Tipton County Public Library Internet Usage Policy and Disclaimer

The purpose of the Internet in the Library is to make a vast array of information and research resources available to the people of Tipton County. To accomplish this in a fair and equitable manner, the following policies have been adopted.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS

External Networks
Users of networks or facilities not owned by the Library will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of those networks and facilities. These policies and procedures can be obtained from the network information center of the network in question.

Legal Use
Network resources may only be used for legal purposes. Examples of illegal purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Harassment of other users
• Libeling or slandering other users
• Destruction of or damage to equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
• Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials

Ethical & Moral Use
Network resources must be used in accordance with the accepted guidelines and policies of the Library.

Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Violation of computer system security
• Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers
• Violation of network usage policies and regulations
• Interfering with system operation
• Degrading system performance in any way
• Viewing and/or producing obscene or pornographic material, or material deemed harmful to minors

Age Requirements
Children using the LAN computers who are under 8-years old must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible patron. Children under the age of 12 are given priority in the use of the children's' computers.

SANCTIONS
Unlawful use, misuse, or abuse of computer equipment or materials will result in suspension or termination of user access to these resources. The Library staff will determine the appropriate action, in accordance with the guidelines, as to whether suspension or termination of privileges is imposed.

DISCLAIMER
The Tipton County Public Library computer network is filtered in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000. Filters determine suitability based on several factors, but no filter will exclude all inappropriate text and images. Some content and websites might be blocked to the user, including legitimate sites. Adult patrons over the age of 17 may request that the filters be disabled. Patrons should be prepared to provide identification upon request. It is the responsibility of the parents of minors to monitor their children's Internet access.

Since the Internet is a global electronic network, there is no state/county control of its users or content, outside of the mandated filters. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The Library cannot control access to material nor protect users from offensive data. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library connection.

Library staff cannot control availability of information that often changes rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers; questioning the validity of the information they receive.

The transmission of information both to and from Internet sites is done at the patron's own risk. The Tipton County Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its Internet connection.