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Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library

Internet & Computer Usage

ACCESS TO INTERNET RESOURCES

To fulfill our mission, the Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources including those available through the Internet. This service is made available to offer a broadly defined program of information, educational, recreational and cultural enrichment opportunities for patrons of all ages and backgrounds.

All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources and facilities. 

    1. INTERNET & COMPUTER USAGE GUIDELINES:

 

  1. Internet workstations will be available during the Library’s normal hours of operation until 15 minutes prior to closing.

    1. Free access to the Internet is available to all regardless of residency.

    1. The Internet & Computer Usage Policy is displayed each time a person logs onto a Library Computer or accesses the Library’s Wi-Fi.  Usage of the Library’s computers and Wi-Fi service is the user’s agreement with the terms and conditions of this policy.

    1. A library card is not required for computer usage; however, users are required to sign in/register at the circulation desk. All accounts must be free from overdue/lost items and all fines/charges must be paid.

    1. Youth under 18 years of age are required to have a “Release of Responsibility for Access to the Internet by Minors” signed by a parent or guardian and on file at the Library.

    1. Youth under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent and/or guardian.

    1. Usage is on a first-come, first-served basis.

     8.Due to the various skill levels and time constraints of  Library scheduling, Internet trained staff may not always be available for personal assistance. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on Internet computer usage or personal computer usage.


    1. A printer will be available at the circulation desk and a 25¢ charge will be accessed. Patrons must pay for all pages printed.

    1. User may download/save information to optical discs or USB/ flash drives of their own. However, the user is cautioned regarding computer viruses. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage to downloaded data, discs, files, USB/flash drives, or hardware.


  1. Patrons are prohibited from viewing sexually explicit Web sites or any other Web sites with inappropriate content.  Library staff will interpret what is considered inappropriate content.

  2. The “Rules & Regulations for Conduct in the Library” applies to the behavior of individuals using electronic equipment and resources.  Failure to follow this policy could result in the loss of computer privileges.

     

     

     

     


B.SECURITY & PRIVACY


 


  1. The Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library respects the confidentiality of those using its electronic resources and will only release library records as required by law or the library’s operations.

  2. Access to the internet is being provided by the library’s private network; therefore, no expectations of privacy or full unlimited internet access should be thought of or expected.

  3. We caution users that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access by third parties and use and therefore, should be considered public record. Internet users who release personal information do so at their own risk.

  4. Computers with Internet access are in public areas that library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities must share. Therefore, all internet users are asked to refrain from accessing potentially offensive information or images that could be considered offensive to other patrons in a library environment. Display of graphic images that may be interpreted as harassment is prohibited. The library reserves the right to discontinue the display of information and images that cause a disruption.

     


 


 


  1. INTERNET FILTERING


 


  1. Internet access on all Library computers and other devices, including laptops, is filtered.  The Library’s Wi-Fi is also filtered.

  2. Library Internet access, including the Wi-Fi network, is filtered for images and videos containing adult content that would generally be considered obscene or pornographic in nature in accordance with §43.21.

     


 


 


  1. PUBLIC WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

     


  1. The Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library provides free filtered wireless access (Wi-Fi) to the Internet for patrons to use with their own personal computing equipment or mobile devices during normal library hours.

  2. Use of the Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library’s Wi-Fi service is your agreement with the terms and conditions of this policy.

  3. All relevant library rules, regulations and policies apply, including but not limited to, the Internet & Computer Usage Guidelines and the Rules & Regulations for Conduct in the Library”. Failure to follow policy and procedures will result in the loss of wireless privileges in the library.

  4. Wireless connections are not secure. Users should not transmit credit card information, passwords or any other sensitive personal or business information over the library’s wireless network. Anti-virus and security protection are the responsibility of the patron.

  5. Printing is not available from the library’s wireless network. You can save your work to your USB drive and print from the library’s wired stations.

