Chapter 2
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Section 2-5 Computer/Internet Acceptable Use
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Amherst County Public Library makes computers available for public use at both library locations. Most, but not all, library computers connect to the internet. In compliance with Virginia law, all public use computers with internet access are filtered by software to block access to child pornography as defined in the Code of Virginia in 18.2-374.1:1, obscenity as defined in 18.2-372, and, with respect to minors, materials deemed harmful to juveniles as defined in 18.2-390. Library staff will disable the filter at the request of a patron to enable bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Since no filtering device is perfect, the responsibility for what minors, i.e. children under age 18, read or view on the Internet rests with the parents or guardians. Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the internet. Filters will be turned off for minors only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Staff will assign a workstation upon presentation
of a library card, valid driver’s license, or photo
ID
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There is no fee for use, but patrons with a blocked library account will need to pay in full
all charges before using the library's computers.
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Printing charges are listed on available printers.
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Downloading to 3.5" floppy disks, CDs, or jump drives is permitted (though all library computers do not offer access to all three formats). Use of jump drives containing software and password protected software is not permitted.
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No more than two people per station (except
adults working with children).
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E-mail access is permitted if you have an established
account through a commercial provider or through an educational
institution. However, you must know how to access that
account from our public computers. The library assumes
no responsibility
for the use of such systems. It is the patron's responsibility
to acquire an account with such systems and learn how
to utilize it.
Other Regulations
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Standing behind others when they are working on the computer is not permitted.
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Internet patrons are asked to keep talking to
a minimum in respect for other users.
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Personal software programs may not be installed
or used on library computers.
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Users may not access, download, receive, distribute,
transmit, store, display, view, print, or produce obscene
materials, child pornography, and/or other materials
prohibited under applicable local, state, and federal laws.
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Downloading music and/or movies is not permitted.
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ACPL does not permit storage on or uploading
of files from its equipment.
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Only library staff may reboot, restart, or log
onto the library's computers.
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Users may not use the Internet for illegal activities,
including the violation of the rights of third parties,
or activities inconsistent with the Library's tax-exempt
status.
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Using the Internet for illegal or unethical
purposes, including any not specifically listed in the
Amherst County
Public Library guidelines and policies shall result in
the suspension of computer/Internet privileges.
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Users will be held liable for willful damage to
the library's computing equipment.
By using the public Internet workstations at the Amherst
County Public Library, you agree to the following:
The library is a public place and there are some Internet
resources which may be inappropriate to a library setting.
All Internet users are expected to use library Internet
access in a responsible and legal manner, consistent with
the educational and informational purposes for which it
is provided.
Responsible use of the Internet includes:
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Adhering to the Amherst County Public Library
Acceptable Computer/Internet User Policy.
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Using the Internet for educational or informational
purposes only, and not for illegal or unethical purposes.
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Respecting the needs of other library users
by limiting your time on library computers to 60 minutes per
day when others are waiting or during high demand times as
determined by library staff.
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Parents monitoring the Internet use of
minors.
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Not accessing, downloading, receiving,
distributing, transmitting, storing, displaying,
viewing, printing, or producing illegal materials and graphics which
may reasonably be construed as obscene. The access and display
of obscene graphics and child pornography is illegal
(Code of Virginia, 18.2-372, 18.2-374). We urge careful consideration
of the Internet sites you choose to view. The library
is a public place and other library users may inadvertently
be exposed to graphics displayed as a result of your
search(es). Users also have an obligation to exercise control and
restraint in regard to displaying materials which
may be harmful to minors (Code of Virginia, 18.2-391.1), keeping
in mind that children are frequent users of our libraries
and are often pursuing schoolwork information in our reference
and research areas of the library.
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Not installing personal software on library-owned
computers and not making changes to the setup or
configuration of library-owned software or hardware
including the adjustment
or alteration of computer operating systems.
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Respecting the privacy of others using
Amherst County Public Library computers by not interfering
with their use.
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Not infringing copyright - U.S. Copyright
law (Title 17, US Code) prohibits the unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials
(including electronic
mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit
permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility
for consequences of copyright infringement lies with
the user; the Amherst County Public Library expressly
disclaims
any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Failure to comply with these policies and guidelines shall
result in loss of Internet privileges at the Amherst County
Public Library.
Because of the unsettled state of applicable local, state,
and federal laws, the Amherst County Public Library reserves
the right to make any changes in this policy at any time.
Adopted by the Amherst County Public Library Board of
Trustees
April 18, 2005
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Comments? Let us know!
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