The Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library provides free access to the Internet in accordance with our mission to provide informational and educational material to the public in a variety of formats. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the massive content of information available through the Internet. The quality of material available on the Internet varies widely in accuracy and content. Some may be offensive. The Library assumes no responsibility or liability for content on the Internet. Library patrons access the Internet at their own discretion.

As with other Library materials, the access of materials by children is the sole responsibility of parents or guardians. Parents and children are encouraged to learn more about child safety on the Internet, including the use of electronic mail and other forms of direct electronic communication. Library staff are not responsible for monitoring information accessed by children from the Internet, and the Library will not act in “loco parentis” nor assume functions of a parent’s or legal guardian’s authority with regard to the behavior of their children in the Library. Computers located in the designated children’s area do not provide access to the Internet.

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the Library’s computer system and Internet resources for any of the following:

* For any purposes which violate applicable U.S., state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Users must respect the copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files and other resources obtained via the Internet.

* Using the Library’s online services for unlawful activities, including unauthorized online access or “hacking,” is prohibited.

* The unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors is prohibited.

* Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library.

* Disruption or interference of network users or services. Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, harassment, libeling, or slandering of others; propagation of computer worms or viruses.

* Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene by community standards.

* Loading one’s own software onto library computers.

The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct, or indirect, for the use of the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to personal or office computer equipment caused by virus-laden material downloaded from any Internet site. The Library is not responsible for damages to a user’s disk, or any loss of data. Users are encouraged to purchase and use a virus detection program on their home and office computers.

The Library is not responsible for any liability that may occur as the result of the disclosure of financial or personal information over the Library’s public computer services. Patrons should be aware that the use of public computers is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding patron’s activities.

The quality and performance of computers, printers, or software is not guaranteed.

Staff Assistance with Internet Access

In addition to assisting patrons with the online catalog, online databases, and the Internet, Library staff are frequently asked for assistance in using computer software such as word processing and other productivity software, or online services such as web-based e-mail. The Library attempts to meet this need for assistance in several ways:

* Limited direct assistance by staff

* Referrals to more detailed instructional manuals available for reference, or to check out from the Library

* Referrals to “help screens” or tutorials included in the computer programs themselves

The staff assistance that is available will vary according to the skill levels of individual staff members. Staff who are asked for assistance in opening an account with a web-based e-mail service should not recommend one service over another. Staff may help patrons locate a list of services using Internet search engines or other reference tools. Assistance in accessing or navigating the Web site of a chosen e-mail service may be offered as time permits, as it would be for any other Web site.

To support access for all patrons, the Library reserves the right to enforce time limits for computer use.

Headphones are permitted, but volume must be kept low to not disturb others.

Only two persons may share a single workstation.

Any problems with the functioning of the computers/printers should be reported.

Violations of the Guidelines

Patrons violating the Library’s guidelines will be advised of the Library’s policy for ethical use and asked to comply. Users who repeatedly violate the guidelines after previous warnings will be restricted from using the Library’s online services on that occasion. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access or use of the online services. Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. Users may be liable for alterations or damage they cause to library hardware or software.

Users should be aware that Library staff may monitor use of the computers for the limited purpose of ensuring compliance with this Policy, and hereby consent to such monitoring.