NINEVEH PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY

It is the intention of the Nineveh Public Library to provide Internet access to the public to greatly enlarge our available resources of information. The Internet provides vast amounts of information on a multitude of subjects that can be enriching to people of all ages.

INTERNET USAGE POLICY

The Nineveh Public Library provides access to the Internet in accordance with law and within the types of services available through the Four County Library System.

Patrons should be aware of the fact that the information accessed on the Internet is not always accurate, reliable, complete or up to date. Users are advised to check information obtained over the Internet, carefully. The Nineveh Public Library assumes no responsibility for its content, its use, nor its effect. Sole responsibility rests with the patron and/or parent/guardian.

Internet services available at Nineveh Public Library comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and restrict access to online content that may be considered harmful to minors, or offensive to adults, by employing technology protection measures (filters). Filters may block access to some legitimate or constitutionally protected material found on the Internet. 

Patrons, parents/guardians are cautioned that any filter has technological limitations and is not foolproof. The library will not act in the role of the parent/guardian, whether or not the parent/guardian is physically in attendance. 

Individuals must accept responsibility for determining the suitability and accuracy of content found during their Internet searches. If a patron obtains information believed to be false or offensive, the patron should contact the source of this information.

ACCESS BY MINORS

Parents or legal guardians are solely responsible for children or youth when using library materials including the Internet source. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the safe use of the Internet and inform them about sites and materials they should or should not use. Restriction or use of any internet resource is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. The library will not act in the role of the parent/guardian whether or not the parent/guardian is in attendance.

INTERNET RULES

• All users must agree to “The Nineveh Public Library Internet Policy” and the rules and guidelines at each day’s visit. This is achieved via a sign-in sheet.
• All users must have a valid Nineveh Public Library card. (Visitors may use a valid driver’s license, student ID, etc.)
• Access to the Internet will be in 30-minute intervals. Longer periods of time are at the discretion of the library staff.
• Children, aged 10 and under, need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the Internet. Legal proof of age may be requested.
• No information, materials, text or graphics that may reasonably be interpreted as pornography or obscenity may be accessed, sent or printed.
• No user shall purposefully damage equipment, nor introduce any computer viruses, nor disrupt the operation of the network within the Library or any network connected to the Internet.
• No activities which are illegal, defamatory, or harassing will be permitted. There shall be no “hacking.”
• No user should attempt to damage software/hardware or alter the computer’s configurations in any way.
• No user shall use copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner.
• No user shall access or transmit information which promotes violence or destruction of property including–but not limited to–information concerning the manufacture of destructive devices such as explosives, fireworks, smoke bombs, or incendiary devices or the like.
• Do not download to the Library’s hard drive.
• Patrons using personal internet access devices on library property are subject to the same rules and policies.
• Library staff reserve the right to view screen content during patron internet use and to revoke patron internet privileges if staff believe there is just cause.
• Failure to follow Nineveh Library Internet Policy and Rules will result in the revoking of a patron’s internet privileges. Serious infractions may result in legal action.

The Library is not responsible for failures and/or resulting loss to users in the operation or technical functioning of the Internet or the computers or software used to access the Internet.

Patrons are cautioned to be aware of the fact that privacy cannot be guaranteed when using the library’s internet services. The Internet and the library area where the computers are available are not “secure” areas. For your safety, carefully determine your possible risks before giving your name (or your family’s name), address, telephone number, social security number, credit card information, or any other personal information to a site on the Internet. Third parties may obtain information regarding user’s activities while on the Internet.

Copies of documents obtained via computer use may be printed at the cost of ten cents per side for black ink and one dollar per side for any color.

The Nineveh Library reserves the right to amend or supplement this Internet policy at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

Reviewed and revised March 2023.