The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk.
Staff Help & Support for Internet Use
Staff will assist patrons as much as possible. Patrons should not assume that the staff has complete knowledge of all Internet resources. Library staff will not supervise or restrict materials that children may select on the Internet.
Parental Responsibility for Children’s Access
It is the policy of the Library that parents, guardians, and adult caregivers are responsible for deciding what library materials and resources, including Internet use, are appropriate for their minor children. Our Library provides a variety of materials that represent many points of view on a wide range of topics selected with the community in mind. Libraries provide access to some printed, audio-visual, and electronic materials which some parents or legal guardians may deem inappropriate for their children. Only a parent or guardian has the right to define what materials or information are consistent with personal and family beliefs and apply these beliefs to the use of the library’s resources. The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected materials. There are no filters on the Library computers. Adult patrons are responsible for proper use of the Internet for themselves and their children.
Privacy & Security
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. The Hazard Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or necessary for the proper operation of the library.
Explanation of Acceptable use
Patrons should view the use of the Library’s computers for Internet access in the same way as they view the use of the Library’s general collection, i.e.- they are shared resources. The privacy of other patrons must be respected. Rude, abusive behavior or language towards other patrons or staff will not be tolerated. Computer equipment or software must not be tampered with or damaged.
The Hazard Library prohibits illegal activities or accessing illegal materials while using the Internet. Illegal activities include but are not limited to displaying or printing of images of child pornography, or those, which are sexually explicit, obscene or harmful to others; harassment of others or misrepresenting yourself are expressly prohibited according to the N.Y.U.C.C. Penal Law § 235.00-235.24 (Consol.2004)
Using system resources (for example: bandwidth) to the extent that your use affects other people’s ability to use these same resources is not allowed.
Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
Compliance & Penalties for Misuse
Disclaimer
The Hazard Library does not endorse or assume responsibility for any information found on the Internet. The Library cannot control the accuracy or the validity of the information or the presence of materials some may find offensive. Users need to evaluate the information found on the Internet just as with any other source such as newspapers, TV, etc.
Patron Computer Use Procedures
Wired
There are 3 computers available for public use on a “first come, first serve” basis. All patrons must register at the desk to use a computer. Patrons are permitted a ½ hour block of time. If no one is waiting a patron may continue to use the Internet. The Library reserves the right to set time limits or ask users to limit their time on the computer. The Library staff reserves the right to adjust computer time and scheduling as necessary. Copies may be printed from the computer. The first two pages per day are free. After that copies are $0.10 per page for black and white and $0.20 per page for color. Patrons may not install or change software settings on any computer in the library.
NOTE: Each computer has virus-scanning software installed. All documents and usage are cleared off of the hard drive every evening automatically when the computers are turned off.
Wireless
Hazard Library offers free wireless Internet access. You do not need a plug or phone jack, simply turn on your notebook/laptop computer with wireless capability of 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n (draft) or other wireless device and start surfing. Free wireless Internet access is available ONLY during regular library hours. Library staff/volunteers are not available to provide technical assistance. No guarantee is made that you will be able to make a wireless connection and there is no guarantee as to the quality of the connection. The Hazard Library wireless network is not secure and is unfiltered. USERS BEWARE: another user can intercept any information being sent or received. Hazard Library is not responsible for loss of information or damage to the patron’s wireless device that may result from using the library’s wireless network. No virus protection is provided. Users must insure that they have an appropriate protection installed on their device. Usage restrictions may include limiting number of users at any one time, limiting hours of operation and speed at data transfer.
All users are expected to use the Library’s wireless access in accordance with the Library’s Internet policy. Because we have no control over the Internet access on the Nook Color, Hazard Library cannot be held legally responsible for inappropriate use. Portions of this policy have been adapted from WebJunction © 2007 OCLC Online Computer Library Center and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License
NOTE: Printing is not available from any wireless device.
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Revised: June 20, 2011
Date: June 16, 2008
Revised: September 21, 2009