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 Library Catalog | LibraryKidsville.org | TeenXTremeOnline.org | Library2011 | Ask a Librarian |
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| About the Library > Internet Access Policy & Internet Procedures & Restrictions | |
| Internet Access Policy | |
In carrying out its mission to promote an enlightened citizenry, enrich personal lives, encourage continuous self-education and serve the community as a center of reliable information, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County endeavors to develop collections, resources and services to meet the information needs of county residents of all ages. It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet. The Library provides access to a variety of reference databases and other resources which are appropriate to the mission of a public library, including general and special periodical materials, readers' advisory services, homework and testing centers to assist students with research assignments, and legislative, historical and archival materials and information. The Internet is an unregulated global electronic network in a constant state of development. Library patrons use it at their own risk. While there is wonderful information on the Internet, there is also material that is controversial and/or offensive. The Library's home page provides links to sites for children (Kidsville) and young adults (TeenXtreme) selected by local staff to be appropriate for the age group. Library computers are filtered in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) but patrons should be aware that no filtering system is completely effective and there may be times when information is “over-blocked' or “under-blocked.” The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet , which changes rapidly and unpredictably. Users should be aware that information on the Internet originates from a variety of sources and may not always be accurate, complete, current or unbiased. Internet computers are located in public areas shared by patrons of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities; the library expects patrons to recognize this and refrain from accessing potentially obscene or disturbing web sites. The Library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that violate state and federal law. To ensure the safety and security of patrons using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communication the Library encourages patrons to guard against the disclosure of personal information over the Internet. Personally identifiable information concerning minors may not be provided over the Internet without the permission of a parent or guardian. To further protect minors parents should establish basic safety rules to keep minors from supplying their full name, address, phone number, social security number, etc. to anyone on the Internet. Minors should know never to arrange a personal meeting with someone by computer and to be aware that not everyone on the Internet is truthful. Additional information about Internet safety is available in the brochures Child Safety on the Internet , via the online link http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm and Teen Safety on the Internet via the online link http://www.safeteens.com/?page_id=5 The use of the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state and/or federal laws (including U.S. copyright law) is strictly prohibited. Use of the Internet for unauthorized, malicious or unethical purposes is not permitted. Users must agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Library's pamphlet, “INTERNET ACCESS PROCEDURES AND RESTRICTIONS”. Failure to follow these rules and regulations may result in loss of Library privileges and civil or criminal charges. Acceptable uses of Internet computers and resources will be determined by library staff. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APRIL 28, 1997 |
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| Internet Procedures and Restrictions | |
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County provides public access to the Internet enabling the Library to expand its reference horizons and allowing patrons to explore a broad range of informational, educational and recreational resources using the technology of the World Wide Web. Patrons should be aware that information on the Internet originates from a variety of sources and may not always be accurate, complete, current, or unbiased. Users must evaluate information from Internet sites and sources as they would information from any other medium. While there is wonderful information on the Internet, there is also material that is controversial and/or offensive. The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet. 1) Users must be registered cardholders of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County and must present their library card to use an Internet workstation. 2) Daily Internet use may be limited to 30 minutes per person at most branches and 1 hour at the Main Library Computer Center and the Austintown, Boardman and Poland branches. Additional time is subject to computer availability. 3) Internet workstations are generally intended for individual use. Due to noise and space considerations, no more than 2 users may gather at an Internet workstation at one time. Library staff may require Internet users to use headphones. 4) Internet workstations are available on a walk-in/sign-up basis. Advance reservations will not be taken. 5) Users may NOT use their own software programs on an Internet workstation, nor may they download plug-ins from the Internet or play music CDs or DVDs. 6) Participation in chat groups is not always in keeping with the intended purpose of Internet use in a public library setting. Therefore, the Library reserves the right to limit or prohibit chat. 7) The Library does not provide e-mail accounts, but does permit patrons to access any of the free web-based e-mail services. 8) An Internet workstation may NOT be used for commercial activity, including but not limited to, operating a business for personal gain. 9) Acceptable uses of an Internet workstation will be determined by Library staff. 10) Use of the Internet to engage in any activity which constitutes violation of local, state or federal laws-- including, but not limited to, criminal and copyright laws--is strictly prohibited. 11) Minors are not permitted to display, create, send or receive text or graphics, that are obscene, pornographic or offensive as determined by Library staff. 12) Internet computers are located in public areas shared by patrons of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities; the library expects patrons to recognize this and refrain from accessing potentially obscene or disturbing web sites. 13) Users may download or print information from an Internet workstation. 14) Warning: Software downloaded from an Internet workstation may contain a virus. Users are advised to install virus checking software on their personal computers. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is not responsible for damage to a patron's diskette or computer. All users of this service agree to hold the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities relating to the use of a Library computer or the Internet. 15) Library staff can provide only limited assistance in using these computer resources. Users are expected to have basic computer skills and the ability to use a mouse. Staff cannot provide in-depth individual instruction, but may be able to offer searching suggestions and troubleshoot minor technical problems. 16) The Library reserves the right to amend "Internet Procedures and Restrictions" and other rules and regulations pertaining to computer use as needed. By signing the application form, the user agrees to comply with any and all subsequent "Internet Procedures and Restrictions" that may be issued. 17) The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time. Failure to follow the rules and regulations stated above may result in loss of Library privileges and/or civil or criminal charges. |
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