Internet Use & Safety Policy
Effective Date: 07/01/1997
Revised Date: 01/01/07; 06/06/08
Approved by:
Policy
The Lubbock Public Library provides free public access to the Internet.
Roles & Responsibilities
Library Director/Supervisory Staff
• Ensures that library staff is trained in Internet policies and procedures.
Library Staff
• Enforces Internet policies and procedures uniformly.
Procedures
Internet Access
- Access is provided to adult library users, 17 years and older, by using
their library card to sign up for a user session. Non-residents from
outside the State of Texas may sign up using a "guest card number"
and by showing identification. Access to minors, under age 17, is
available as follows:
- Parent/legal guardian accompanies the minor; or
- Parent/legal guardian completes the "Internet Access for Minors"
form, in person. Permission for access for the minor is noted on
minor's library card record and the form is kept on file.
Internet Filtering
- Filtering software is installed to block access to material that may be
deemed objectionable. Given the nature of how information and sites
become accessible through the Internet, the library cannot and does not
guarantee that the filtering software blocks sexually explicit material
or any other materials that some patrons may find objectionable.
Adults (age 17 or older) may bypass the filter by requesting that a
library staff member override the filter at Internet accessible computer
stations. Parents/legal guardians may request in person that the
filtering software be disabled for a minor child (under age 17). Users
may not use Internet sessions in a manner that is deliberately offensive
or creates a hostile or intimidating environment.
- Parents or legal guardians of minor children are ultimately responsible
for the child's use of the Internet at the library. Furthermore, library
staff cannot be held responsible for supervising minors while they are
using the Internet workstations.
Internet Precautions
- While accessing the Internet at the library, users must comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Users may not attempt in any way to alter, damage, or sabotage
computer hardware or software and is financially responsible for any
malicious damage to hardware or software.
- The library is not responsible for any liability that may occur as a
result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information while
accessing the Internet at the library.
Internet Privacy
- The library does not release information on the use of the Internet by
library users except as required by law. Users will respect the privacy
of other library users, and refrains form attempting to view or read
material being used by others.
Time & Other Limits
- The library may limit the amount of time for user sessions on the
computers and users are limited to two user sessions per day.
- The library charges a fee for printing. Prompt payment is required for
printing costs.
Non-Compliance
- Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of access to use of
library public access computers. The Library Director, Public Services
Manager, Branch Manager, and designated Person-in-Charge are
authorized to terminate any user's access session for violating the
"Internet Use/Safety Policy."
- Policy violations may also lead to suspension of computer privileges
for a specified period of time. Denial of Internet privileges at one
Lubbock Public Library facility is effective at all library locations.
- Illegal acts may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal
authorities.
Checks & Balances:
Library supervisory staff ensures that Internet access by the public IS
according to policy through training and observation.
Forms & Required Documents: