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Gibbs Memorial Library - You Can Go Anywhere With A Book

Computer / Internet Use Policy

This policy applies to all users of Gibbs Memorial Library computers or networks. In agreement with CIPA Regulations, all Library public access workstations use filtering software to access the Internet.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The Internet provides a means to access information far beyond the Library's own collections. The Internet is a gateway to information of great diversity in many countries and cultures around the world. Because of its international character, however, there is no external monitoring of the Internet.

While most of the information accessed can be valuable and enlightening, the user may also find materials that are unreliable, inaccurate, personally offensive, or illegal under U.S. law (see also USA Patriot Act). The Library cannot police a global network and each individual user must take responsibility for his or her own activities on the Internet and for the activities of his or her children.

Supervision of a child's access to the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent or guardian; the Library does not have the right or responsibility to act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent/guardian). However, in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554), the Library does filter Internet access for both minors (persons under the age of 18) and adults to certain visual depictions that are:

 (1) obscene (as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code), or

(2) child pornography (as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code), or, with respect to use of computers with Internet access by minors, and

(3) harmful to minors. Furthermore, all customers must abide by §43.22 and §43.24 of the Texas Penal Code, which prohibits the intentional or knowing display of such materials, while being reckless about whether a person, and especially a minor, is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display.

USA Patriot Act Warning

Under Section 215 of the federal USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 105-56), records of books and other materials you borrow from this library may be obtained by federal agents. Federal agents may also track your personal Internet usage on library computers. This federal law prohibits librarians from informing you if federal agents have obtained records about you.

Rules Governing Use

Software has been loaded on most public access computers to provide internet usage in one hour session increments. This software requires the user to log on to the computer using a bar code, either from their own Gibbs Memorial Library Card or Guest Pass supplied by the Library. There is a 2 hour limit per session per day allowed to a patron.

Computer users must respect the established time limit and honor any staff request to end their session.

Users may not

  • Circumvent filtering or blocking software, or other security measures to access visual depictions deemed (a) obscene, or (b) child pornography, or (c) harmful to minors, as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554).
  • Circumvent public access computer time management software, or procedures.
  • Use the workstations or laptop devices to gain access to the Library's networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
  • Obstruct other people's work by consuming large amounts of system resources or by deliberately crashing any Library computer system.
  • Attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
  • Attempt to alter software configurations.
  • Attempt to cause degradation of system performance.
  • Use any Library workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose.
  • Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of Library workstations.
  • Engage in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
  • Install or download any software.
  • Harass others
  • Use the Internet for any illegal activity
  • Waste finite resources (including printing without paying)

Violations may result in loss of access. Staff is empowered to terminate or extend a user session if appropriate. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in an appropriate manner, including notification of law enforcement authorities.

 Supervising Children’s Use

It is the Library's policy that parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what resources (e.g., online catalog, web site search engine, subscription databases and electronic books, journals or articles) are appropriate for their children. There will be some resources that parents may feel are inappropriate for their children. Parents should let their children know if there are materials that they do not want them to use. Parents should supervise their child's Internet sessions. 

In agreement with CIPA regulations, all Library public-access workstations use filtering software to access the Internet. No filtering software can control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate. Gibbs Memorial Library does not guarantee the total effectiveness of technological protection measures such as filtering software. 

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. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. 

The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.

Web site Comment Form

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~Public Law 106-554), Gibbs Memorial Library does filter Internet access to certain visual depictions that are

1) obscene, or

2) child pornography, or

3) harmful to minors.

If you were unable to access a Web site and you do not believe the content of that Web site falls into the above-mentioned categories, or if you were able to access a web site that you feel does fall into one of the above-mentioned categories, please print out this form so that our filtering software IT department may review the site in question.