The Information Source for Calhoun County

Welcome to Calhoun County Library's Internet Access Guidelines!
In order to maximize Internet availability and to insure fair accessibility for all, we require that patrons follow these guidelines:

Internet Usage - General Guidelines

Computer and Internet Usage Policies

Internet Usage Procedures

Official Disclaimer:
The Calhoun County Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and therefore cannot be held responsible for its contents. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent and/or legal guardian.

Internet Usage - General Guidelines

1. You will need a Calhoun County Public Library Card.
2. Please sign in and out on the form provided at the front desk.
3. You may use the Internet workstation for ONE HOUR. If no one is waiting for the workstation the time may then be extended.  If someone is waiting after you have been on the system over one hour; you must relinquish it to the waiting individual.
4. You may NOT use your own software on the library computers.
5. If you wish to save files you may purchase a floppy disk from the library for $1.  You may not bring your own disks.  Printing charges are 10 cents per page.
6. Download times vary considerably.  Remember that the time limit on the session is one hour.  Make sure your time is adequate before starting a download - it may be cancelled by library staff! Warning - Although we use up-to-date anti-virus software on the Library's computers, we cannot completely guarantee that your downloaded files will not be infected.
7. Misuse of the computer or Internet access (i.e. tampering with files; saving personal data to the hard drive, attempts to 'hack' the library network, etc.) WILL result in the loss of your computer priviledges.
8. Due to Library staff scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available.

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Computer and Internet Usage Policies

1.  Access to Internet Resources

The mission of the Calhoun County Public Library is to provide educational, informational, and recreational resources to patrons of all ages, cultural and economic backgrounds. The Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services.

The Internet, as an information resource enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. In introducing the Internet as an information resource, the Calhoun County Public Library's goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and, as a public access agency, give opportunity to any citizen who wishes to participate in navigating the Internet.

2. Choosing and Evaluating Sources

The Library upholds and affirms the right for each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material.  The Library also affirms the right and responsiblity of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of Library materials and resources.

In choosing sources to link to our home page, we follow generally accepted library practices. Beyond this, we do not monitor or control information accessible through the Internet and do not accept responsibility for its content.  We are not responsible for changes in content of sources to which we link nor for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.

As with printed information, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information.  Users should evaluate Internet sources just as they do printed publications, questioning the validity of the information provided.

3. Conditions and Terms of Use in the Library

The Library reserves the right to require all prospective users to read the policies and procedures for library computer and Internet usage.  The Library reserves the right to require all prospective users to attend an orientation session as a condition for access to the Library Internet workstation.  Orientation will include training in the use of software and hardware, and guidelines for the responsible care of Library equipment.

Prospective users will sign an Internet Use Contract.  Youth under 14 must be accompanied by a parent and/or guardian.  Youth age l5 to 18 will be required to have parental and/or guardian permission to access the Internet.

The Library will establish procedures that will make Internet workstations available by appointment or on a first-come, first-served basis.

Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Rules of Conduct which have been adopted and are posted in the library.

Failure to use the Internet workstations appropriately and responsibly, as defined in the policies and guidelines, may result in revocation of Internet use priviledges.

Board Approved 3/6/98
Commisioner's Approval 3/31/98

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Internet Usage Procedures

User Responsibilities

• All users must have a current Calhoun County Public Library card.
• Users are expected to obey all federal, state and local laws.
• Users are expected to treat library materials and equipment in a responsible manner which will help to preserve the materials and to nsure availability for other users.
• Users are expected to obey the library policies and procedures. Failure to comply may result in the loss of Internet privileges.

Prohibited Use

• Do not make copies of any resources that are protect by copyright. Such resources may include, but are not limited to, software, data, text files, images, and sounds. The Calhoun County Public Library reserves the right to confiscate illegal copies that are created with our equipment.
• Do not access information without the effective consent of the owner or licensee of those resources. Ths act maybe considered a misdemeanor crime under Texas state law (SECTION 1. Title 7, Chapter 33, Section 33.02a).
• Do not save or download files to the hard drive (Drive C:).

Reservations

• The Internet terminal may be reserved up to one week in advance.  A sign-up sheet will be posted at the front desk.
• Each session is limited to one hour.  An individual may reserve the terminal for more than one session on a single day, however, each session must be separated by at least one hour.  Sessions may be extended if no one is waiting for the terminal.
• To claim a reservation, you must be present at the beginning of the reserved time period.  If you are still absent after five minutes, you will forfeit your right to the reservation.
• When the computer is not reserved, it is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Connecting to the Internet

• The librarian will choose and administer a single password for Internet access.  This password will not be shared with the public.  If a user wishes to begin an Internet session he/she should ask for a staff member to connect the Internet workstation to the Internet.

Restrictions

• Electronic Mail:  The library does not provide electronic mail (email) accounts, Internet Relay Chat, or access to Internet Newsgroups.  Email communications may be sent, but not received.  Individuals may not subscribe to listserves.
• Transferring files:  Files may be transferred (downloaded) to a floppy disk purchased from the library.  Files may not be transferred to the hard drive.  Users may not bring their own disks.
• Printing:  Anyone may print material from the Internet by using the library's networked printers.  There is a charge for each page printed.
• Do NOT install or download any software, nor make any attempt to alter existing software configurations.
  
  Board Approved 3/6/98
  Commisioner's Approval 3/31/98

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