(Revised September 7, 2006)
Content
The Internet, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Cary Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. However, the Internet is a diverse and unregulated publishing network. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information found on the Internet. The Cary Library supports the democratic principle of every citizen's right to free access to information.
Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users
Library staff will not monitor a user's Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. Just as libraries do not endorse the viewpoints of materials in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies that govern the Library's purchase of materials may not apply to material accessed electronically. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library's policies. The Library cannot guarantee the confidentiality of what is being accessed or printed.
The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times. All patrons under the age of 18 must have this acceptable use policy signed by a parent or legal guardian. As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor child's use of the Internet. Parents are responsible for their minor child's use of the Library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their child cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their child's Internet use and to indicate as such on the Internet policy.
Signing In
Patrons are required to sign up for Internet use at the circulation desk. When signing in, you will receive a username and password to use for your session. Computer use is guaranteed for 1 hour per session, minimum.
Printing
You may print information you find. There is a $0.15 per page charge for printed materials.
Diskettes / CDs
You are welcome to download information to a floppy diskette or CD. You may purchase new 3.5” diskettes at the circulation desk for a charge of $1.00 each.
Personal Software
The installation and use of your own software
programs are prohibited. This helps to prevent software license
infringement issues and the spread of viruses.
Logging Off and Signing Out
When you have finished your session, please logoff completely by closing all sites you have visited, then click Start, and Log Off, and return to the circulation desk to sign out.
Unacceptable Uses of Computers
Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:
1. Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Transmitting of offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting copyrighted materials.
2. Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, "trojan horse," "time bomb" or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to, distruption of, or monitoring of, other computers, networks, or information systems.
3. Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; impersonating another user; using one's own software programs on the library's computers; altering the Library's computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.
4. Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using any form of direct electronic communications: Minors: Giving others private information about one's self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has "met" on the computer network or Internet without a parent's permission.
Technology Protection Measures
The Cary Library utilizes filtering software technology on all library computers with Internet access, and enforces the operation of same during any use of those computers, to prevent minors from accessing visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) child pornography, or (3) harmful to minors.
The term "harmful to minors" is defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h][7]), as meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that
· taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
· depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals;
· taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
Filtering software is not foolproof. It diminishes the likelihood that users will inadvertently retrieve text or images that they may find offensive, but does not eliminate that possibility. Filters often block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful. If you do not find what you need, please do not hesitate to ask a library staff member for assistance. Technology protection measures may be disabled by an authorized library staff member, as necessary, for bona fide research or other lawful purposes by people aged 17 and older for both patrons and library staff.
Sanctions
The user's access to the Library's computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. Further, a user violates this policy if he or she permits another to use his or her Internet time to access the computer network and Internet. Failure to comply with this policy will result in suspension of Internet (and possibly library) privileges. Library staff will assess determination of suspension and time limits involved. Illegal acts involving library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
Disclaimers
While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose. The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library's Internet service.
The Library, having installed and enforced the operation of filtering software in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software, or for its circumvention by users.
Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus-checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use Library computers.
Policy Amendment
This policy, like all Library policies, may be amended from time to time to reflect changes deemed necessary to the needs of the Library. Users are responsible for periodically reviewing the policy. The policy is available online and there are printed copies available in the Library.
The Cary Library has provided me with access to the “Cary Library Acceptable Use Policy”.
This policy may be revised by the Library as necessary. I will be responsible for periodically reviewing the policy. The policy is available to me online and there are printed copies available in the Library.
In signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read and will abide by the above named policy and further acknowledge that the Library cannot ensure that filters will not block every item that may be of concern.
Printed Name: ________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________
Date: ____________
To be completed by Parent or Guardian:
Please initial one option and sign below.
______ As a parent or guardian, I give permission for the minor child named herein to access the Internet only when accompanied by myself or my designee.
______ As a parent or guardian, I give permission for the minor child named herein to access the Internet without my presence.
Print your Name: ________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________
Date: ____________
