The Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. It is, however, an unregulated medium with a highly diverse user population. The Library cannot control or monitor the amount of material accessible via the Internet. It is possible that individuals might access information they personally find offensive or disturbing. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining the suitability of content for themselves and their children.
In response to advances in technology, the Rice Avenue Community Public Library is endeavoring to develop resources and services that meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of the community. It is within the context that the Library offers access to the Internet.
To be granted access to the Internet at the Library, users must have a valid Rice Avenue Community Public Library card and agree to abide by certain rules and regulations related to the appropriate, legal and ethical use of the Rice Avenue Community Public Library computers. Users must sign an Internet Computer User's Agreement, which commits them to the stated policies. Internet access will be given to persons under the age of sixteen years only with written parental permission. All appropriate signatures must be signed in front of a Library official. Parents or guardians must accompany children under the age of twelve while they are using the Internet access.
Users are warned that sources on the Internet do not always provide accurate, complete or current information. As with any material provided by the Library, the user must take responsibility in questioning the validity of the information found.
The Internet computer equipment and software must be used as installed. Users are not permitted to delete, add to or modify the installed hardware or software. All equipment is to be treated with respect.
Users may not request the use of any specific computer and may not wait until a specific computer becomes available.
The Library does not provide e-mail accounts. The Library will allow access to forms of e-mail that do not use Library computer storage.
Users may not use the Library's computers to make unauthorized entry into any other computer or network.
Users may not disrupt or interfere with other computer or network users, services or equipment.
Users may not represent themselves as another person or use the Internet access to transmit or receive obscene language or depictions of any kind or to harass other users.
Users will be subject to a 15-minute time limit on the Internet if others are waiting to use the equipment. The Librarian has the authority to limit the time for any user on the equipment to one (1) hour per day even if no other user is waiting.
Users may not turn off or reboot Library computers.
The Library reserves the right to use filtering and/or blocking software to enforce this policy and any other applicable laws.
The Library reserves the right to use logging software to monitor use of Library computers. If the logs show inappropriate or possible illegal activity, then the corresponding sign-in sheet will be used to identify the user using the computer equipment.
The Rice Avenue Community Public Library is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Even though the Library employs a Technology Protective Measure (TPM), objectionable sites may slip through. No TPM is 100% effective. The Internet Access & Computer Policies were developed to prohibit the access to objectionable sites and to protect minors.
Computer and Internet and/or other Library privileges may be revoked for up to six months per infraction for inappropriate behavior or any policy violation.
Violation of these policies may result in termination of Internet privileges or a revocation of the violator's library card, in addition to the criminal penalties found in 18 Pa. C. S. § 5903, a copy of which is available from the Librarian, or applicable civil penalties.
The Library will report illegal use (including but not limited to: displaying child pornography, displaying obscenity or displaying materials harmful to minors) to the appropriate local, state or federal law enforcement agency and cooperate fully with those authorities.