Internet Access 
Any patron, who
has completed an internet policy guidelines form, currently has access to 10
computers with internet access over a DSL connection.
LONE OAK AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Internet
Access Policy
Introduction:
The Library is dedicated to fulfilling the
informational, educational, and recreational needs of the ethnically and
generational diverse Lone Oak I.S.D.. The Library accepts the role of promoting
services, programs, and technologies to best meet the demands of the
citizens. It is within this context that
the Library offers access to the Internet.
The Library’s goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and
depth and, as a public access agency, give opportunity to any citizen who
wishes to use the Internet.
The Internet, as an informational resource, enables
the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own
collection. It allows access to ideas,
information, and commentary form around the globe. It is an unregulated medium. While it offers access to a wealth of
material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to
individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be inaccurate,
misleading, offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal.
Given the best array of web resources, the Library’s
staff is unable to provide in-depth training regarding any particular web site
or advanced training in the use of microcomputer workstations. Library staff may offer web-searching
strategies and will be able to answer specific questions regarding the
searching of TexShare databases.
While the Library will make every effort to ensure
that the use of the Internet is consistent with its Mission Statement, parents
and guardians should work closely with their children in selecting material
that is consistent with personal and family values and boundaries. Parents or guardians not the Library or
its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or
accessed by their children. Within the
context of this policy, parents or guardians—and only parents or guardians—may
restrict their own children—and only their own children—from access to Internet
resources accessible through the Library.
The Library cannot fully protect its user from
information they may find offensive.
Within the limits imposed by current technology, the Library will take
reasonable steps to insure that obscene and possibly illegal materials are not
made available to the public at the Library.
The Library will attempt to filter out full nudity, partial nudity,
gross depiction, and sexual activity.
However, the Library cannot completely control or monitor the vast
amount of material accessible from computers and networks via the
Internet. Users must accept
responsibility for information displayed or printed during their sessions.
The Library expressly disclaims any liability or
responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through
its electronic information systems or any consequences thereof.
Code of Conduct:
1.
Users must
have a Lone Oak Area Public Library card, and be in good standing, (i.e. no
overdue materials, fines, etc.). Users
will checkout an Internet workstation and obtain a password at the circulation
desk.
2.
Users must
sign the Internet Use portion of the Library card application, acknowledging
that they have read and understand this guideline. Youth under 18 years of age will be required
to have parental or guardian permission to access the Internet and/or to be
seated at an internet work station.
3.
Users of the
Internet workstation is on a first come, first serve basis. Those using the computers will have a one-hour
time limit and will be able to renew their time, for one additional
hour, if no one else is waiting.
Extended time exception will be for academic research.
4.
No more than
two users will be allowed at each Internet workstation.
5.
Users age 8
and older must have a working knowledge of computers. Children under the age of eight must be
assisted by an adult, other than a Library staff member, at all times.
6.
Internet
workstations are intended for research purposes.
7.
Printers are
available. Please ask staff for details
regarding any fees associated with printing.
8.
Citizens may
purchase diskettes to download material.
Although virus protection software is loaded on the Internet
workstations, materials downloaded from the Internet may contain undetected
viruses. Citizens need to have
virus-checking software on their own computers.
The Library or its staff is not responsible for damage to a citizen’s
disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur
from his or her use of the Library’s computers.
Unacceptable
Workstation Uses:
Citizens may lose
privileges if they engage in the following behaviors. The Library Director or her designee may
revoke Internet privileges upon discovery.
1.
Make any attempt to
damage, or alter computer equipment and software.
2.
Intentionally
circumvent filtering and security/control software.
3.
Intentionally
download any information or software onto the hard drive.
4.
Use personal
software programs on the Internet workstations.
5.
Use Library
Internet workstations to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually
suggestive (obscene/ pornographic) material.
6.
Violate copyright
laws, any other
7.
Engage in any
activity, which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or
slanderous and /or otherwise illegal.
8.
Have food and/or
drink at the computer station.
Copyright
