Harnett County Public Library

Policy For Using The Internet And The World Wide Web

Please read this document carefully before signing on at the Internet terminal.

Essential to the mission of the Harnett County Public Library is ensuring that the people of Harnett County have the right and means to free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental to a democracy. The library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services.

Throughout its history the Harnett County Public Library has made information available in a variety of formats. The library’s computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the library’s other resources.

The Library has chosen to offer access to the Internet and the World Wide Web because there is a wealth of information that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. In the same manner, it enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing or illegal. The Library encourages you to be a responsible and considerate citizen in your use of the Internet and World Wide Web in this public setting. The Library recognizes that it has a responsibility to set policies and guidelines to encourage the public’s responsible and appropriate use of these resources within the Library’s buildings. The Library’s intent is to address possible misuse rather than eliminating the Internet and World Wide Web resources as a whole.

Your use of these resources is made possible through facilities, equipment and communications technology purchased with public funds--with that use comes responsibility. This network shall be used in a responsible manner and there can be no use of the services in an illegal, malicious, or obscene manner.

In offering Internet access, the Library cannot guarantee that information found through the Internet is accurate, authoritative, or factual. Nor can the Library control access points that often change rapidly and unpredictably. Individual users are reminded that they are responsible for the sites they choose to access.

Parents of minor children are responsible for the child’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connections. As with other Library materials, restriction of a child’s access is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. Children twelve years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when accessing the Internet through the Library's connections. Siblings or others under seventeen years of age are not appropriate substitutes.

If you feel that information you have obtained via the Internet is inaccurate, or offensive, we suggest that you contact the original producer/distributor of that information.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Policies and Procedures, which have been adopted and are posted in the library.

In an effort to ensure that the use of the Internet is consistent with the mission of the Harnett County Public Library the following regulations shall apply.

The library reserves the right to require all prospective users to attend an orientation session as a condition for access to the library Internet stations. Orientation will include training in the use of software and hardware, and guidelines for the responsible care of library equipment.

We believe the benefits of Internet access as an expanding information source far exceed any disadvantages. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. Ultimately, as with other library materials, a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent.

Rules/Restrictions/Warnings

Access to the Internet is available to patrons on a first come, first served basis. A patron must first check in at the circulation desk. If the terminal is in use it will be possible to sign up for a time to use the Internet computer.

Many public libraries strictly limit the amount of time daily and the number of times per week that patrons may use Internet terminals. We ask that all patrons using the Internet at the Harnett County Public Library will be reasonable in their requests for Internet access. Patrons who have been at a terminal for more than one hour (1 hour) may be asked to give up their spot if all other terminals are being used and other patrons are waiting.

The following actions will not be allowed:

· Users may not access inappropriate matter, such as matter that is obscene, pornographic, threatening or otherwise in violation of community standards

· Users may not engage in unlawful activities or misrepresentation. Users may not attempt unauthorized access (including hacking) to any computer system.

· Users may not harass, insult or attack others

· Users must be careful not to expose themselves to dangerous situations. Users must be cautious when using e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, discussion groups, newsgroups, game rooms, and all other forms of communications.

· Users may not violate copyright laws or software license restrictions

· 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

Violations of these rules may result in a loss of access as well as appropriate legal action.

Providing access to information on the Internet does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the content of any of that information by the Harnett County Public Library system.

Approved By: Ronnie Faulkner ___________________________Date___1-21-97____________

Ronnie Faulkner Chair,

Harnett County Library Board of Trustees

Amended by Board vote 10-25-2000

Amended by Board vote 6-17-2002