Computer Use Policy

Mission
The mission of the Hancock County Public Library is to deliver quality information service, multiple resources and technology tools, and a variety of programs for lifelong learning and enjoyment to all residents of Hancock County in a caring and innovative setting.

Internet Access
The Internet, a worldwide network of computer networks, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types.  Therefore, public access is essential 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.

Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users

1. Information/data on all computer workstations is the property of HCPL; this includes information collected on patron Internet browsing history. HCPL staff reserves the right to check all workstations for suspicious/inappropriate activity.
2. HCPL will maintain the confidentiality of patrons using its computer resources. Requests for disclosure of information will be honored only when approved by the appropriate library administrator, authorized by the owners of the information, or when required by law. Patrons will be notified of such disclosures except when it is not deemed appropriate.
3. Staff will be available to answer questions, but patrons are expected to search independently. Patrons are encouraged to get additional help by signing up for classes conducted by library staff.
4. 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.
5. 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. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.) Children’s computers are for use by children 12 and under. ‘Tween computers are for use by children ages 9-12. Adult computers are designated for those ages 13 and older.

Disclaimers

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The library, having installed and enforced the operation of filtering software in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, the filtering software or for its circumvention by users.
4. The library is not responsible for damage to users' equipment or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the library's computers and network.

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 or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information or copyrighted materials.
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 to the computer network or other networks on the Internet.  Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; impersonating another user; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.
4. Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors (people under 18) when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications. 

Technology Protection Measures

1. The library, either by itself or in combination with its Internet access provider, has installed filtering software or other technologies on all library computers with Internet access, and will enforce the operation of same during any use of those computers, to prevent minors from accessing visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) child pornography, or (3) harmful to minors.
2. The term "harmful to minors" is defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h][7]). For a complete description of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h] [7], please consult with a reference librarian.
3. Filters sometimes block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful. Technology protection measures may be disabled by a library staff member (and only when deemed necessary by a library staff member) for bona fide research or other lawful purposes by people aged 18 and older. Written requests for unblocking of appropriate sites will be honored or refuted within 24 hours.

Public Access Internet Policy
The Hancock County Public Library offers wireless and wired Internet access. Internet access is filtered to comply with CIPA regulations. Patrons should be aware that public networks are inherently insecure and should take appropriate precautions while using these networks (ex. personal firewall, anti-virus software). Privacy of data cannot be guaranteed across public networks and the library assumes no responsibility for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the library’s Internet service. Patrons using this connection must abide by the terms of the library’s “Acceptable Use Policy.” Patrons must provide their own computer and network adapter to connect to the library’s Internet connection. Technical assistance will not be available. A library card is not needed to access this connection.

Adult Computers

1. Residents of Hancock County must have a valid library card in good standing to use the public computers. Visitors to HCPL and those who reside outside county lines will need to present a photo ID to be issued guest pass to log-in to the computers.
2. HCPL will use a computer time management system, to manage adult public computer usage. 
3. The total amount of time a patron can use the computers during one day will be 120 minutes. Non-card holders will be limited to 60 minutes per day.
4. Laptop computers are available for checkout and use inside the library on a first come first served basis.  Reservations cannot be placed on laptop computers.  A valid photo ID and a library card in good standing are required to checkout a laptop.  Black and color printing is available from the laptops using the library’s pay-for-print system as well as standard Microsoft Windows and Office applications.  Standard time limits apply.  Users/Patrons are financially responsible for all equipment and accessories checked out to their library card.
5. Monthly classes will be offered in the computer lab to educate patrons on Internet use. HCPL has the right to reserve all computers for educational purposes.
6. Personal media with documents (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) are permitted.  Program files of any type are not permitted.  At no time will any user files be saved to the hard drive of the computer. 
7. Color and black and white printing are available from library computers ($.10 per black and white page and $.25 per color page).  HCPL is not liable for printing errors with the exception of equipment malfunction.  Patrons may not insert their own paper into library copiers/printers.
8. Computers will automatically shut down 10 minutes before closing time.

Children’s Computers
As with all library resources, the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/custodians, NOT library staff, to determine and monitor their children's use of the Internet. 

1. The user, or the parent/custodian (must be 18 years of age or older) of a child, is responsible for his or her computer use or Internet session at all times.
2. Children under the age of 8 must be supervised by their parent/custodian in the children’s area. 
3. Parents/custodians (must be 18 years of age or older) are to stay at the computer with their young children (under 5) or those of any age with little computer experience. 
4. The children’s computers allow access to games and filtered Internet.
5. Children’s computers are for use by children 12 and under.
6. ‘Tween computers are for use by children 9-12 only.
7. Children may sign up for a one-hour session which can be increased to two hours total per day as long as patrons are not waiting to use the computers.
8. Sessions may be extended at the discretion of the library staff.

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.  Further, a user violates this policy if he or he 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 the library’s network and computer resources.

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