Internet and Public Access Computer Use

The Campbell County Public Library is dedicated to providing the resources, services, and information technology necessary to anticipate and meet the evolving educational, informational, and cultural needs of the public it serves. It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet.

In offering Internet access, the Library acknowledges that because the information created on the Internet is outside the Library's, the Library has no control over that information--information that may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, indecent, illegal, controversial, or offensive. It is therefore the responsibility of the user to critically evaluate the information as to its reliability and accuracy.

All internet access is currently filtered. The CCPLS is working towards being able to disable filters at patron request (adults only) but is currently unable to do so. Filtering is achieved through Proventia firewall devices, which are installed at each branch and maintained by the County. These filters screen for obscene, pornographic, and other “materials harmful to juveniles” on the Internet and block it before it can be viewed. However, patrons should be aware that no filtering software is 100% effective.

Any child under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian's signature of approval on file before using the Internet at any workstation in the Library. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to monitor and supervise their children's Internet use. The Library will provide guidelines and information on this subject.

Users have the right to privacy and the right to confidentiality. However, security is technically difficult to achieve and the computers are located in public areas. Electronic information and viewing screens could become public. As a result, the Library cannot guarantee privacy or confidentiality.

The Library is not responsible for any charges incurred by patrons using the Library workstations to access fee-based services or make online credit card purchases.

The Library does not provide e-mail service or allow access to e-mail accounts which require downloading of software.

The Library does not allow access to chat rooms.

All users of the Internet at the Library are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related policies, procedures, and rules established for its use, including, but not limited to, those of the Library.

Responsible use of the Internet at the Library for patrons and employees includes:

• Complying with the Library's posted workstation and Internet rules
• Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet
• Refraining from accessing child pornography, obscene materials, and other “materials harmful to juveniles”
• Using the Library's Internet resources in a manner consistent with the educational, informational, and cultural purposes for which it is provided
• Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data residing on the Internet
• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet
• Refraining from damaging or altering the configuration or settings of the equipment, software, or operating systems used to access the Internet at the Library
• Refraining from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet
• Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms or viruses
• Not installing personal or other software on library-owned computers
• Not downloading files to the Library's computers from the Internet or personal disks (Internet files may be downloaded to a personal floppy disk)
• Unauthorized or illegal use of the Campbell County Public Library Internet workstations may result in loss of Internet privileges and/or legal prosecution. Proper authorities will be notified of illegal activities.

The Library provides Internet access equally to all library users, but reserves the right to set rules, such as reservations or time limits, in order to promote equitable computer use. The Library may revise these rules, as needed. Rules and instances resulting in a loss of privileges will be posted near all workstations. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.