block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful. If you are aged 18 and over and do not find what you need, you may ask a librarian to unblock the filtered site.

• While using library computers you may experience technical problems.

-The library staff will do what we can to correct the problems, but we do not have a technician onsite during the library’s full schedule of operations.

Guidelines

• Patrons must check out computers form the circulation desk and will not be allowed to move from one to another computer unless directed by the library staff.

• A parent or legal guardian must sit with a child age 12 and under to use the computer. A parent or legal guardian may sign, in person, granting permission for a child between the ages of 13 and 18 to use the Internet computers at the library. Filters may not be removed for this age, even with a permission slip signed.

• Users must respect all U.S. Copyright Laws and Licensing Agreements pertaining to software, files and other resources obtained via the Internet.

• Printing costs are: 10 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents for color. Customers are responsible for paying for any pages they print out. Per one visit a day, students may receive three pages free, black and white or color, for homework. Three black and white pages per day of resumes or job applications may be printed free.

• Downloading of images of files from the Internet to the computer’s hard drive is strictly prohibited. Customers may download to their own jump or flash drive.

• If all computers are full, each customer will be given a one (1) hour time limit for computer usage. Those not doing homework or filling out applications will be asked first to leave their workstation. If no one is waiting, we will not ask you to leave.

• No chat rooms allowed.

• Destruction or damage to computer equipment due to willful misuse will result in legal action.

• Adults may not access material that is considered to be obscene by community standards (TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 9.)

• Patrons 13 and older must have a library card to use the computers. If they do not have a library card, the staff will need to see a copy of their driver’s license or a photo I.D. and the adult must legibly sign the checkout slip.

Privacy and Confidentiality 

In general the library does not monitor an individual’s use of sites except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone, or when materials displayed on the screen are not appropriate in a public environment and other customers are violated.

The library will treat information on computers as confidential. Without a warrant or written consent of the card holder or computer user, employees and/or volunteers of the library are prohibited from disclosing any library record to anyone including law enforcement agencies.

Violations

Using the library’s computer network and Internet is always welcome. If it is determined that a customer is violating others’ right by viewing inappropriate material, is behaving in an inappropriate manner, or not following the guidelines listed above, the customer may lose computer privileges and could face possible legal action.

Wireless Internet Access Policy

• All persons accessing the Wireless Internet via the library must comply with the current Gibson County Memorial Library Internet Policies for Internet use.

• Access points to the Internet are provided by the library free of charge to patrons with wireless connections. Please use the Gibson Public network which is available inside the building or outside, 24 hours per day. The library is not responsible for any changes made to your settings to access the wireless network.

• The library wireless connection is unencrypted and unfiltered. Users under 18 should be monitored by their parents or legal guardians.

• Use of the library wireless connection is done at the patron’s own risk. Information sent to and from your computer using the wireless connection can be captured by anyone else using the wireless device and the appropriate software.

• Wireless users are prohibited form downloading illegal material, such as DVDs and Music CDs, and any other illegal Internet material while using the library wireless Internet. This applies to usage inside and outside the library building.

• Printing is not available via the wireless connection. Information can be sent to your email and accessed through the library’s computers to be printed.

• Library staff cannot configure user electronic devices since everyone’s device is different and the library cannot accept the liability of handling the equipment.

• The library does not assume any liability from loss, or damage to patron devices. Patron devices may not be left unattended for any reason while in the library.

• Electrical outlets may be used when available for patron’s devices. Electrical power cords must be used close to electrical outlets to prevent tripping accidents.