Computer Use
OUR MISSION:
The Boerne Public Library believes that all people have the right to cultivate a love of reading, enrich their lives through lifelong learning and cultural pursuits, and gather with others to exchange diverse ideas. We are dedicated to providing the means and the space to realize these goals with traditional resources and cutting-edge technology.
EQUAL ACCESS:
Computer resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users who comply with policy guidelines.
The Boerne Public Library supports the principle of open access to information and ideas, regardless of the medium in which they exist. The Library believes that a democracy can only succeed if its citizens have access to the information necessary to form opinions and make decisions on issues affecting their lives. The Library regards access to this information as a right of free citizens. The Library endorses the American Library Association's Code of Ethics, Freedom to Read Statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and the interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights.
DISCLAIMER:
The Internet is an unregulated global entity and is the largest electronic information network in the world, enabling the Library to provide information to our patrons beyond the Library's collection. The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and options from varied points of view. Due to the Internet's constantly changing nature, the Boerne Public Library has no control over the information or its quality, accuracy, or currency. Just as the Library does not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of printed material in the collection, it does not do so for electronic information. Selection policies that serve to govern the Library's purchase of printed materials do not apply to material accessed electronically.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the content of any Internet site, or for damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of electronic services through our system.
Users are warned that there are sexually explicit materials and other information resources on the Internet that some people may personally find controversial, indecent, or inappropriate. Other Internet sites may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, or inaccurate. It is therefore the responsibility of the user to evaluate the validity and acceptability of information found.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Because the possibility exists that children may have access to sexually explicit materials and other information resources on the Internet that some people may find controversial, indecent, or inappropriate, parents are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents also may be held responsible for their children's misuse of computers. For more information on children and the Internet, see Child Safety on the Information Highway produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Interactive Service Organization at http://www.missingkids.com/en_US/publications/NC03.pdf. The Spanish language version is available at http://www.missingkids.com/en_US/publications/NC169.pdf.
CHILDREN'S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT:
The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was passed by Congress in December 2000, as part of Public Law 106-554. In June 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requiring public libraries that receive federal funding (E-Rate) to filter all library online workstations.
The Boerne Public Library chose to forgo federal funding in the interest of free access to information.
However, since the library's youth computers have been filtered for minors ages 16 and under since the inception of the CIPA in 2001, the Boerne Public Library and its Advisory Board see no reason at this time to discontinue this practice. Library staff will continue the practice of monitoring computer usage as time allows. Users should be aware that filtering software might not block inappropriate material at all times.
COPYRIGHT:
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 (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.
TEXAS PENAL CODE:
Computer users are advised of the following law of the State of Texas:
Sec. 43.22. Obscene Display or Distribution.
(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, Sec. 1, eff. Jan 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.
COMPUTER ASSISTANCE SUPPORT:
Library staff will be available to assist library patrons in the use of electronic resources as time permits, but may not be familiar with every application. Due to scheduling constraints, there may not be a computer trained person on duty at all times. On such occasions complete technical support cannot be provided.
GUIDELINES FOR COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS:
1. Internet access and library computers are normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during all hours that the library is open. Use of the computers is on a first-come, first-served basis. No telephone appointments will be taken.
2. Youth computers are for children age 16 and under. Youth must be old enough to operate the computer independently. In compliance with Library policy, children age 8 and under must be under the supervision of an adult or mature adolescent (at least 13 years of age or older) who is physically present with the child when visiting the library.
3. Time on each workstation and number of access sessions available per day and per user will be limited at the discretion of the library staff. Users must end their session and leave the workstation when asked to do so by library staff.
4. Pages may be printed for a fee per copy. Both black-and-white and color printing are available. Prompt payment is required by users who incur charges for printing or other authorized fees.
5. To better ascertain needs and provide the most effective service to all users, at the time of computer checkout library staff on duty may ask about intended use of the computer in order to assign a particular computer.
6. Library staff reserves the right to refuse to print inappropriate materials.
7. Users over 16 years of age requesting that blocking or filtering measures be disabled may be asked for positive identification to prove date of birth.
8. In accordance with the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act
(N-CIPA) and to further protect minors, users
(I) must not provide access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web;
(II) are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized access, including "hacking," and other unlawful activities by minors online;
(III) are prohibited from unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and
(IV) must abide by measures designed to restrict minors' access to materials harmful to minors.
9. To insure the safety and security of minors, a staff member who is authorized by the Library Director may prohibit a minor from using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications.
10. Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being utilized by others.
11. By mutual agreement, two persons may share one session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.
RULES GOVERNING USE:
Use of library computers and the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Any act in violation of the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act or Section 43.22 of the Texas Penal Code.
2. Excessive demands on library staff for assistance in using the computers.
3. Using the workstations to gain access to the Library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
4. Obstructing other people's work by consuming large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any library computer system.
5. Making any attempt to degrade, damage, or disrupt computer equipment or software.
6. Making any attempt to alter software configurations.
7. Making any attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
8. Using any library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
9. Engaging in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
10. Uploading or creating of computer viruses.
11. Invading the privacy of other individuals.
12. Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
13. Installing any software on library computers.
Violations will result in loss of computer privileges. Unlawful activities or deliberate misuse of computers will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner to the full extent of local, state, and federal law.
Last revision: March 12, 2009
(Reviewed by City of Boerne legal counsel, May 2005)
Approved by City Council: October 9, 2001
Initially adopted: September 10, 2001
