Huntsville Public Library

Internet Use Policy

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1) Library's Mission.

 In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, Huntsville Public Library endeavours to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational and educational needs of the community.  It is within this context that HPL offers access to the Internet.
 
 

2) Disclaimer

 While the Library offers pointers to a wide range of useful and interesting sites, all Internet WWW sites are accessible, some of which may contain controversial or offensive material.  We believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may come across material that is inconsistent with the goals of the Library.
 
 The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet. The Library cannot be held responsible for the accuracy and validity of the information or the availability of links users would like to visit.
 
 

3) Internet Offerings/Limitations

 HPL Internet service supports web browsing  and printing.

4) Staff Assistance

 Time permitting, staff will be glad to assist you with start-up procedures. Patrons who need extensive assistance can ask for an appointment for one-on-one assistance with a volunteer Computer Tutor.
 

5) Children's Use

 All children through grade 8 must have parental permission to use the Internet.  Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to supervise their children at Internet sessions. [See Parents/Guardians , Appendix A.]

6) Filtred Workstations

The Library may offer a mix of filtered and unfiltered Internet workstations.  

7) Terms/Conditions of Use

a) A current Huntsville Public Library card in good standing will be required in order to use the Internet at Huntsville Public Library.

b) Access to an Internet workstation is limited to 2 hours/week.  If a patron fails to show up after 10 minutes, the station is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Latecomers forfeit the unused portion of their reserved time.

c) Non-members of the library may use Internet workstations upon agreeing to Library policy and paying a fee.

d) There are information sources on the Internet which are inappropriate in a public  library setting.  Patrons may search any topic of their choice.  However, library staff reserve the right to terminate a session if material such as pornography or hate literature is accessed.  The collection development policies of HPL will govern decisions.

e) Users are responsible for the cost of all printing (even goofs) which they generate.

f) Internet workstations are in a public area of the library.  To keep noise down, no more than 2 people at a time at the workstation, please.

g) Users are responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the Library's provision of Internet service.

h) Users must respect the privacy of others using the Internet.

i)  The following activities are prohibited:

1. Use of workstations for illegal, actionable or criminal purposes or to seek access to unauthorized areas.
2. Infringement of copyright and other intellectual property rights.
3. Use of FTP.
4. Use of personal disks and software programs.
5. Subverting or attempting to subvert any security devices in either software or  hardware format which the library has installed on its Internet workstations.
6. Installing or attempting to install viruses or other programs designed to damage or alter software on the workstations, the local area network or the Internet, or seeking unauthorized access to any computer system.
7. Sending unsolicited commercial material or spamming.
8. Misrepresenting oneself as another user.
9. Attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others.
10. Vandalism or  theft of library property.

j)   Failure to comply with policy may result in loss of Internet privileges.

Use of Library workstations is conditional upon the user's agreement to observe this policy.  By continuing to use the workstation, the user indicates agreement to all requirements of the policy.
 

Appendix A

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Parents/guardians must give permission for  children (through grade 8)  to use the Internet at Huntsville Public Library.

The Library supports the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to determine and monitor their child's use of Library materials and resources, including the Internet. The Library encourages parents to supervise their child's sessions on the Internet.  The Library does not act in place of or in the absence a parent.  The Library is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of the Internet.