Internet Guidelines for Claysburg Area Public Library

TIME LIMITS

Because there are a limited number of public computer terminals, there are time limits for using the internet at the Claysburg Area Public Library. Time limits are one hour when others are waiting to use the computers and two hours when the library is less busy.

ACCEPTABLE USE

Internet access may be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes. However, patrons may only use the internet for recreational purposes such as games, chatting, and instant messaging if no one else is waiting to use a computer. E-mail is permitted, but patrons must use a web-based account such as Hotmail or Yahoo.

COMPUTER HELP AND LIBRARY STAFF

Claysburg Area Library staff can assist patrons with basic computer and/or internet questions, but cannot spend large amounts of time on computer assistance. There are books available to help people unfamiliar with computers and/or the internet. Check the library’s card catalog for computer books.

FILTERING AND OFFENSIVE CONTENT

Public computer terminals at the Claysburg Area Public Library are filtered, but in the event of offensive material slipping through filters, the library is not responsible for any material on the internet or any material that patrons using the internet choose to view.

It is a felony offense in Pennsylvania “to display or cause to display any explicit sexual material on any viewing screen in such manner that the display is visible in any establishment where minors, as part of the general public, may be exposed to view all or any part of such materials.” (Penna. Crimes Code—Sect. 5903). Viewing any explicit sexual materials on the computers at the Claysburg Area Public Library will result in immediate termination of Internet privileges.

ETHICAL STANDARDS

Patrons using the public computer terminals at the Claysburg Area Public Library must follow these ethical standards:

--No copyrighted material may be copied.

--Patrons may not do anything to the public computer terminals that will damage library equipment or software or keep other patrons from using the computers and/or internet. Users are liable for repair or replacement costs for any damages they cause.

--Computers may not be used for any illegal activities. Illegal activities include (but are not limited to) hacking, harassment, and the sale or use of prohibited substances.  Cyberbullying is strictly prohibited.  All computer users will receive materials on cyberbullying awareness and chat room safety.

--Patrons may not disclose personal information about another person without that person’s permission.

MINORS AND THE INTERNET

--A minor is defined as any library patron under the age of 18.

--Minors unaccompanied by a legal guardian must have a consent form signed by their legal guardian on file in order to access the internet. (see LEGAL GUARDIAN’S CONSENT FORM)

--Minors are prohibited to disclose personal information without the permission of their parent or primary caregiver.

--Patrons are not permitted to access information and/or sites harmful to minors (see FILTERING AND OFFENSIVE CONTENT above).

DISCLAIMERS

The library does regular upkeep on computers to keep them virus free, but will not be held responsible for any viruses transmitted via Internet files.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPUTER USE

Patrons are not permitted to turn equipment on or off, change settings on the computers, plug personal equipment into the computers, or download programs onto the computers.

Floppy discs and CD-Rs may be used on computers if patrons need to save information. Do not save personal files on the hard drives of the computers.

There is a fee of fifteen cents (plus tax) per page for anything printed on the computers. For students the fee is ten cents (plus tax).

Failure to comply will result in a loss of library privileges.