EAST PARKER COUNTY LIBRARY INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
Established 3/20/2007


The East Parker County Library System supports its patrons' informational, educational, and recreational interests by providing materials in a wide range of formats including free basic access to information via the Internet.  As a public information agency, the East Parker County Library provides the opportunity for any citizen with a non-delinquent EPCL library card to use the Internet from the System's network.

The System does not warrant or guarantee the reliability or truthfulness of information obtained from the Internet. The System shall have no liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to use of information accessed via the Internet from the System's network.

The Internet is an unregulated and rapidly changing medium; it is possible to intentionally or inadvertently find material that is offensive or disturbing to some users.  All public and staff computers are equipped with software that is designed to block access to sites that contain visual depictions and/or information which is unlawful, which may reasonably be construed as being obscene, child pornography or materials "harmful to minors" as currently defined by law, or outside the scope of the System's collection. Despite these provisions, patrons may still encounter sites they find personally offensive. For this reason, patrons must assume responsibility for their own use of the Internet. Parents who are concerned about the contents of the Internet are strongly advised to closely supervise their children's use of this service.  The Library expressly disclaims and shall have no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential damages related to information obtained from the Internet.

 

The East Parker County Library System's
Rules for Computer Usage and Internet Connectivity

The purpose of Internet access by patrons is to promote research, education, and economic development. Uses not consistent with this purpose are not allowed and may result in restriction of the use of the network.

For security, legal, and networking purposes the use of file sharing services is not allowed through the publicly accessible wireless network.

All Internet computers will automatically power off 10 minutes before the System's closing time.  Because of this, access to Internet Stations may be limited in the time immediately prior to shutdown.

The following is a list of some of the types of unacceptable actions or behavior that may result in the limitations or restriction of use of the wireless network:

If you break Library and/or Internet rules it will result in the following:

1st Offense:  2 Week Ban
2nd Offense:  1 Month Ban
3rd Offense:  Banned for Life

Things To Remember:

1. Minors, whether or not accompanied by a parent or guardian, shall not use computers for any illegal activity or to access illegal materials, child pornography, obscene materials, or materials "harmful to minors" as currently defined by law.

2. Users shall respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements.

3. Users shall respect the privacy of other users and shall refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.

4. Public library wireless networks are neither private nor secure.

5. Users are financially responsible for any charges that they may incur from their use of the Internet.

6. Users should exercise extreme caution about revealing any personal identification information (such as name, address, telephone number, email, social security number, age, or credit card number.) The library's access to the Internet does not have encryption capabilities. Therefore, any information that you send via the Internet at the library is not encoded or secure.

7. Minors should NEVER disclose any personal identification information over the Internet.

8. Patrons, including minors, are not permitted access to chat rooms/instant messenger programs or interactive games of any kind.

9. Children ten years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent and/or guardian at all times while using a Library Internet workstation.   Parents and/or guardians are responsible for monitoring Internet use by their minor children.

10. Users may not modify Library hardware or software, change configurations, or attempt to access non-public files or accounts using Library workstations or the wireless network.  Users may not attempt to intercept, monitor, disrupt, or impede other users’ communications on the wireless network or to access or alter other users’ data or software.

11. Time limits on the use of Internet workstations may be imposed by the Library to allow equitable access for all users.  The Library reserves the right to change, modify or add time limits as deemed necessary by the Library.

12. Definitions:

- "Minor" is a person under 18 years of age.

Misuse of the System's computers will result in the loss of computer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible criminal prosecution. Such misuse includes but is not limited to using the computer for illegal activities, hacking into the System's computer system or any other computer system, damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software, interfering with system's operations, integrity or security, gaining unauthorized access to another person's files or to computer settings, and violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements.

We ask that as a courtesy to our patrons that all cell phones be powered off and pagers be set to the silent or vibrate function while in use of our facilities.  If it is necessary for you to use your cell phone, please do so outside the building as the use of cell phones are not permitted inside System facilities.

By viewing this page and proceeding to use this network, you agree to all of the terms and conditions above.