Oldham County Public Library  Internet Acceptable Use Policy

(Revised 1/12/2006)

Mission

The mission of The Oldham County Public Library is to provide for the people of Oldham County an easily available local collection of and global access to the universal record of human thought, wisdom, ideals, information, experiences, and artistic expressions. The Oldham County Public Library provides public access to the Internet as an information source and to enhance the informational and educational resources provided by the library system.

Internet Access

Oldham County Public Library card holders in good standing will have priority over non-card holders regarding Internet use and length of use. The Internet, a worldwide network of computer networks is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. Therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the Library's mission. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It also provides access to information that is inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The Library will identify on its web site specific Internet sites that have potential interest for Library users. But the Library cannot control a user's access to other Internet resources. The individual user is responsible for selecting, evaluating and using any information located on the Internet. The Oldham County Public Library reserves the right to use filtering software on any computer when appropriate

Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users

Library staff will not monitor a user's Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.

The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library's policies. As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents /guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children's use of the Library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.

Disclaimers

While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library's Internet service.

Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus-checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library's computers.

Staff assistance will be provided whenever possible, but limited time and expertise prohibits individual instruction in Internet use of the location or evaluation of specific information.

Unacceptable Uses of Computers

Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:

1. Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Transmitting of offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic materials, accessing or downloading information deemed inappropriate for public viewing, or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.

2. Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, "trojan horse," "time bomb" or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.

3. Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; impersonating another user; using one's own software programs on the library's computers; altering the Library's computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.

4. Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications : Minors under age 18: Giving others private information about one's self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has "met" on the computer network or Internet without a parent's permission.

5. Uses that Violate Confidentiality of Information: as affirmed in several Kentucky Attorney General opinions, Kentucky law recognizes the confidentiality of library records. Personally identifiable information about users, including minors, will not be disclosed or used in any way, except to law enforcement authorities as provided in the law. Users should be aware, however, that due to the technical difficulties involved in providing absolute security, transactions and files could become public.

Procedures
The Library staff will develop such rules and procedures as are necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of Internet access.

Response to Violations

The user's access to the Library's computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. A user violates this policy by his or her own action or by failing to report any violations by other users that come to the attention of the user. Further, a user violates this policy if he or she permits another to use his or her account or password to access the computer network and Internet. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the user's right to access these computers.

This policy becomes effective January 12, 2006 and replaces any previous policy regarding Internet use, written or implied. The Board of Trustees of the Oldham County Public Library reserves the right to amend, alter or revoke this policy if it is deemed necessary and desirable to do so.

For additonal information, see: