Internet Access Policy
It is the mission of the Ennis Public Library to maintain public access to local, national, and international sources of information. These information resources include books, audiovisual materials, newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROMs and the Internet. The resources and services of the Library are to meet the cultural, educational, informational and recreational needs of the community.
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, personally offensive or illegal under U.S. law. The Library cannot police a global network and each individual user must take responsibility for his/her own activities on the Internet and for the activities of his/her child. Parents are advised to supervise their child's Internet sessions and may wish to review the Dallas Public Library's publication, Parents Guide to Supervising Children's Internet Experiences.
The Ennis Public Library uses a filter to block sites that are illegal under Texas law.
Texas Penal Code 43:24. Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to a Minor: (b) A person commits an offense if, knowing that the material is harmful: (2) he displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display.
However, it must be remembered that no filter system is 100 percent successful. Adults or children will not hold the library responsible for the information accessed on the Internet. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to supervise or restrict his/her child's access to the Internet. The Library will strive to assist patrons in becoming informed Internet consumers.
Internet resources are accessible to adults and children in kindergarten and older students with a current library card in good standing. All young people under the age of 18 must have a parent sign the registration form. The parent at the library only fills out registration forms. NO forms will be sent home for signatures.
A children's computer lab is equipped with three(3) Internet access computers for children in grades K-6. Children in grades K-3 must have a responsible adult with a current library card present with them when accessing the Internet. Children in grades 4-6 will use the computers in the children's computer lab only. The children's computer lab is open during regular library hours, however, Internet access is only permitted when the lab is staffed by library personnel during the posted staff hours. Use of the Internet must be compatible with the Mission of the Library. It is the responsibility of each user to be guided by the following principles:
· Respect for the privacy and sensibilities of other users.
· Attention to the legal protection provided by U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, USC) which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material, except as permitted by the principle 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.
· Consideration for the integrity of computing systems. For example, users must not intentionally develop programs to harass other users or to infiltrate a computer or computing system, or develop programs that may damage or alter the software components of this or another computing system.
Further examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or to other users, including adding, altering, or deleting files on Library workstation hard drives or other Library computer equipment.
· Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material.
· Violating software license agreements.
· Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords, or alter the configuration of Library workstations in any way.
· Harassing others.
· Using the Internet for any illegal activity.
· Gambling on the Internet.
· Wasting of resources (including printing without paying). Printed copies are 20 cents per page at the Reference Desk. The color printer in Reference is $1.00 per page.
The Library reserves the right to terminate the Internet access privileges of any person abusing these principles. There will be one verbal warning. The second offense will terminate all computer rights.
Use of the Library's Internet computers will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be taken. While Library staff is happy to assist users in accessing the Internet, each user is responsible for his/her own search. Staff cannot provide in-depth personal training in the use of the Internet or of personal computers.
E-mail accounts are not available. Internet accessed e-mail such as Yahoo and Hotmail may be accessed. The Library e-mail address will not be used in any transactions.
Mindful of the changing technology of today's society, as a courtesy to out-of-town day visitors, they may use the internet at the Library when workstations are available. This courtesy is extended one time. If a longer stay in Ennis is necessary the visitor will need a temporary library card.
Approved by the Ennis Public Library Advisory Board
December 14, 1998 - Mary Wade, Chairman
Revised August 10, 1999 - Mary Wade, Chairman