RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS

The Internet enables access to a wealth of valuable and reliable information from a variety of sources. Users are cautioned that the Internet also provides access to information that may be inaccurate, controversial, illegal, personally offensive to the viewer, or inappropriate for children. Individual users must exercise judgment in evaluating the validity and appropriateness of information retrieved via the Internet and must assume personal responsibility for their use. The Fairfield County Library cannot be held liable for the content of any Internet site.

The Fairfield County Library employs technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) pursuant to South Carolina Proviso 72.95 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Patrons who believe information is inappropriately blocked by the library’s Internet protection measures may request staff intervention. After review, the staff will determine whether the request qualifies as bona fide research.

While the Fairfield County Library upholds users' rights to privacy and confidentiality in their use of all library resources, the nature of electronic resources makes it impossible to guarantee these rights. Since some Internet sites may be inappropriate for viewing in a public setting, users should exercise discretion in consideration of the rights of others.

CHILDREN'S USE

The Internet provides access to valuable educational and informational resources for children and youth, who are expected to abide by this policy. While library staff will endeavor to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate usage by children of the online computer network, the library reaffirms the responsibility of parents to determine the appropriateness of Internet resources for their children. Parents are strongly encouraged to supervise their children's Internet use and counsel them against providing any personal identification via the Internet.

For more information on children and the Internet, ask a Library staff member for a copy of Child Safety on the Information Highway.

CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF COMPUTER USE

No more than two people may use a PC at a time and only one PC may be used per person.

If others are waiting, there is a 30-minute time limit per person on a PC.

Because of library scheduling, PC-trained staff may not always be available. Library staff's availability to help users with basic computer use or with Internet access is limited.

Users may print copies from PCs at a cost of 10 cents per page. A user must pay for every page printed. The library cannot guarantee the privacy and security of information printed or saved to removable media.

USERS MAY NOT

• damage or attempt to damage equipment; alter or attempt to alter software configurations; or by-pass or demonstrate to another how to by-pass filtering software.
• attempt to gain unauthorized access or to cause disruption of the library's computer system or any other computer system.
• violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
• display or send obscene (as defined by S.C. Code 16-15-305) images, messages, or files.
• violate any local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
• use their own software, or download or install software on any of the computer workstations.
• enter chat rooms, engage in instant messaging, or any other means of real-time conversation via the Internet.
• engage in any activity which is disruptive to other library users.

PENALTIES FOR POLICY VIOLATIONS

Fairfield County Library staff shall be responsible for supervising and monitoring use of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy. Violations of this policy may result in loss of computer access or other library privileges. Unlawful acts are subject to prosecution by local, state, and/or federal authorities.

This policy has been approved by the Fairfield County Library Commission on March 5, 2009, and is subject to Board revision.