Internet Use Policy

 This policy applies to all users of the Austin Memorial Library computers or networks.  In compliance with the June, 2003 CIPA ruling (02-361) by the Supreme Court, unfiltered access to the Internet is made available to adults requesting such access on a per session basis.  Unfiltered access is not available for anyone under the age of 18.

Adults 18 or older who need unfiltered access for any lawful purpose may request it from a staff member.  Internet use in the library shall be consistent with our mission, policies and procedures, and with applicable local, state, federal, and international laws.  Websites that present material of a questionable or unethical nature exist; City of Cleveland, its officials and its employees are not responsible for material displayed on the Web.  Illegal use of the Internet, including – but not limited to – viewing obscenity or child pornography and infringement of copyright laws, is prohibited and can be grounds for loss of library privileges and/or criminal prosecution.

Purpose

The Austin Memorial Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, other than the content provided on the Library’s web site.  Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.  A good information consumer evaluates the validity of all information found.

The library affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of Library materials and resources.  The Library recognizes that restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.  The Library does not have the right or responsibility to act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent/guardian).  However, in accordance with CIPA (Public Law 106-554), the Library does filter Internet access for both minors (persons under the age of 18) and adults to certain visual depictions that are (1) obscene (as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code), or (2) child pornography (as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code), or, with respect to use of computers with Internet access by minors, and (3) harmful to minors.  Furthermore, all customers must abide by §43.22 and §43.24of the Texas Penal Code, which prohibits the intentional or knowing display of such materials, while being reckless about whether a person, and especially a minor, is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display. 

The Library encourages parents to warn their children of the inherent dangers of disclosing or disseminating personal identification information such as home addresses, telephone numbers, parent’s work addresses, work telephone numbers, or the name or location of the child’s school.  Parents also need to monitor their child’s use of electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication. 

Responsibilities of Users

Rules Governing Use Software has been loaded on most public access computers to limit each use to 60 minutes.  This software requires the user to log on to the computer using a bar code number, from their own card or a guest card supplied by the library.  Computer users must respect the established time limit and honor any staff request to end their session.

Users may not:

1. Circumvent filtering or blocking software, or  other security measures, to access visual depictions deemed (a) obscene, or (b) child pornography, or (c) harmful to minors, as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554).
2. Circumvent public access computer time management software or procedures.
3. Use the workstations to gain access to the Library’s networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
4. Obstruct other people’s work by consuming large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system.
5. Attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
6. Attempt to alter software configurations.
7. Attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
8. Use any Library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
9. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations.
10. Engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
11. Install or download any software.
12. Allow others to use your card.  

Violation may result in loss of access.  Staff is empowered to terminate a user session if necessary.  Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner, including notification of law enforcement authorities.