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.

 






   


 

    © 2002 Jackson-Hinds Library System