Gadsden County Public Library

Updated Internet Safety Policy

Gadsden County Public Library System Internet Safety Policy

There is no charge for registration as an Internet user and for use of the Internet system at the Library. However, registered Internet users at the Library are limited to persons eighteen years old or older with proper photo identification or children under the age of eighteen who are accompanied by a parent or guardian of eighteen years old or older with proper identification.

In exchange for the use of the Gadsden County Public Library system computers for Internet usage, patrons must agree to the terms of the following policy:

In providing public access to the Internet, the Gadsden County Public Library System makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the Internet access it is providing. The library is not responsible for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through library-provided Internet access.

Users are prohibited from viewing or downloading sexually explicit Internet sites or images on library computers. For personal safety, users must be cautious when using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion groups and all other forms of communication. Users may not make unauthorized disclosure of, use of, or dissemination of a minor’s personal information by means of the Internet, e-mail or any other electronic technology. A minor must have the authorization of their parent or guardian to disclose their own personal information.

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all library computers are equipped with a technology protection measure to filter and block access to images that are obscene as defined in section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703 of CIPA (Pub. L. 106-554). It is technically impossible to prevent access to all objectionable resources. Filters are not 100% effective and may not filter images that should be blocked, and conversely, may block images that should not be blocked. Designated library staff may, at their discretion, temporarily disable the filter for adult library users for lawful purposes. The filtering software will not be disabled for minors.

The use of the Gadsden County Public Library System is a privilege which may be revoked at any time for inappropriate use. Conduct that may lead to revocation of a patron’s privileges to Internet use would include, but not be limited to, suspected criminal activity, the placing of unlawful information on the library system, and the use of obscene, sexually explicit, abusive, or otherwise objectionable language, audio, and/or pictures. The staff of the Library system will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes inappropriate Internet use.

The Gadsden County Public Library system reserves the right to review any material stored in files to which all users have access and will edit or remove any materials which is believed to be unlawful, obscene, sexually explicit, abusive, or otherwise objectionable. No assurance can be made for the privacy of any communication on the network. Additionally, to prevent unlawful, obscene, sexually explicit, abusive, or otherwise objectionable materials, authorized system administrators and/or appropriate law enforcement officials may monitor a user’s activity and/or examine computer records of private correspondence and files.

Use of the Library’s equipment for unauthorized access or reading of library materials or other unauthorized computers or networks is strictly prohibited.
All information services and features contained on the Library network are intended for the personal use of its patrons, and any commercial or unauthorized use of the Library’s network services and features, in any form, is strictly prohibited.
All information contained on the Library network is placed there for general informational and educational purposes and is in no way intended to refer to or be applicable to any specific person, case, or situation.

The Library shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data, information, or profits) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the network.
Patrons agree to abide by such rules and regulations of system usage as may be promulgated from time to time by the Library, including but not limited to charges or time limits.

In consideration for the privilege of using the network and for having access to the information contained on it, the patron releases the Gadsden County Public Library, its director(s), officers, staff, and firms with which they are affiliated from any and all claims of any nature arising from use of, or inability to use, the network.
Parents and designated guardians of minor children have the right and the responsibility to direct the use of the Internet by their children. Parents or designated guardians should personally oversee the use of the Internet and other forms of electronic information by the children in their custody.

A parent or legal guardian’s signature is for registration as an Internet user and usage of the Internet at the Library is required for any youth under 18 years of age. The parent or guardian assumes responsibility for the child while he is using the Internet station. They agree that they will bear the cost for repairs of any damage done by this youth due to vandalism or improper use. The Library will not be responsible for the content of the material on the Internet. The Internet contains material that is unfit for minors. There is a potential for unscrupulous users to use the Internet to attempt to lure children into harmful situations. Please be advised to educate your child or those under your guardianship to treat those they meet via this media with caution, never divulging their identity, address, or personal information. As in the case of all library materials, the Library encourages parents and guardians to take an active interest in their children. What children view on the Internet must be the responsibility of parents or guardians, and not the Library.

Users of Library computing resources must comply with federal and state laws, Gadsden County and Library rules and policies, and terms of applicable contracts including software licenses while using Library computing resources. Examples of applicable laws, rules, and policies include the laws of libel, privacy, copyright, trademark, obscenity, child pornography, the Florida Computer Crimes Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and the computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
I have read and understood this policy. By signing my registration card, I agree to abide by this policy.

(Applicable to those under 18 and their parent/guardian). We have read and understood the policy stated here and on the Internet registration card. By signing the registration card, my parent/guardian and I agree to abide by this policy.

Approved 1/29/2008

posted by GCPLStaff @ 10:23 AM