  6. Staff will offer no technical support for Wi-Fi usage or dealing with patrons’ personal computer equipment.

  7. Please access internet applications with sound using your own headphones or mute sound to avoid disturbing others.

     

     


  1. GUIDANCE FOR SUPERVISING CHILDREN’S USE


 


  1. Parents or guardians must assume responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet. The Library does not have the right or responsibility to act on behalf of the parent/guardian.  However, in agreement with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA-Public Law 106-554), the Library does filter Internet access for both minors (persons under the age of 18) and adults to certain visual depictions that are (1) obscene (as defined in §43.21 of the Texas Penal Code) or (2) child pornography (as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States code), or, with respect to use of computers with Internet access by minors, and (3) harmful to minors (as defined in §43.24 of the Texas Penal Code).  Furthermore, all patrons must abide by §43.22 and §43.24 of the Texas Penal Code.

     

    §43.22 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits the intentional or knowing display of an obscene photograph, drawing, or visual representation, while being reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display.

     

    §43.24 of the Texas Penal Code prohibits the display of harmful material, defined in the law similarly to indecent material under federal law, if the displayer is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display.

     


  1. UNACCEPTABLE USE


 


Any of the following actions may result in loss of library privileges and/or criminal prosecution or other legal action.  Unacceptable use of the Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library’s Electronic Resources includes, but is not limited to the following:


 


  1. Using the Internet to access materials or activities considered illegal by Federal, State or Local government. 

  2. Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.

  3. Representing oneself as another person or using the Internet to transmit obscene, threatening or harassing materials.

  4. Users will not circumvent filtering or blocking software, or other security measures to access visual depictions deemed (a) obscene, (b) child pornography, or (c) harmful to minors, as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA – Public Law 106-554).

  5. Viewing, displaying or printing any image, video, or other depiction of obscene material or device, as those terms are defined by §43.21(a)(1), (2) and (7), Texas Penal Code.

  6. Damaging or destroying equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or to other users, including adding, altering or deleting files on Library workstations, hard drives or other Library computer equipment

  7. Users shall not attempt to upload, install, set up, run or execute any program or software not authorized by the Library on any of the Library’s computer workstations or systems. This prohibition does not, however, restrict users from uploading text documents, such as resumes, from their own USB/flash drive to distant Internet sites.

  8. Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords or alter the configuration of Library workstations in any way.

  9. Violating copyright laws.

  10. Users will not be allowed access to social networks (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.), and Internet chat channels.

  11. To send fraudulent, harassing or obscene emails.

     

     


  1. TERMINATION OR PROHIBITION OF USER ACCESS


 


  1. Library administration, at their own discretion, may suspend or terminate any computer or Internet/Wi-Fi session of any patron who they believe is in violation of this policy at any time. Library staff will interpret what is considered inappropriate content.  Users are advised that due process will be used to handle violations of an illegal nature, including criminal prosecution, if necessary.

  2. Accessing sexually explicit material will result in loss of computer use privileges.

  3. The first violation of this policy will result in the patron receiving a written warning.  A second violation of this policy will result in the patron being permanently barred from using the library’s computer workstations.


 


 


DISCLAIMER


 


  1. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. Because the internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it enables access to ideas, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Consequently, the library cannot protect individuals from information and images that they may find offensive or disturbing.  Library users use it at their own risk.

  2. No filtering software can control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate, and the Library does not guarantee the total effectiveness of its filtering software.  The Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to our use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.

  3. The library cannot control the information available through the Internet and does not accept responsibility for its quality, accuracy or currency. The library advises users to exercise judgment when evaluating the usefulness and reliability of material found on the Internet.  The availability of information does not constitute endorsement by the Dennis M. O’Connor Public Library.

  4. Access, use or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user.  In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian.


    1. U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U. S. Code) prohibits reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for any possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user. The Dennis M. O'Connor Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.


  1. The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in place of a parent.  Library staff cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet.  The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians (See GUIDANCE FOR SUPERVISING CHILDREN’S USE section of this document).

  2. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of a patron’s personal equipment resulting from the connection to the library’s wireless network. The Library is not responsible for any loss of data or for theft or damage to personal equipment or software. The patron indemnifies and holds harmless the Library from any such damage.

  3. The Library reserves the right to terminate a wireless Internet session at any time. Any attempt to circumvent library procedures or any unauthorized attempt to access or manipulate library equipment, will result in permanent disconnection from the Library’s Wi-Fi network.)

  4. The Library reserves the right to limit, restrict or end a computer or Internet session at any time for any reason, including the use of content internet filters.