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Internet Access Policy

The Queen Anne's County Free Library offers access to resources on the Internet in response to the changing information needs of the community. Internet access is one component of the Library's mission to provide residents of Queen Anne's County with information and materials which successfully addresses their educational, informational and recreational needs.

The Internet is a worldwide computer network which provides access to a global body of information. The resources available on the Internet expand the Library's information services beyond traditional collections. Not all Internet sources provide accurate, complete, or current information and some may be offensive. The Internet is a rapidly changing environment. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessible on the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Users are responsible for determining if the information they access is acceptable, reliable and suitable to their needs.

The Library is not an Internet service provider; it is an Internet access provider. The Library supports access to information resources, but not to Internet services such as Internet chat, instant messaging and synchronous conferencing. The Library permits patrons to access interactive educational, governmental and commercial Internet services that are not prohibited by the Library Board of Trustees.

Accepted by the Board of Trustees --November 23, 1997
Revised and Accepted by the Board of Trustees --September 25, 2000
Revised and Accepted by the Board of Trustees --November 25, 2002
Revised and Accepted by the Board of Trustees --March 28, 2005 to become Effective April 1, 2005
Revised and Accepted by the Board of Trustees --March 26, 2007 to become Effective April 1, 2007

QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY FREE LIBRARY USE OF THE INTERNET BY CHILDREN

Parents/guardians are responsible for their minor childrens use of the Internet just as with all Library materials. Library staff cannot control the databases that children may select on the Internet. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to discuss with their children the acceptable use of the Internet. Parents/guardians and children are also encouraged to read "Child Safety on the Information Highway", jointly produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Interactive Services Association. The publication is available in the Library.

It is the parents/guardians who set family standards and values. The Library cannot usurp that right nor assume the responsibility. The Internet, since it should be no different than any other media, is an opportunity for parents/guardians to hold discussions with their children about family standards. As with any use of public buildings, young children should never be left unattended at the Library.

The Library cannot control the content of information accessed over the Internet. Parents/guardians should supervise their children's Internet session if there are databases they do not want their children to use. The staff will monitor the Internet use by all minors. Minors (children under 18) are not permitted to use Library equipment to access obscene materials or child pornography. Staff will actively intervene when they observe such behavior or it is brought to their attention. The Library reserves the right to terminate any user's session which it deems inappropriate or disruptive to Library operations. Failure to comply with this request will result in termination of Internet privileges.

Pointers for Parents/Guardians

1. Visit the Library often with your child.
2. Spend time on-line visiting Internet sites with your child.
3. Encourage your child to ask Library staff for help in finding information on the Internet.
4. Keep yourself informed of current trends related to the Internet.

QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY FREE LIBRARY ACCESSIBILITY AND USE

1. Queen Anne's County Free Library cardholders wishing to access the Internet must have a signed Queen Anne’s County Free Library Internet Policy on file. Patrons must then use their Library card number and PIN to access an Internet computer. Library cardholders from other Eastern Shore Counties who have their card registered with SAM in their home county may use Internet accessible computers. Individuals without Library cards must read and sign the Internet Policy to obtain a one-day visitor’s pass to access an Internet computer.
2. Patrons must pay all outstanding fines and charges before they will be permitted to access the Internet.
3. All minors must have a parent or legal guardian personally come into the Library and sign a parental/guardian consent form prior to minors accessing the Internet.
4. The Library may set time limits for Internet sessions.
5. A copy of the Library's Internet Access Policy listing user's rights, restrictions and responsibilities will be given to each patron.
6. Internet accessible computers are available during Library hours, subject to periodic maintenance. All Internet sessions will end 15 minutes prior to Library closing time.
7. Patrons may use Internet access at the Library for educational and informational purposes only; not for prohibited or illegal activities. Patrons may not send, receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene (see Telecommunications Act of 1996, Title V, Subtitle A).
8. Patrons may not use Internet accessible computers to solicit funds, to sell products/services, or for gambling.
9. Patrons may not use their own software programs or discs on Library computer equipment. This prevents the spread of viruses on public computers.
10. Downloading of files is not permitted. Patrons may not write data to any of the disc drives of the Internet accessible computers.
11. Displaying of sexually suggestive objects or pictures could be a violation of State or Federal obscenity laws.
12. The user agrees to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations or liabilities relating to the use of information obtained from the Library's electronic information system.
13. The Library reserves the right to terminate any user's session which it deems inappropriate or disruptive to Library operations. Individuals may request the Branch Librarian of the facility to review any session terminated by a Library staff member. In the event that the review is not resolved, the patron may request a second review by the Library Administrator. Staff members terminating sessions will file a record of termination which includes patron's name, address and phone number; time and date of termination; web site's address; and reason for termination with their Branch Librarian. Patron must submit a written request for review within 10 calendar days of session termination to the Branch Librarian. The Branch Librarian will review termination and notify the patron of the disposition within 30 calendar days of receipt of request. Penalties for violating the Library's Internet Access Policy will be as follows:
    • First session termination will result in loss of Internet access privileges for the remainder of the day.
    • Second session termination will result in loss of Internet access privileges for 30 days.
    • Third session termination will result in the loss of Internet access privileges for one year.
    • Each successive termination will result in the loss of Internet access privileges for one year.
14. Access to sites on the Internet may be difficult at times.
15. Printing must be completed within time limits. Printing cost will be the same as per page photocopy charges.
16. The Copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of copyrighted material. Responsibility for any possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user; the Library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting thereof.
17. Internet experience varies among the staff. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning Internet computer jargon or personal computer use. Staff may be able to offer search suggestions and answer questions. Because of scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available.
18. The Library reserves the right to amend this policy as needed.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the Queen Anne's County Free Library Internet Policy. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that the Queen Anne's County Free Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage incurred in using the Library's computer equipment.

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