Internet Policies
Computer Use Agreement and Intenet Safety Policy
In signing up for computer time, patrons acknowledge and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Violations of this agreement will result in loss of computer privileges
Purpose of this Agreement:
To manage the resource of the Library’s public computer network so as to facilitate access to public computers and Internet services and to assure that the Library’s computer resources are being effectively used and available to all who may want to use them.
Access to the Internet:
The Internet is a global network providing information from computer sources all over the world. These sources may contain material that is controversial, indecent, illegal, defamatory, inappropriate or inaccurate. The Atwood Public Library has no control over information, content, or views expressed over the Internet and disclaims any liability or responsibility for the access to, or use of, information obtained through its information systems or consequences arising through the use thereof.
Parental Responsibility
Public computer and Internet resources in the Library are available to all patrons. When children under the age of eighteen utilize the public computers, parents or guardians, are responsible for the use of equipment and any Internet information accessed by their children. Filtering promotes a false sense of Internet security. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s sessions and are responsible for their children’s use or misuse of Library resources.
Internet Assistance:
Library Staff and volunteers will be available to assist Library patrons in the use of its electronic resources as time permits but may not be familiar with every computer application.
Copyright Laws and the Net:
United States Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of ‘fair use’. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
Legal Requirements
The Atwood Public Library’s Internet Safety Policy complies with the applicable requirements of subsection (b) and L. 2013, ch. 98, sec. 1, and amendments thereto, commonly known as the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Act.
The Atwood Public Library has in place a policy of internet safety for minors, including the operation of a technology protection measure or other process that blocks or filters online access to visual depictions that are child pornography, harmful to minors, or obscene as defined in L. 2013, ch. 98. Sec. 1.
Public Computer Usage
- Public access computers are available during the hours of Library operation. The use of the public computers is on a first come, first serve basis.
- Before using the public computers, patrons must register on the sign-up sheet. Patrons under the age of 18 must have a signed parental permission form to use computers.
- Only one user per workstation is allowed. Patrons may use only one computer at a time.
- Time on a computer workstation will be limited to 15 minutes if others are waiting to use the computer.
- There is a 3-hour time limit per day per patron for computer usage. If a patron needs an exception to this please see the Librarian on duty.
- Charges for printing from workstations are $.15 per page for black and white and $2.50 per page for color.
- Library staff may not order products or services for patrons using the Library’s computers.
- The Library’s wireless internet will be left on at all times.
- Users may download public domain information for their own use.
- All computer sessions will be terminated 5 minutes before Library closing.
- No computer games may be downloaded or played on the public computers in such a way as to interfere with the right of other Library patrons to use the workstations.
- Users may not alter software configurations, or cause degradation of performance. Displayed icons or programs may not be deleted or altered, nor should short-cuts for personal programs be created.
- Using workstations to access the Library’s network, internal operating systems, or any other network or computer system is prohibited.
- Users may not obstruct other people’s work by consuming large amounts of system resources, or by deliberately crashing the Library computer system, or make any attempt to degrade, damage, or disrupt computer equipment or software.
- Users may not use any Library workstation for any illegal, criminal, or commercial purpose, or engage in any activities which are deliberately or maliciously offensive, libelous, or scandalous.
- Public computer users may not install software, of any kind, in Library computers, nor attempt to upload or create any type of computer virus.
- Violation of copyright laws or software licensing agreements is prohibited.
- Public computer users should, at all times, respect the rights and the privacy of other individuals.
- Unlawful activities, or deliberate misuse of electronic equipment will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner to the full extent of local, state and federal law. All responsibility for any consequences of legal infractions lies with the user or the legal guardian of the minor user.
- No food or drink is allowed while using the Library’s computers.
