Computer and Internet Use Policy

The Internet as an information source enables Hardin County Public Library staff and users to find a wide array of information from sources not available any other way. It allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. It is possible that individual users might access information they personally find offensive or disturbing. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining the suitability of the content for themselves and their children. No pictures should be viewed, downloaded, or sent that can be construed as offensive to other library users.

Internet Use Rules Restrictions:
Individuals are expected to use the Internet in a responsible manner. Restrictions include the following:

1. Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, abuse, or sabotage computer equipment or software, alter configurations, or install any software.
2. Users are liable for costs arising from malicious damage to Library equipment and software.
3. Users may not use any Library terminal for illegal or criminal purposes, including but not limited to hacking, misrepresentation, harassment, or slander.
4. Users may not violate software licensing agreements or the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).
5. Users may not use Library terminals for any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
6. Users may not use the Library terminals in violation of any existing obscenity or pornography laws.
7. Users may not disregard time limits on the use of a Library terminal.
8. Any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian, NOT the Library or its staff.
9. Access to and participation in chat rooms are strictly forbidden.

User Responsibilities:

Choosing Sources
Sources of information on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete, or current information. Some materials accessible through the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, biased, inappropriate, or offensive. As with any material provided by the Library, the user must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found. Users are cautioned to access and evaluate materials online as they would a printed source. The Library does not vouch for or endorse viewpoints or information found on the Internet just as it does not do so for printed materials in the collection.

Children’s Use of the Internet
Parents or guardians, NOT the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by children. Parents and only parents may restrict their children from access to the Internet. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet use as the Internet is unregulated and contains some information resources that are sexually explicit or which they may find personally offensive and inappropriate. Users under the age of eighteen (18) must have written parental approval to use the Internet computers. Children under the age of eight (8) may not use the Internet computers at any time unless supervised by a parent or guardian.

Time Limitations
Each user may use the Internet computers for one hour only. If no one else is waiting, additional time may be requested. All Internet and other computer sessions must be completed fifteen (15) minutes prior to the Library’s posted closing time.

Courtesy to Others
Individuals should use the Internet in a courteous, reasonable, and responsible manner. When using the Library’s terminals, please do not violate the time limitations especially if others are waiting. Also, please remember that the Library is a public place; use discretion in viewing text or graphics that may be offensive to others.

Assistance from the Staff

1. Library staff will assist individuals in the use of the Library’s Home page, offer basic use of items linked to our website, and offer basic use of electronic databases to which we subscribe.
2. Staff cannot assist users in extensive searching through the many other sites available on the Internet. Users should have a minimal level of computer experience and be able to use a mouse.
3. Users with disabilities should contact the staff if they have special needs.

Printing and Downloading

1. The Hardin County Public Library only allows downloading to the floppy or A: drive. We do not allow material to be stored on Library hard drives.
2. To protect Library equipment from possible viruses, personal disks cannot be brought in to be used on Library equipment. However, disks can be purchased from the Library on a cost recovery basis to download materials.
3. Printing must be completed within the posted time limits. Printing charges are $.10 per page. Persons refusing to pay printing charges may have printing privileges revoked.

Virus Protection
Although the Library uses virus detection software on Library computers and manually upgrades the software each day we are open, this will not completely protect you from the chance of getting a virus. Any software, email, or data that you download to a floppy disk may contain a virus. The Library strongly recommends that you have an updated version of virus protection software loaded on your own computer. The Hardin County Public Library is not responsible for damage to a user’s computer or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s computers.