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Using the Internet at the library

Jay County Public Library provides

• five computer stations in the adult electronic gallery with Internet access
  plus two more in the adult area
• two Express Internet stations in the adult area for short-term access
• two Express Internet stations for parents to use while their family visits the Children's area
• wireless Internet access throughout the library building
• two stations in the Children's area with access limited to a few child-friendly sites.

Cardholders and Guests may use the computers and Internet access after agreeing to the Acceptable Use Policy and Rules (below).  Copies are also available at the circulation desk.

• Internet computers may be used during the library's regular hours. 
   
• Express Internet users with PINs may log in without registering at the desk.  Use of these machines is limited to 15 minutes per user per day.
   
• Wireless Internet users with PINs may log in without registering at the desk.
   
• All gallery users and guest users must register at the circulation desk.
   
• Users in the gallery may register for up to one hour at a time. If no one else is waiting, that time may be extended in half hour increments by inquiring at the circulation desk.
   
• Time may be reserved in advance.  
   
• The limited access children's station requires no registration.
   

Cardholders are those who hold a regular Jay County Public Library card as a resident or reciprocal borrower, or through use of a PLAC (Public Library Access Card).  By signing a copy of the Internet application to be kept on file, cardholders may use their regular library card number plus a PIN (personal identification number) to log on without further assistance from staff.   Because it violates the policy requiring users to sign the Acceptable Use Policy, cardholders may not allow others to use their card number and PIN to log on.

Cardholders under 18:  Internet applications for cardholders age 12 - 17 must be signed by both a parent or legal guardian and the juvenile in the presence of a staff person. 

Cardholders under the age of 12 must have a parent/guardian who has signed the Acceptable Use Policy with them while using the Internet.

Guest users do not hold a Jay County Public Library card and must sign the guest log each time they wish to use the Internet computers or Wireless Internet.  The Acceptable Use Policy is indicated on the log page.  Staff must issue a Guest number and password.  Because it violates the policy requiring users to sign the Acceptable Use Policy, cardholders may not allow guests to use their card number and PIN to log on.

Guests under 18:  The guest log for a user age 12 - 17 must be signed by both a parent or legal guardian and the juvenile.  Guests under the age of 12 must have a parent/guardian who has signed the Acceptable Use Policy with them while using the Internet. 

 

Acceptable Use Policy and Rules

JAY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET PUBLIC ACCESS POLICY

Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the right to freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. Such rights extend to minors as well as adults. Libraries facilitate the exercise of these rights by providing access to information regardless of format or technology to facilitate research and education.

Internet users must sign an Acceptable Use Policy, either as a card-holder or as a guest (non-card-holder). In order to use a general access Internet terminal, users age 12 through 17 must have a permission form on file signed by their parent or legal guardian. In order to use a general access Internet terminal, children under 12 years of age may access the Internet only under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has signed the Policy. Anyone under the age of 18 may use a terminal that has access limited to a few child-friendly sites. Library staff will not act in loco parentis.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all computer terminals in the library with access to the Internet will be filtered to meet the requirements of the act. Upon request, the filter will be disabled by the staff for use by an adult, so long as said usage does not violate other terms of this policy.

The library will not provide home page service or electronic mail (e-mail) service for patrons, although users may access e-mail through free services available on the Internet. Because of the bandwidth required by interactive uses, activities such as chat rooms, instant messaging, and interactive game playing are not permitted. Information may be downloaded onto the user’s own disk or external storage device, but patrons may not download any programs or store any files on the library’s computers, including files changing desktop or screensaver appearance. The library staff is authorized to delete any files on the hard drive or public access disks.

The following Internet access uses will not be permitted:

1. to access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material;
2. to transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language;
3. to violate any local, state, or federal statute;
4. to vandalize, damage or disable the property of another individual or organization;
5. to access another individual's materials, information, or files without permission;
6. to violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission;
7. to disrupt any of the Internet networks as a whole or any equipment or system forming part of the library’s connection to the Internet;
8. to make mass distribution (or other form of intrusive "broadcast") of any message over the Internet, including but not limited to advertising.

Any violation of the library’s Internet policies may result in the loss of the individual's right to use JCPL- provided Internet Access and/or general library privileges.

Re-activating privileges for users under 18 requires a new registration form signed by the parent or legal guardian.

The library staff is authorized to establish procedures to implement this policy.

Revised Sept. 8, 2009
 

User Rules

• Gallery computer user may reserve time or walk-in.  Initial sign-up period is up to one (1) hour.  Additional time is available in 30-minute increments if no one else is waiting, but it is the user's responsibility to check at the desk for an extension of time.
• Gallery computer user must check in and out at the circulation desk
• Two persons may be at a terminal so long as there are available seats and the noise level is acceptable.  The library staff is authorized to ask people to leave the area if behavior or noise level become unacceptable.
• Only paper purchased at the circulation desk may be used in the printers.  Cost is 15 cents per sheet, paid in advance.
• Library staff assistance is limited to basic equipment troubleshooting.

WARNINGS

Parents Beware:
    The library strongly recommends parents familiarize themselves with the Internet before signing the permission form allowing a child access.

    Although the Internet has huge amounts of readily accessible reference materials, it also contains the following:
    - pornography
    - racist and sexist information
    - illegal activities
    - bomb and drug formulas
    - information that may interfere with the legal rights and obligations of a parent
    - other sensitive and inappropriate materials.

    Children may also be able to order materials or other items for which parents will be held financially responsible.  

    The library's Internet terminals DO have filters designed to block material potentially harmful to minors, but no filter is perfect.  There is a chance inappropriate material will be displayed.

    Parents should teach children the dangers involved with e-mail, such as identifying themselves to strangers.  Parents should also be aware that children can potentially order materials or other items for which parents will be held financially responsible.

    Other than the restrictions imposed by filtering software, the library staff does not monitor or restrict what a child may access, as long as the activity is not contrary to the library's rules.

Policy and rules revised September 2009

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