Internet Policy Agreement

It is the intention of the Hesseltine Public Library Boaad to provide free internet access to its patrons.  Full graphic interface will be provided to allow patrons to search for information on the World Wide Web.

Hesseltine Public Library is providing public access to the internet free of charge, except for printing costs.  In order to use this resources, I agree to the following:

  1. Conditions and Terms of Use of Internet in the Library:
  2. 1.  Any person who has signed an Internet Access Agreement will be allowed time on the Public Use Computers and access to the internet, on a first come, first served basis.
  3. 2.  Use of the internet is limited to 30 minutes per person.  If no one is waiting for the next 30 minutes, the patron may continue to use the computer until the next patron's request.  Since access to information is the primary focus of the library's internet service, and we have only two workstations, the staff may reclaim the workstation being used to surf or play games and assign it to patrons doing research.
  4. 3.  No food or drink is allowed at the workstations.
  5. 4 . There will be no charge for use of the Public Use Computers, or for access to the internet.  There will be a charge of $.15 per page for printing.
  6. 5.  Internet orientation will be provided on an individual basis when needed and as the staff has time.
  7. 6.  Patrons will be asked to sign this Internet Access Agreement.  Only those who have signed this agreement will be alllowed to use the library computers.  A parent must come to the library and sign the Internet Access Agreement for children under the age of 18.  Children 11 years old and younger must have a parent/guardian assisting them when they use the Public Use Computer.  (Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on the internet.  Due to staffing limitations, internet trained staff may not always be available.)
  8. 7.  The purchase of items from the internet is prohibited.
  9. 8.  Interfering with the work of others or with the performance of the network by attempting to "hack" passwords, gain entry to closed areas of the network,  introducing computer viruses, or accessing obscene materials is prohibited.
  10. 9.  Any damage to the equipment caused by the patron or his/her children through improper care, roughness, or vandalism will be the patron's responsibility, and he/she will bear the cost of any needed repairs and/or replacement of equipment or parts as a result of such damage.
  11. 10. Appropriate language is to be used, as well as the avoidance of launching personal attacks on people whose opinions differ from the patron's.
  12. 11. Only two people may be at the work station at one time, unless special permission is granted by the library staff.
  13. 12. The accuracy of the information is the responsibility of each originator/producer.  There is no guarantee that information obtained through the internet is accurate.  The patron needs to question the validity and accuracy of the information found.
  14. 13. Copyright is to be respected.  Using network resources to promote illegal activities is forbidden.
  15. 14. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information by minors are to be avoided; children are forbidden from posting phone numbers, addresses, and e-mail account information to online sites.
  16. 15. All internet computers in the library will be equipped with filtering devices.  This is an attempt to restrict minors' access to inappropriate and/or harmful material on the internet and World Wide Web.  However, no content filter is perfect!  Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain informed and discuss with their children appropriate use of this resource.
  17. 16. Minors will be prohibited from using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications unless permission to do so is given in writing by the parents.
  18. 17. Any cost incurred as a result of internet activities is the responsibility of the patron.
  19. 18. Use of the library equipment and connectivity is a privilege which can be revoked if any of the terms of this agreement are broken.
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Made possible with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State.