This operating procedure applies to all users of Nacogdoches Public Library
computers or networks. Any questions about this should be directed to a librarian.
Purpose
To fulfill our mission, Nacogdoches Public Library provides access to a broad
range of information resources, including those available through the Internet.
We make this service available as part of our mission to offer a broadly defined
program of informational, educational, recreational and cultural enrichment
opportunities for Nacogdoches residents of all ages and backgrounds.
The Library only assumes responsibility for the information provided on the
home page and the supporting web pages resident on this server. Nacogdoches
Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed
through the Internet. Although the Internet is a global entity with a highly
diverse user population and offers access to many valuable local, national,
and international sources of information, not all sources on the Internet provide
accurate, complete, or current information. A good information consumer evaluates
the validity of information found. Library patrons use it at their own risk.
Responsibilities of Users
Supervising children's use
It is the Library's policy that the parents or legal guardians are responsible
for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their children. Since
the Library does not have the right or responsibility to act in loco parentis,
restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the
parent or guardian. However, the library offers Internet computers with filtering
restrictions.
There are some resources that parents may feel inappropriate for their children.
Parents should let their children know if there are materials that they do not
want them to use and should supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents
or guardians are required to sign a Children's Internet Use form that states
that the child has the parent's permission to use the Internet and that the
parent accepts all responsibility for the child's Internet use. This permission
form expires after one year. For more information on children and the Internet,
see Child
Safety on the Information Highways
produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Interactive
Service Organization.
Choosing and evaluating sources
The Library cannot censor access to materials or protect users from materials
they may find offensive. In choosing sources to link to our home page, we follow
generally accepted library practices. Beyond this and the filtered computers,
there is no monitor or control of information accessible through the Internet
and the library does not accept responsibility for its content. We are not responsible
for changes in content of the sources to which we link, nor for the content
of sources accessed through secondary links.
As with printed information, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate,
complete, or current information. Users should evaluate Internet resources just
as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information
provided.
Rules governing use
Patrons must recognize that use of the computers is a privilege and that
they must promptly relinquish use of the computers when asked. Time is limited
on the workstation to thirty minutes when others are waiting to use it. If no
one else is waiting, patrons may have up to one hour per day on the Internet.
The library staff will begin to turn off the computers fifteen minutes before
closing time.
Users may not:
1. Use the workstation to gain access to the Library's networks or computer systems or to use any other network or computer system.
2. Obstruct other patron's work by consuming gratuitously large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system
3. Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
4. Make any attempt to alter software configurations.
5. Make any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
6. Use any Library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
7. Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations.
8. Engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.
9. Install or download any software.
10. Engage in masquerading or hacking or other illegal uses of library resources.
Violations will result in loss of access. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner, which can include prosecution by the City Attorney, County Attorney, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Internet Functions Supported
The Library provides graphical browsers on all Internet computers. The Library does not provide electronic mail accounts, Internet Relay Chat, or Newsgroups. E-mail can be read only on designated computers.
Printing, at the cost of $ .15 per page, and downloading, to a diskette, are available on some computers.
Copyright
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "Fair Use." Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any consequences of copyright infringement are the responsibility of the user; the Library disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.
In consideration for the privilege of using the system and for having access to the free information contained within it, the patron hereby release and hold harmless the City of Nacogdoches, it's officers, agents, servants, or employees, the Nacogdoches Public Library, it's staff, volunteers, representatives or advisors, from any and all liability or responsibility for any and all claims, damages, losses, costs or expenses arising either directly or indirectly from the use of this system, whether or not caused, in whole or in part, by alleged negligence of the City of Nacogdoches, it's officers, agents, servants, employees, volunteers, representatives or advisors.
Revision date: 01-22-2001