Internet Use Policy

To fulfill its mission of meeting the informational, recreational and lifelong learning needs of its users, the Henderson County Public Library offers access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. By accessing the Internet at the library an individual has agreed to abide by the Internet Policy. This policy is posted in the library and copies are available on request at the service desk.

Library procedures for accessing the Internet must be followed and use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Rules of Conduct/Disruptive Behavior Policy.

Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate and out-of-date. Users should be warned that some material available on the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, and potentially offensive and/or disturbing to some people. Users access the Internet at their own discretion.

Buying, selling, banking, tax preparation and other financial transactions are permissible on library workstations, but users conduct such transactions at their own risk. Even with safety measures in place the library does not guarantee security/privacy of communication across its network.

CIPA Compliant Statement.
CHILDREN'S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT (Pub. L. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)) The Henderson County Public Library receives federal funding for Internet access. As a result the library complies with CIPA, a federal law, which requires the installation of filtering software on Internet terminals. Filtering software is flawed. In some instances it may block access to constitutionally protected material on the Internet or fail to block access to material that is obscene or harmful. Under the law, the librarian can unblock individual websites that have been blocked erroneously. In addition the librarian can disable the filter for adult patrons, 17 and over, on request.

It is the position of the library that staff presence and use of a filtering system should not be viewed as a substitute for parental supervision of a minor on the Internet. Staff ability to monitor activities of minors online will be affected by circumstances at the service desk. With this in mind, children age 11 and under must use a computer designated for children and be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Children 12-16 may use a computer unattended. For additional information please ask for a copy of the Internet Safety Policy.

The Henderson County Internet Policy Prohibits the Following:
  • Sending or displaying obscene or disruptive messages, files, or images.
  • Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification.
  • Installing of software or altering software configurations.
  • Intentionally damaging computer equipment or software.
  • Violating copyright laws or software license restrictions.
  • Engaging in activity disruptive to other patrons.
  • Gaining unauthorized access to the library's network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system (hacking).
  • Using library computers to conduct any unlawful activity.

Any violation of this policy may result in the loss of Internet privileges at the library. Unacceptable use that is illegal may result in criminal prosecution as well.

This policy was adopted 06/08/2004 by the Library Board of Trustees.
This policy was revised 04/02/2008.
 

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Internet Use Policy (178 KB)