H Computer and Internet Policy
Approved by Board 1-14-99
Amended by Board 1-11-03
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the
community, McDonald County Library endeavors to develop collections,
resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational and
educational needs of the citizens of McDonald County. It is within this context
that the Library offers access to the Internet.
McDonald County Library does not monitor and has no control over the
information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its
content. The Internet is a global entity with a diverse use population and it is
the responsibility of the user to use this resource wisely.
All use of the library’s computers shall be for, or in support of, research,
education or public service.
It is unacceptable to use the library’s computers for purposes which violate
any federal, state or local law. It is unacceptable to use the library’s computers in
a manner that is harmful or harassing to others. It is unacceptable to use the
library’s computers in a manner that disrupts normal network use and service.
Such disruption would include, but is not limited to, the propagation of computer
viruses, the violation of personal privacy and the unauthorized access to
protected and private network resources. It is unacceptable to use the library’s
computers for commercial activities, including, but not limited to, commercial
solicitation of business.
All patrons wishing to use the computers must sign in at the desk and
show either their library card or identification indicating that the person is over the
age of 15.
If Internet searching results in disruption of library services, or if patron
behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library
setting, the library reserves the right to end the session.
Each computer user is allowed one hour on the computer. If no one else
is waiting for the computer, they may extend that up to two hours, but will be
required to give up their computer to any new user. After the two hours is over,
the patron will be required to sign out and make the computer available to others.
However, if a patron is performing important research, they may extend their
time limits with special permission from the librarian on duty.
All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally
to all library users. Children of any age may use the computers while their
parents are in the library, provided the child has signed in on the computer sign-
in sheet at the front desk.
It is the policy of the Library to not usurp the rights and responsibilities of
parents; for this reason, parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are
responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their
children. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
As a part of supporting parents in their role, the Library gives parents of children
under the age of 16 their choice of deciding whether or not children may use the
library’s computers at times when the parent is not in the library. Parents
wishing to allow their children to use the library’s computers will be asked to
sign a card acknowledging their consent.
The use of chat or instant messaging by minors is strictly prohibited.
In compliance with statutes 182.825 and 182.827 RSMo, the library will
not allow any minor to use the public computers to access any material deemed
pornographic. The definition of pornographic material contains items listed
in 573.010 RSMo, which conforms to our local community standards.
As amended by the Library Board on January 11, 2003, the following form
must be signed by any patron wishing to use a public access computer in the
McDonald County Library, including any branches.
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I, ____________________, a patron of McDonald County Library, have
been advised that public use of the Library’s computers, including Internet
access, is to be solely for academic or personal research, education, and recreation. Therefore, the library does not allow the use of these machines for accessing pornographic or illegal sites or information.
Though we respect the rights of our patrons, this is a public institution, which must remain a healthy learning environment for all who use it.
I understand that if I am found to be in violation of the Library’s policy, by using the computers for inappropriate purposes, my computer privileges will be revoked.
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References:
Missouri Revised Statutes ; Chapter 573 ; Pornography and Related Offenses ; Section 573.010