Approved by:
Board of Trustees

06/01/00
10/28/03
01/25/05
07/25/06

Patrons must have a current, unrestricted PINES borrower’s card to access Internet computers or present other appropriate identification. All patrons will be required to read and accept the library system’s policy regarding patron responsibilities for computer use. Patrons who do not comply with or who deliberately violate Hall County Library Internet and computer use policies will no longer have computer privileges in the Hall County Library System.

Persons under the age of 18 must have permission of a parent or legal guardian in order to have Internet privileges. A parent or legal guardian of a minor is responsible for supervising the minor’s Internet activity.

The library complies with all State and Federal laws pertaining to the Internet. Only a parent or legal guardian can provide permission for a child to have access to the Internet. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for supervising the minor's Internet activity. While filtering software is installed on all library computers to filter inappropriate matter and materials that may be harmful to minors, it is not 100% effective.

Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A time limit is imposed on computer users.

Virus protection software is used and kept current on public access computers. Patrons should be aware that this is not 100% effective and that saving information to disks or transmitting electronic information from a library system computer does not insure that a virus has not been transmitted. Downloading software from the Internet to library computers is prohibited in order to protect library equipment. The installation of personal software to library computers is allowed only when necessary to operate a personal audio device. Any other installation of software on library computers is prohibited. Any personal audio software left on a library computer will be removed on a daily basis.

Computer generated prints are assessed a fee per printed page. Patrons are obligated to pay for all pages printed.

Offering computer access and service to the public is labor intensive and costly. Library staff members will offer basic computer assistance, but they should not be expected to provide computer training on demand.

Library computer activity is not private, confidential, nor free of observation. A patron’s Internet activity may be viewed by library staff at any time. A patron may face criminal prosecution for inappropriate use of a library computer.

Some material available through the Internet may not be accurate or factual. The library system is not responsible for the accuracy of Internet resources and databases.

Patrons are expected to comply with all copyright and licensing agreements and computer protection laws.