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 provided by Integrity Online that is designed to restrict access by minors and other users to harmful materials has been installed on a systemwide, 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.

Users my request unblocking of a specific site by contacting the ITS Department. 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.

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 April 24, 2002 and amended by the Administrative Board on November 26, 2003.

This policy was reaffirmed by the Administrative Board on July 18, 2007.

COMPUTER USAGE POLICY

Staff Assistance

Reference books are available for more difficult questions.

Time Limit

Printing

Limitations

Patrons may not download to a hard drive, but may save information to compact discs and/or flash drives.

Patrons may not use personal software, or alter or attach equipment including laptops to the library's hardware or infrastrustructure.

E-mail

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.

Patrons determined to have used JHLS computers for illegal and/or unacceptable purposes will be required to stop using computer in such a manner. Repeated offenses can result in patrons being banned from using computer services for six months or longer.

WIRELESS INTERNET POLICY

Jackson/Hinds Library System offers wireless “WiFi” access to the Internet as part of the library system’s service to its patrons.  Use of JHLS’ wireless Internet access is governed by the Internet Safety Policy (I1-I2).  When using the JHLS’ Internet service patrons are accepting the Internet Safety Policy.  Patrons should take time to read the policy before using the Internet and accepting its terms.

Responsibilities of Staff

Please note that the Library staff cannot assist patrons with their laptops, PDAs, wireless cards or configuration. 

Disclaimer

JHLS assumes no responsibility for damages caused by programs downloaded from the Internet nor shall the library be responsible for any data loss or damage to personal equipment.  The Library cannot assure the safety of data when using the Library’s wired or wireless Internet access.

Advantages of “WiFi” access

1. No waiting for an available PC
2. No enforced time limits—connect as long as you like
3. Fast access
4. Download files
5. Save your files permanently on your own device

Limitations of “WiFi” access

1. No printing services are available
2. Signal strength may vary within the library

Adoption

This Wireless Internet Safety Policy, effective January 23, 2008, was adopted by the Administrative Board of the Jackson/Hinds Library System at a public meeting on January 23, 2008.

A section on Computer Usage Policy can be found in JHLS's Policies and Procedures Manual available at all branches.