Agreement Verification | ACUERDO PARA EL USO DEL INTERNET
MISSION
Essential to the mission of the Hoover Public Library is ensuring that users have the right and means to free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental to a democracy. The Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning and provide library materials and information services. Use of Library computer workstations integrally supports these activities.
INTERNET ACCESS
The Internet, a worldwide network of computer networks, is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. Therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the Hoover Public Library mission. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It also provides access to information that is inaccurate or illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The Library will identify on its web site specific Internet sites that have potential interest for Library users. But the Library cannot control a user?s access to other Internet resources. The host site for our Internet access is the Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC). JCLC is the countywide, non-profit organization dedicated to providing Internet access and many other services to 41 public libraries around Jefferson County. The Library subscribes to a filtering service that has been installed on all public Internet computers. The filtering service limits the amount of pornographic or obscene materials available onn the Internet, but no filtering service is completely effective. The Library does not permit the use of real-time, interactive communication such as chat, instant messaging and other Internet services that do not support the Library’s mission. The Library does not endorse, support or condone the use of its equipment for materials that violate generally accepted community standards. All users of the Hoover Public Library assume responsibility for using computer workstations in an ethical and legal manner in accordance with Library policy and local, state and federal laws.
PROCEDURES
All users indicate, through their usage of the Library’s computer equipment, their agreement to the policies and procedures of the Hoover Public Library. Refer to the Hoover Public Library Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy for specific policies.
1. There are time limits on patron access to the computer as required by demand. Patrons are responsible for monitoring when the next workstation becomes available.
2. Access is available during normal operating hours.
3. Use of the Hoover Public Library's computers is restricted to software applications provided by the Library, except where designated. All other use, including the use of personal software, is prohibited.
4. Information may be saved to thumb drives. Drives are for sale in the Technology Hub for $7.00. Files should not be saved to the computer’s hard drive and will be automatically erased when the user logs out.
5. Use of the Library's Internet connection and its software for any illegal purpose is strictly prohibited. All laws regarding copyright and software license must be obeyed.
6. Users must be considerate in their use of the Internet. Some Internet sites are not appropriate for viewing in a public environment and patrons will be asked to exit these sites.
7. Staff will provide assistance to patrons as time permits.
8. A reading patron must accompany non-reading patrons.
U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user: the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
RESPONSE TO VIOLATIONS
Failure to comply with this Policy and its procedures may result in the forfeiture of the user’s right to access Library computers or ultimately to the Library for a specified amount of time. First offense will result in an official warning from a Library official. Second offense will result in complete loss of computer privileges at the Library for six months. Any further offenses result in an immediate one-year loss of computer privileges. Patrons may appeal penalties to the Library Board.