Internet Use Policy and Guidelines

This policy applies to all Users of Ephrata Public Library computers or networks. If you have any questions about the policy or what it means, please ask a library staff person for more information.

Definition of Terms

The term "Library" is defined as the Ephrata Public Library, its employees and staff, its volunteer staff, its officers and board of directors and all public governing bodies associated in any way with its operation.

The term "User" is defined as any person or patron using or viewing in any way any and/or all computers, workstations or networks made available for use by the Library.

The terms "system" and "workstation" are defined as any and all electronic information systems made available for use by the Library.

Purpose

To fulfill our mission, Ephrata Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. We make this service available as part of our mission to offer a broadly defined program of informational, educational, recreational and cultural enrichment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds which reflect the great diversity of interests and opinions in our community.

The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. A good information consumer evaluates the validity of information found as with other library materials. Restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian; the Library does not have the right or responsibility to act "in loco parentis". For more information on children and the Internet, please read the provided copy of Child Safety on the Information Highway produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Service Organization.

Responsibility of Users

Supervising children's use

As with other library materials, parents or guardians are responsible for their minor children's use of the Internet. Parents should let their children know if there are materials which they do not want them to use and should supervise their child's Internet sessions.

Choosing and evaluating sources

The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content. The Library cannot protect users from materials they may find offensive. The Library assumes no responsibility for the content of sites; library patrons view them at their own risk. Further, the user's privilege of use may be revoked if the user's viewing disturbs the peaceful use of the Library by other patrons or the work of Library staff. (ref: Code of Behavior adopted 11/30/95).

As with printed information, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users should evaluate Internet sources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information provided.

Rules Governing Use

All Users must have a valid card for a library in the Library System of Lancaster County and must have no overdue items or fines and fees outstanding.

All Users must sign the Library's Internet User Contract prior to use of the system.

Anyone under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign in person the Internet User Contract. In addition, children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) when using the internet computers.

Once the User has signed the Internet User Contract accepting the Library's policies of Internet use, they will receive a unique marking on their library card designating them as an approved user.

When a User presents their approved card for use of the system, they will be given a password necessary for entry into the system. The User's card will be kept at the check-out desk while they are using the system.

No more than 2 (two) users may use one workstation at a time. ALL Users at the workstations must be authorized users, whether they are using OR observing. The only exception to authorized use would be a child under the age of 18 who is accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian, either being an authorized user.

Time on the workstation shall be limited to 1 hour when others are waiting to use it.

Use of any workstation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Internet provides many sources in which audio information (i.e.. sound, music, voice, etc.) is available. Users may listen to these audio media ONLY through headphones approved for use by the Library. Users may provide their own headphones or purchase them at the check-out desk. The purpose of headphone use is to insure that the audio media do not disturb the peaceful use of the Library by other patrons.

Users may download ONLY that information which is legal to copy and ONLY by using a new disk purchased from the Library at the check-out desk. Disks removed from the library premises may not be used during any subsequent visits. The purpose of using only newly purchased disks is to insure the integrity of the system and protect it from viruses. Use of unauthorized disks, whether intentional or unintentional, may result in IMMEDIATE revocation of the User's privilege of use.

WARNING: Although we use a virus-checker on our public-use computers, this will not completely protect you from the chance of getting a virus. Software and other data downloaded from the internet may contain a virus, and you need to have a virus-checking software on your computer. The Ephrata Public Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computers.

A printer is provided for the legal printing of information obtained on the system. A per-sheet printing cost must be paid before the User's card is returned. Failure to pay for printing requested by the User could mean the revocation of the User's privilege of use.

Users may not:

1. Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
2. Make any attempt to alter software configurations.
3. Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
4. Use any Library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
5. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations.
6. Engage in any activity which is maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
7. Install any software.

Violations will result in the loss of the User's privilege of use. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner.

The Library reserves the right to terminate the use of any workstation at any time by any User for any violation of this policy or the Ephrata Public Library's Code of Behavior.

The Library cannot guarantee librarian services to assist Users in the use of the system.

The Library does not provide electronic mail accounts or access to Newsgroups at this time.

Copyright

U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use". Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the User; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

NOTICE

The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to, use of or viewing in any way of any information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. Further, the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for the loss of money, compensation, and/or any and all property by any user arising from access to, use of or viewing in any way the aforementioned systems.

Adopted by the Ephrata Public Library Board June 26, 1997

When you come to the library you will be asked to fill out an internet user contract and show your library card.