Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 1996
Reviewed, April 1998
DISCLAIMER:
Because the Internet is a global system with information from various sources including corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals, the library is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the information on the Internet or the statements, views, and opinions expressed there. Some materials may be offensive to some people and inappropriate for children.
POLICY STATEMENT:
It is the policy of the Ohoopee Regional Library System to provide access to selected online databases by patrons. The purpose of online database access by patrons is to promote research, education, and economic and business development. Recreational use is allowed only as time, and other policies and procedures allow.
The Internet, as an information resource enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, it is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some materials that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.
The Ohoopee Regional Library System has no responsibility for the content of the information accessed though online services or agencies. The library staff can and will provide guidance and instruction, but cannot monitor.
The Board of Trustees of the Ohoopee Regional Library System believes that parents have the right and responsibility to determine what is appropriate for their children. Parents must work closely with their children in order to select materials that are consistent with personal and family boundaries. Therefore, by Board policy, children under the age of 18 MUST have written parental approval before using this service. Children under 16 MUST have a parent or guardian present during use. Parent or guardian and child must have a library card, in good standing, from a member library of the Ohoopee Regional Library System or the Georgia Library PINES.
Parents are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway produced jointly by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Interactive Services Association (ISA), available at www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm or review the document "My Rules for Online Safety" by Lawrence J. Magid available at www.gpls.public.lib.ga.us/pls/misc/safety.html.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Georgia Computer System Protection Act, effective July 1, 1991, established certain acts involving computer fraud or abuse as crimes punishable by fines or imprisonment or both. Tampering with the hardware, adding to or deleting information relating to the software, or other acts which obstruct, interrupt or cause the computer to malfunction are included in this act. The Ohoopee Regional Library System will prosecute both civilly and criminally.
The Library reserves the right to prohibit the use of computers to anyone who demonstrates a lack of respect and care for the equipment and/or a refusal to follow the Library's rules and policies relating to their use. This prohibition can be for any length of time, including permanently, if the Library deems it necessary.
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