INTERNET USAGE POLICY – GRANT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

207 E Park Ave. Milbank, SD 57252-2497

 

Please read the following terms and conditions for use of the Internet carefully before signing this agreement. This document is intended to be binding upon those signing.

Objectives:

The mission of the Grant County Library is to serve the community by making available various sources that will contribute to education and satisfy informational needs. The Grant County Library has taken available precautions to restrict access to controversial materials, but there is always the possibility that users may come upon information of a mature nature which may not be suitable for children. Parents concerned about their children’s use of the Internet are ultimately responsible for setting standards and establishing guidelines. It is therefore understood that the Library is not to be held accountable for objectionable information or advertising accessed on the Internet by patrons of any age.

Terms and Conditions for Internet use in the Library:

~ All registered patrons must have fines paid before using the computers. There is no user fee for this service.

~ All users must read, sign, and abide by the regulations established in the Internet Usage Agreement.

~ All users are expected to use resources in a responsible, ethical manner which includes (but is not limited to) the following:

+ Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.

+ Respecting the privacy of others by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging/altering software components of any network or database.

+ Users may not send, receive, or display text or graphics which are pornographic or obscene.

+ Users may not load their own software or download files to the PC Hard Drive. Data files may be downloaded to a disc; however, no outside discs will be allowed. Only library-provided diskettes may be used on the library’s computers. These discs are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk.

+ Users may not connect to "chat" sites without prior authorization from a library staff member.

+ Purchases are not allowed; this includes tickets, stocks, auctions, and the like.

+ E-Mail is permitted (checking & sending) if you have a personal account. You may not use the Library’s business mail account. Please Note: ATTACHMENTS on your e-mail account are not to be opened.

+ The user is responsible for any damage resulting from misuse or mistreatment of equipment, including damage caused by computer viruses.

+ All copyright laws must be adhered to.

+ Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware.

~ Internet computers will be available on a first come, first served basis or by appointment. Use will be restricted to 1 hour when others are waiting. The exception to this schedule is the time period from 3:30-5:30 p.m. during the school term when access will be limited to 30 minutes per patron due to high demand. No more than 2 people will be allowed on the computer at one time.

~ The Internet computer is intended for persons age 18 or older. However, students and younger children will be allowed limited use for educational or recreational purposes, provided their parent or guardian has come in person to the Library and has read and signed the Internet Agreement.

~ Misuse or abuse of the computer or Internet services will result in suspension of Internet/Library privileges. A first offense constitutes a 4-month suspension; a second offense brings permanent termination of Internet use.

~ The Library staff is available to assist in the use of the Internet but should not be expected to demonstrate expertise regarding every application that a patron might wish to use. Time permitting, staff members will provide assistance with basic computer and searching issues but are not required to offer extensive explanations or provide in-depth training.

Privileges:

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in termination of those privileges. The Library Administrator and staff will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The Library may deny, revoke or suspend specific user access at any time.

Vandalism:

Vandalism will result in a loss of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, data of another user, or any agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet system. This includes (but is not limited to) the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Non-Liability:

The Library will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries or service interruptions. Use of any information obtained via the Grant County Library is at the user’s own risk. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained.

The Grant County Library Board of Trustees adopted this policy revision

on July 18, 2001; second revision adopted on June 6, 2002

 

Statement of Responsibility:

I have read the terms and conditions concerning the use of the Grant County Public Library’s Internet service and agree to abide by the policy.

I agree to pay any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software damaged by myself or minors for whom I am responsible.

I understand that the library is not responsible for any damage to personal disks due to system malfunction or any other reason.

I understand that copyright laws restrict duplication of copyrighted software and I will follow all copyright laws.

I understand that if I fail to abide by the above Internet policy, I will lose eligibility for the use of the library’sinternet computers.

Signature ________________________________ Print Name: _________________________Date: __________

Address: _____________________________City: ________________________ State: ___ Zip:____________

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For Persons under the age of 18:

As the parent(s) or guardian(s) of ________________________________ (child), I give permission for my minor to use the Internet computer at the Grant County Public Library with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring their appropriate use of the Internet computers, and that I am responsible for any damage that may occur.

Parent’s Signature _______________________________________ Print Name: ______________________________

Date: _____________________