Internet Access and Computer Use Policy

Purpose: The mission of the Calhoun County Library is to provide materials, programs, and services that allow access to information, facilitate lifelong learning, and serve the cultural and recreational needs of all members of Calhoun County. The purpose of this policy is to establish rules and regulations regarding patron use of the computers, printers, and Wi-Fi connection provided by the Library.

Policy: In order to ensure appropriate and effective use of the Library’s resources, the Library Board has established this Internet Access and Computer Use Policy. Access to these resources is available to all patrons without discrimination; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the following guidelines. Any illegal activity is subject to Federal and State law whether on a Library owned computer or a patron’s own mobile device connected to the Library’s Wi-Fi.

While the Internet provides a wealth of information, it is an unregulated medium. The Library cannot guarantee the accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness, or usefulness of information obtained on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for any damages related to use of such information. The Library does not necessarily endorse the opinions and information found on the Internet, and cannot protect users from information found personally offensive or objectionable. We encourage users to carefully evaluate all information for themselves.

  1. All users must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. Children ages 8 and under require a signed Parental Permission Agreement and adult supervision. Youth ages 9 through 17 require a signed Parental Permission Agreement, but may use the computers without adult supervision provided they follow all guidelines and regulations set forth in this policy.
  2. All patrons using the Library’s Internet access or computers must have a valid Calhoun County Library card. Non-residents of the county may use the computers on a Guest card, which must be obtained from a staff member.
  3. Users must sign in using their library card number for each session. A session is defined as a 2-hour period of time. After one session, users may sign up for a second session provided no other patrons are waiting to use the computers. Users will be allowed a maximum of 2 sessions per day.
  4. Library staff will assist users with basic sign-on issues, but additional computer use and skills are the responsibility of the user. Library staff members are not trained in technological assistance, and the availability of staff members for minor assistance will be dependent on the needs of other patrons at the time.
  5. The Library’s Internet and Wi-Fi connections may not be secure. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages caused by the transfer of sensitive information over the Library’s network.
  6. Users may not:
    1. Add, delete, or modify in any way the hardware or software of the Library’s computers.
    2. Violate copyright law or software licensing agreements.
    3. Send, receive, display text or graphics, or otherwise engage in any activity that may be reasonably construed as obscene, harassing, libelous, malicious, or harmful to minors as outlined in Arkansas Code 5-68-501.
    4. Violate any local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
    5. Use the Library’s Internet for commercial purposes.
    6. Use the Library’s Internet to gain access to computers or networks for which they are not authorized.
  7. At the end of each session, users must log out of any websites and close all applications.
  8. Printing must be completed within the time of the user’s 1-hour session. The following charges will be assessed in order to cover the cost of paper and ink. Printing will be completed at a cost of $0.25/page (black and white) or $0.50/page (color). Faxes will be completed by a staff person at a cost of $1.50/page for each outgoing page. Incoming faxes will not be allowed.
  9. Failure to use the Library’s Internet access and computers appropriately and responsibly as outlined by this policy will result in suspension or revocation of computer and/or Library privileges. The following actions will be taken in response to violations of the Acceptable Use Agreement.
    1. First offense – verbal and/or written warning and suspension of computer privileges for the remainder of the day
    2. Second offense – suspension of computer privileges for 30 days
    3. Third offense – permanent revocation of Internet access and computer use privileges
  10. If Internet searching results in disruption of library services, or if patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the Library reserves the right to end the session and/or ask the patron to leave the Library at any time.
  11. Users are responsible for maintaining a clean and usable workstation. Hands should be clean. Food and beverages in open containers will not be allowed near computers.
  12. In order to provide a comfortable environment for all users, cell phones should be kept on silent or vibrate at all times while in the Library.

Please be respectful of your fellow Library users. Any questions about this policy may be directed to a Library staff member for clarification or explanation.

See Arkansas State code 5-68-205, 5-68-302, 5-68-501, and 5-68-502.