Internet Public Use Policy

The Webster Parish Library provides access to the Internet in support of the Library's role as a leading provider of PUBLIC ACCESS to information and life long learning. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, not all sites are consistent with the Webster Parish Library's philosophy, mission, or collection policies.

Patrons can make copies and printouts for a fee of $1.00 per copy and 20 cents per black and white copy. (effective January 1, 2006, black & white copies will bee reduced to 10 cents, each.)

Patrons can bring their own floppy disk or writable CD, or purchase one from the library for a fee of &1.00, each. They may also use a portable USB drive at designated enabled PC's. Check with a staff member.

Because of the possibility of VIRUS contamination, downloading of programs will be monitered and patrons will not be permitted to use disks, CD's, portable USB drives, or any other memory device without first consulting with a staff member.

User Responsibility

Although the filters required by federal law are in place, we cannot fully protect patrons from information and images that they might find offensive. It is our practice to make every effort to screen sites that can reasonably be construed as "obscene".

Not all information found on the Internet is accurate, current, or complete. Locations and addresses of sites change rapidly and unpredictably. Patrons are cautioned to exercise critical judgment on the validity and value of information or images located.

Internet usage is a privilege and should be treated as such. Library Staff have the right to determine the appropriateness of workstation use and CAN REQUIRE A PATRON TO LEAVE THE WORKSTATION for the remainder of the day. Supervisors can prohibit use for up to three days and the library Director or Assistant Director can suspend access for thirty days or permanently. Anyone caught accessing child pornography can be permanently suspended by any on duty supervisor.

Child Safety

INTERNET USAGE BY MINOR CHILDREN, INCLUDING ACCESS TO CHAT ROOMS AND E-MAIL, IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN. Parents and children are encouraged to read MY RULES FOR ONLINE SAFETY.

Children under the age of 14 will not be allowed Internet access without a parent or guardian present. IN THE PRESENCE OF MINORS, ANY ADULT MAY BE ASKED TO CLOSE A SITE THAT IS DEPICTING OR DISCUSSING INFORMATION THAT IS "HARMFUL TO MINORS".

Adults may be advised that, while accessing and viewing sexually oriented materials is within the law for an adult, the risks and consequences of such exposure to minors is  significant. When children are in the proximity, or if another adult is "expressly offended", the patron viewing such materials may be asked to close the website and select either a more appropriate resource or location within or outside the library.

Remember, Internet use at the library is a privilege and children or adults who disregard staff requests may be asked to leave the workstation area and or the library building.

PROHIBITED USAGE

• Illegal, unauthorized, unethical, or commercial purposes.

• Manipulation of internal hardware and/or software (including uploading of any software)

• Transmission or downloading of any material in violation of state or federal laws, including the following:

• Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as "obscene" (i.e., "community standards" criteria on Federal Guidelines)

• Copying or downloading of any material in violation of copyright law. (Downloading of software and files NOT in the public domain is a violation of copyright law and expressly prohibited)

• Hacking, harassment, threatening of others, unauthorized disclosure of personal information regarding minors, and other unlawful online activities.

• Access by minors in an inappropriate manner.

LIMITATIONS