Internet Policies | mts-library

Internet Safety Policy:

MT’s Library makes the Internet accessible in accordance with our mission to provide information resources and services to ensure that all residents have free and open access to ideas and information. In this role, the Library provides access to information resources available on the Internet. The Library has no control over the information obtained through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content or accuracy. It may contain materials which some find offensive or inappropriate. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion.
In accordance with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554), all library computers are equipped with filtering software. The software is set to screen out sites which may reasonably be construed as obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703, Pub. L. 106-544. Users 18 years of age and older may request that a staff member disable the filtering software for research purposes. The software will not be disabled for users 17 and under for any reason.
As with other library resources, restriction of a child's use of the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian, within the confines of the law. The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct, or indirect, for the use of the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to personal or office computer equipment caused by virus-laden material downloaded from any Internet site. Users are encouraged to purchase and use a virus detection program on their home and office computers.
Internet users should be aware that it is not a secure medium. It is possible for third parties to obtain information regarding an individual user's search activities. Users should be very cautious about providing personal information over the Internet.
Ethical Use:
All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the Library's computer system and Internet resources for any of the following:
For any purposes which violate applicable U.S. or state laws. Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files and other resources obtained via the Internet.
Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library.
Disruption or interference of network users or services. Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, harassment, libeling, or slandering of others; propagation of computer worms or viruses.
Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as either obscene or child pornography by community standards.
**Violations of the Internet Safety and Ethical Use Policies**
Users violating these guidelines will be advised of the Library's policy for ethical use and asked to comply. Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines after previous warnings will be restricted from using the Library's online services on that occasion. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access or use of the online services. Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Guidelines for Public PC Use:
Public PCs are available to all MT’s Library patrons.
To support access for all customers, the library will enforce time limits on public PCs.
The customer must leave the public PC once his/her session has expired.
In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554), all public PCs are equipped with filtering software. The software is set to screen out sites which may reasonably be construed as obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703, Pub. L 106-544. Customers 18 years of age and older with proof of age may request that library staff disable the filtering software. The software will not be disabled for customers 17 and under for any reason.
Filters on public PCs in the Children’s and YA areas will not be disabled for any reason.
Problems with public PCs must be reported immediately to library staff. Do not try to disconnect, reconnect or remove any equipment or otherwise fix problems.
Only software owned and installed by the library may be run on any of the public PCs. Customers may not load software from any source (diskettes, CD-ROMs, Internet, etc.) or change any settings.
Customer owned headphones may be used with public PCs where headphone jacks are easily accessible. Computers may not be physically moved in order to use headphone jacks.
Except for headphones and storage devices (floppy discs, flash/jump drives, etc.), only hardware owned and installed by the Nashville Public Library may be used with the public PCs. You may not connect any other devices such as, but not limited to, modems, joysticks, mice, printers, digital cameras, scanners to library equipment.
The library is not responsible for damage to or loss of data from power interruption, PC viruses, hard disk failure, faulty software, or any other cause. The use of library computer equipment and the entering of personal information or data (e.g., credit card numbers, home address) are at your own risk.
It is unlawful to duplicate copyrighted or licensed software for use beyond that specified in the licensing agreement. No unauthorized or illegal duplication of software will be allowed on library equipment.
Material not saved to storage devices (flash/jump drives, etc.) before the end of a session will be lost. Customers must supply their own disks for downloading and saving data.
One person per computer. Exceptions may be made by library staff. Permission will not be granted to persons conducting for-profit computer instruction
Library staff will provide informational documents concerning computer hardware, software and wireless Internet as requested.
Library computer equipment and software must be used in a responsible manner. Excessive sound levels, deliberate misuse, hacking, introduction of computer viruses, or any other inappropriate uses are not permitted.
MT’s Library provides Catalog-Only PCs for patron use. Catalog-Only PCs do not require a card or a ticket.
Catalog-Only PCs do not access the Internet, Microsoft Office applications, or other library computer resources.
Requests for Equal Access Accommodations may be made to library staff.
Failure to comply with the above guidelines may result in suspension of library privileges per the “Rules of Conduct Governing the Use of MT’s Library.”

MT's Library

Internet Safety Policy:

Internet users should be aware that it is not a secure medium. It is possible for third parties to obtain information regarding an individual user's search activities. Users should be very cautious about providing personal information over the Internet.

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