Martin County Library System
Internet
Policy
Revised,
March 2005
1. The mission of the Martin
County Library System is to be an educational, informational and recreational
resource for the residents of Martin County, promoting literacy and life-long
learning.
2. The Martin County Library
System supplies information to patrons in many different formats, from printed
materials to on-line databases available through its on-line catalog, TDS/PALS.
3. The Internet, as an
information resource, enables the Library to provide additional information
beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas,
information and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, it is an
unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of materials
that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of
all ages, it also enables access to some materials that may be offensive,
disturbing and/or illegal.
4. The Library may require
all prospective users to attend an orientation session as a condition for
access to the Library Internet workstations. Orientation may include training
in the use of software and hardware, and guidelines for the responsible care of
Library equipment.
5. Patrons are required to
sign an Internet Use Agreement. Youth 14 years of age and younger will be
required to have parental or guardian permission to access the Internet.
Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly, as stated
on the agreement, may result in revocation of Internet use privileges.
6. The following conduct is
considered inappropriate use by patrons and will result in loss of Internet
privileges:
·
The placing of unlawful
information on the system.
·
The use of abusive,
harassing or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private
messages.
·
Viewing images
depicting nude or sexual acts.
·
The sending of anything
that is likely to result in damage to the recipient’s databases or networks.
·
The sending of
unsolicited “chain letters” or “broadcast” messages.
·
Violation of copyright
or license agreements.
·
Other types of usage
that would cause excessive congestion of the networks or interfere with the
work of other users.
Violating any of these
inappropriate uses will immediately bring an end to the users current computer
session. A repeat offense will result in a loss of computer use privileges for
one month. If there is a further occurrence the patron will lose all computer
use privileges. A patron who has lost all computer privileges may have them
reinstated provided they appear before the Library Board and demonstrate that
further inappropriate actions will no longer occur.
7. These Internet services
will be offered:
·
Browsers…..software
used to ‘surf’ the world wide web.
·
FTP…..a software
package to transfer files to disk.
·
telnet…..a login
application which permits the user to log on to a remote computer.
·
E-mail…..a software
program used to send messages to others. Patrons may not use the library’s
accounts to send e-mail, but may use their personal accounts.
8. These services will not
be offered:
·
Chat rooms…..the
library offers the Internet primarily for research purposes.
·
Listservs…..listservs
cannot be accessed using the library passwords.
9. Library staff cannot
provide in-depth training concerning Internet computer jargon or personal
computer use. The staff may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions
and answer some rudimentary questions. Because of library scheduling,
Internet-trained staff may not always be available.
Guidelines for Internet Use at the Martin County
Library System.
Patrons with valid Martin
County Library System cards in good standing will have the opportunity to
access the Internet at the Fairmont location one half hour after opening until
one half hour before closing each day. Internet availability will vary at the
other Martin County branch libraries.
Use of the Internet access
computers is on a first-come, first-served appointment basis. A time limit of
one hour per patron per day will be observed by Internet access at the Fairmont
location. Thirty minutes per patron per day is allowed at the other Martin
County branch locations. Additional time may be given to patrons using other
programs such as word processing if computers are available.
No more than two persons may
be seated at the same computer at one time.
Personal computer programs
and games cannot be loaded on to the hard drives of the public computers. Disks
with data files may be used in the computers if they are compatible with the
Library’s programs. Disks may be scanned for viruses before accessing files.
Failure to use the Internet
computers appropriately and responsibly, as defined in the Martin County
Library System Internet Policy, may result in revocation of Internet use
privileges.
The undersigned acknowledges
that he/she has read and understands the Martin County Library System Internet
Policy.
The undersigned further
acknowledges and agrees that the Martin County Library System assumes no
liability for any loss or damage to the user’s data or for any damage or injury
arising from invasion of privacy in the user’s computer accounts, programs or
files.
Signature of Patron Patron Bar Code
Signature of Parent or
Guardian DOB
(children 14 and under)