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Internet Policies

Anyone under the age of 18 violating the Internet policy will lose Internet privileges for one (1) month and a new Internet agreement must be signed by both the user and their parent or legal guardian.  A second incident may result in a permanent loss of Internet privileges.  First time adult violators of the Internet policy will lose Internet privileges for one (1) month.  A second incident may result in a permanent loss of Internet privileges.

The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicate(s) the individual(s) who have signed, have carefully read the INTERNET POLICY and understand its significance.

Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems worldwide, all users and parents/guardians of students need to understand that Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library cannot control the content of the information available on the computer systems accessible via the Internet.  The potential exists, however unintentional, to retrieve inappropriate an undesirable materials.  Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library believes that the value of information and interaction available through the Internet far outweigh the possibility of procuring unsuitable materials.  If you should retrieve inappropriate information you must get out of this material immediately.

Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.  Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library will not be responsible for the damages you suffer.  This includes loss of data resulting from delay, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or omissions.  Use of this information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk.  Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.  Users are asked to exercise caution and critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed by the Internet.

Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library, the Library Director, Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers are not responsible for the information or images users find on the Internet.  The responsibility for information and or images accessed on the Internet, by children, rest completely with their parents or legal guardians.  This is true whether the parents or legal guardians are present or not when the Internet is accessed.   The responsibility for information and or images accessed on the Internet by adults rest completely with the patrons using the Internet.

Persons visiting from out of Marion County may access the Internet by showing a valid driver’s license or legal form of photo identification.  A photocopy of this identification will be taken and place with the sign up sheet.

One computer is available in the genealogy room for genealogy research only.

RULES OF USE

1. Computers may be used in one-hour segments.  Users will be asked to vacate their terminal promptly at the end of their time when someone is waiting to use their computer.
2. Users must abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include (but are not limited to) the following:
1. Be polite.   Do not use abuse in your message to others.  No “flaming.”
2. Use appropriate language.  Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.
3. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activity will be reported to the authorities.
4. Do not reveal the personal address or phone number of friends or colleagues.
5. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number.
6. Note that Internet transactions are not guaranteed to be private.
7. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
3. Persons may not use the computers for harassment or to access pornographic sites.
4. Persons under the age of 18 may not use library computers to participate in chat lines.
5. Patrons are allowed e-mail access through free e-mail services.  They may not use Outlook Express.
6. Only software already installed on the computers may be used.  Personal software from home is not allowed.
7. Patrons may not sign in and out on multiple computers in a single day.  Before moving to a new computer they must explain why they believe their computer is not working correctly.  Library staff will decide if the move is really necessary.
8. There may be two (2) people signed to use the same computer (as long as both have their Internet access cards with them) or a second person can sit and watch.  This is allowed as long as appropriate behavior is exhibited.  Loud and boisterous behavior will result in both patrons being asked to forfeit their computer time.  If the behavior continues the patrons will be asked to leave.  If the person sitting and watching uses the computer in any way without signing in, both patrons will be warned and if they still continue they will be asked to leave the computers.  If the person allowing another person to use their computer does so on another day, he will automatically get a one (1) month suspension.
9. Be courteous to others do not hang over peoples shoulders while they are on the computer.  Wait until they have left their computers before going to take your spot.
10. Users may not alter the software or hardware.
11. Users may not attach their own equipment to the Library’s hardware.
12. Users are responsible for paying damages caused by the abuse of the equipment or software.
13. Copies may be made, but they are $0.15 for each copy, and a patron is responsible for all copies they make, even their mistakes or for pages that have very little information.  Patrons not paying for all of their copies will lose their Internet privileges.
14. Patrons with fines over $5.00 will lose their Internet privileges until the fines are paid for.  Patrons that have been told of smaller amount of fines three (3) times will lose their Internet privileges until the fines are paid for.  Patrons with overdue books will be warned three (3) times to return their books, then they will lose their Internet privileges until the books are returned or paid for.
15. There is no food, drink or gum allowed at the computers.
16. Patrons are responsible for bringing their own materials, such as paper, pens, liquid paper, stapler and paperclips.  Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library cannot provide these materials for you.  There will be scrap paper and pencils at the computers, but no other material will be provided.
17. Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library staff will answer basic questions about computer usage, but they are unable to provide assistance with setting up e-mail accounts, game accounts or assisting with time consuming problems.  Internet classes are provided during the school year by the Key Club and are free to the public.  If you are having problems you may set up a time for a free Internet class.  There are also guides for Internet access provided at each computer.

POLICY FOR LIMITING ACCESS TO MATERIAL
THAT IS PORNOGRAPHIC FOR MINORS

Introduction

In accordance with Sections 182.825 and 182.827 of the RSMo, it is the policy of Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library to restrict minors from gaining computer access to material that is pornographic for minors.

Definitions

Key terms are as defined in Section 182.825, RSMo.

Access to Inappropriate Material

Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library has adopted the following measures in accordance with community standards to restrict minors from gaining computer access to material that is pornographic for minors.

1.      There is a child profile on four (4) of the computers where children may access the Word programs and play Magic School Bus games.  If the parent or legal guardian desires this format only for their child they must state this when they sign the Internet agreement.  The child’s card will be marked with child profile and that is all they will be allowed to use until the parent/legal guardian comes in and signs a new Internet agreement.  If the child accesses the Internet through a different profile they will automatically lose their computer privileges until the age of 18.

2.      All members of the staff of Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library will monitor and supervise the use of the computers by minors in accordance with Sections 182.825 and 182.827, RSMo.  Minors found accessing a pornographic site will lose their rights for one month and a new Internet agreement must be signed by both the minor and their parent/legal guardian before computer access can resume.  If they access a pornographic site for a second time they will automatically lose their computer privileges until the age of 18.