Brazil Public Library COMPUTER LAB AND INTERNET USE POLICY

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1 Brazil Public Library COMPUTER LAB AND INTERNET USE POLICY Users of the Computer Lab are expected to abide by the Computer and Internet use policy. Users will be expected o keep noise to a minimum while using the computers. Damaging, destructive, or potentially destructive misuse of the computer equipment or software is considered an act of destructive behavior under the Library s policies and violators will be punished or prosecuted in accordance with Library policies. A library card and/or public access card is needed to log on to the Computer Lab computers. Guests, living in Clay County, but outside Brazil City or Brazil Township, without a valid BPL card may access one of the Public Access Computers by presenting a picture ID to the Computer Lab Attendant. Picture ID s that will be accepted include: state issued driver s license, state issued ID, temporary driver s license, or ID or Passport. Minors will need to have a school picture ID card to access the computer lab, if they do not have a valid BPL card. Public Access Computers are limited to a first come first served basis on a 15 minute time limit. Time limit extensions may vary depending on the nature of the business being conducted. School work and business take priority over Internet browsing. Library cards/public access cards may ONLY be used by the patron(s) on the card. Loaning out a card to someone not on the card may result in the patron s computer privileges being revoked. Guest passes are for the patron it is issued to ONLY. If it is passed on to someone else, it WILL result in the guest s computer privileges being revoked. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED IN THE COMUPTER LAB. Conversations (talking) on cell phones or in person in the lab are NOT ALLOWED. Texting is allowed if the phone is on silent. Cell phones must be set to silent or vibrate. Only one person per computer. Parents may work with their child on one computer. Patrons working on a group project should make special arrangements with the Computer Lab Attendant.

2 All guests must sign in and show proper ID even if they are just assisting a computer user. Strollers and toys are not allowed in the Computer Lab. Family Lab computer may be used for adults with children. (same policies apply) Accessing /social networking sites is allowed, but this is NOT the primary purpose of the Computer Labs and minimal support will be available. Patrons will be asked to log out of sites that are, in the opinion of the Brazil Public Library Staff, not appropriate. Patrons who are continually asked to log out of such sites will have their computer privileges revoked. Patrons may not save files to the hard drive (C:). Patrons may save files to their own 3.5 floppy. Jump drive, or CE-R, CD-R for $1.00 at the circulation desk. Children younger than middle school age are NOT allowed in the computer lab. Computers for young children are available in the YOUTH SERVICES. Computer use is limited to a two (2) hour time period per day for library/computer card holders. Patrons working on projects (homework, resumes, online applications, etc.) can request extended time. Printing is available in the computer lab at a cost of ten (10) cents per page for black and white copies and twenty-five (25) cents per page for color copies. NOT FOLLOWING THE COMPUTER LAB RULES MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS OF COMPUTER PRIVLEGES. COMPUTER LAB HOURS MONDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 10:00 A.M. - 7:45 P.M. 10:00 A.M. - 4:45 P.M.

3 Computer and Internet Use Policy The Brazil Public Library s computer network system provide the means to integrate electronic information resources from information sources around the world with the Brazil Public Library s own on-line information resources. The ability to access computer networks such as the Internet, enables the BPL to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection and allowed access to ideas, information and commentary that would not otherwise be available. The Brazil Public Library believes that it is within the scope of its mission to provide access to the Internet in order to more effectively meet users cultural, education, informational, and recreational needs. While the ability to access information on the Internet provides a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals, the Internet also enabled access to materials that may be inaccurate, offensive, disturbing, and possibly illegal. Effective July 1, 2004, the Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that a technology protection measure (TPM,) also known as Internet filtering software, be placed on all Internet computer workstations in the Brazil Public Library to protect against access to visual depictions that (1) are obscene, (2) contain child pornography, or (3) are harmful to minors (defined as any person younger than 17 years of age.) While the Brazil Public Library will make every attempt to prevent direct access to materials that would not generally be acceptable in the public library, it is technically impossible to guarantee it will be error free. The Brail Public Library is not responsible for the unintentional exclusion of desired, necessary, or relevant information that may be the result of its technology protection measure software. An authorized staff member may displace the TPM, upon request by an adult user, to allow unrestricted assess for research or any other lawful purpose. The Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) does not allow disabling Internet filtering software for minors under any circumstances. When using the unfiltered Internet, the individual user must accept responsibility for determining what is appropriate. The user, therefore, is the selector and, as a selector, must use the Internet in ways consistent with the mission of the Brazil Public Library. The user must also be aware of and respect the rights of others. The Brazil Public Library recognizes and supports federal laws dealing with access to information and is obligated to comply with laws pertaining to expose to certain explicit images and materials. The Brazil Public Library is a public facility and users should be reasonable and not display images or material that may be offensive to other users or staff. In addition, the Brazil Public Library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children s use of library materials and resources. The Brazil Public Library encourages parents and guardians to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values.

4 With the freedom and privilege to access computer networks comes the responsibility to use them in a responsible and ethical manner that includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Using resources for education, informational, and recreational purposes only and not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes. 2. Respecting the privacy of others but not misrepresenting oneself as another user, by not attempted to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any network or database. 3. Making authorized copies of copyrights or licensed software or data. Complaints regarding the application of these policies should be brought to the attention of the Library Director who will investigate and take appropriate measures after considering all of the circumstances. The Brazil Public Library retains the right to determine what is appropriate use of its computer equipment for the purpose of enforcing its policy. Users of its computer equipment may have their privileges revoked if they refuse to abide by the instructions or request made by Library staff members.

5 INTERNET SAFETY POLICY The Brazil Public Library complies with the Neighborhood Children s Internet Protection Act. The provisions that follow outline the Brazil Public Library s policies adopted pursuant to the federal statue: The use by minors of library computer equipment to access material that is obscene, illegal, or harmful to minor is prohibited. Brazil Public Library staff shall use its best efforts to enforce this policy in all library departments and at all library locations. Access by minors to electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications is prohibited. Minors may utilize only under the direct supervision of a parent of guardian in the library s computer lab. Brazil Public Library staff shall use its best efforts to enforce this policy in all library departments and at all library locations. Security devices may be installed at Internet enabled computer workstations in the Children s department to deny and chat room services to minors. Unauthorized access, including hacking, and other unlawful activities by minors online is prohibited. Brazil Public Library staff shall use its best efforts to enforce this policy in all library departments and at all library locations. Unauthorized disclose, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors are prohibited. The Brazil Public Library recognizes and supports federal laws dealing with access to information and is obligated to comply with laws pertaining to expose to certain explicit images and materials. The Brazil Public Library is a public facility and users should be reasonable and not display images or material that may be offensive to other users or staff. In addition, the Brazil Public Library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children s use of library materials and resources. The Brazil Public Library encourages parents and guardians to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values.