INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
Internet Statement
The
Jackson/Hinds Library System (JHLS) provides
Internet access in accordance with the Library's
Mission Statement and the American Library
Association's Library Bill of Rights
statement.
JHLS
monitors and has administrative control over the
information accessed through the Internet, but
cannot be held responsible for its content. JHLS
assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy,
or currency of any Internet resource. The Internet
allows users to connect to networks of resources
outside the library. The Internet may contain
material of a controversial nature which some users
may deem inappropriate.
Access To Inappropriate Material
Library
users access the Internet at their own discretion.
Since Internet sources do not always provide
accurate, complete, or current information, users
must take all responsibility in determining the
validity of any information found. As with other
library materials, restriction of a child's access
to the Internet is the responsibility of the
parent/legal guardian. It is the responsibility of
parents to supervise their child's use of the
Internet. With the implementation of electronic
filtering, minors and other Internet users will be
reasonably protected from accessing inappropriate
material on the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the
extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote
the safety and security of users of the
Jackson/Hinds Library System online computer network
when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant
messaging, and other forms of electronic
communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet
Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network
usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including
so-called "hacking", and other unlawful activities;
and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and
dissemination of personal identification information
regarding minors.
Supervision and Monitoring
Filtering software, designed to restrict access by
minors and other users to harmful materials, will
be installed on a systemwide basis covering specific
categories deemed inappropriate.
JHLS
staff has the responsibility of supervising and
monitoring usage of the online computer network and
access to the Internet in accordance with this
policy and the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Procedures for the disabling of any technology
protection measures shall be the responsibility of
the designated supervisor of the department/branch.
At staff discretion, filters may be disabled to
allow Internet access to adults for lawful purposes
only.
Anyone
using the Internet computers must agree to: 1) take
proper care of all equipment, manuals/instructional
materials; 2) report equipment or software
problems/failures to staff immediately; 3) pay the
replacement cost of any equipment or software
damaged as a result of carelessness or malicious
actions; 4) observe all copyright laws; and 5) agree
not to access the Internet for illegal purposes.
Staff Assistance
Basic
personal knowledge of computer use, software
applications, and some knowledge about how to use
the Internet are expected of patrons.
Although
library staff is able to offer searching suggestions
and answer some questions, they cannot provide
in-depth training on the Internet and personal
computer use. Because of scheduling and other
duties, staff may not always be available. Staff
members can only provide limited assistance for
basic start up procedures.
Reference books are available for more difficult
questions.
Time Limit
Internet
access is offered on a first-come, first-served
basis. There is a 30-minute time limit per session
with a maximum of 1-hour total usage per day.
Patrons
must sign in with staff before using the Internet
computers.
No more
than 2 people may sit at the computer at one time
unless prior permission has been obtained.
Printing
A
printer is available for patron use at 20 cents per
page.
Please
see staff if any problems arise with the printer.
Downloading
Patrons
may not download to a hard drive.
E-mail
The
library does not offer electronic mail accounts.
Chat-room sessions are prohibited. (i.e. chat-lines,
chat groups, etc.)
Patrons
with personal e-mail accounts are allowed access to
those accounts.
Internet Use Only
Internet
computers are to be used for Internet access only.
Patrons
may not use personal software, or alter or attach
equipment to the library's hardware.
Ethical Use
The
public display of graphic, obscene, and sexually
oriented materials is illegal and not permitted
under this policy. This is governed by the
Mississippi Code Section 97-5-29, "Public Display of
Sexually Oriented Materials."
Other
illegal and unacceptable purposes include, but are
not limited to: harassment of other users; libeling
or slandering of other users; destruction of or
damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to
the library; disruption or unauthorized monitoring
of electronic communications; or unauthorized
copying of copyright protected materials.
Adoption
This
Internet Safety Policy, effective July 1, 2002, was
adopted by the Administrative Board of the
Jackson/Hinds Library System at a public meeting on
May 22, 2002.
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