Internet and Computer User Policy Child Safety & Privacy Issues

The Internet as an information source enables Bullitt County Public Library staff and patrons find a wide array of information from sources not available any other way. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the globe. It is, however, and unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. It is possible that individuals might access information they personally find offensive or disturbing. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining the suitability of the content for themselves and their children. No pictures should be viewed, downloaded or sent that can be construed as offensive to other library patrons.

Sources of information on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete, or current information. As with any material provided by the Library, the users must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found.

Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications: Minors under the age of 17: Giving others private information about one’s self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face to face meeting with someone one has “met” on the computer network or Internet without a parent’s permission.

Uses that violate confidentiality of information as affirmed in several Kentucky Attorney General opinion, Kentucky law recognizes the confidentiality of library records. Personally identifiable information about users, including minors, will not be disclosed or used in any way, except to law enforcement authorities as provided in the law. Users should be aware, however, that due to the technical difficulties involved in providing absolute security, transactions and files could become public.

Some of the Internet computers also contain other reference services. Patrons may be asked to move to a different computer if the staff or another patron needs to access some of the programs specific to a particular computer.

All Library computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Users are not permitted to delete, add to, or modify the installed hardware or software.

Because of the risk of viruses no floppy disk from home may be used in the computers.

Users may not install or download any software.

Users may not use the Library’s computers to make unauthorized entry into another computer or network.

Users may not disrupt or interfere with other computers or network users, services, or equipment.

Users must respect the legal protections of data and software provided by the copyright and license law.

Users may not use any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.

Although library staff are able to offer searching suggestions and answer some questions, they cannot provide in-depth training on Internet and personal computer use. Some staff members have extensive knowledge of the Internet; for others it is a new experience. Because of scheduling, staff who are knowledgeable about the Internet may not always be available.

The use of the computer shall be limited to 20 minutes when others are waiting. After the first 20 minutes, if another person needs to use the computer they will have first priority for its use. Another 20 minutes is not automatically booked by signing up again. Only one 20 minute block per day is guaranteed if others are waiting to use the computers.

From 3:00 PM – 6PM Weekdays and Noon – 5PM Saturdays to insure availability of computers for homework, research and reference work, chat and games will be limited to only certain designated computers. Even if the other computers are not in use.