The Internet is a vast, unregulated information resource. Internet users at the Library are expected to use the Internet as an education/information resource. Because anyone can publish anything at any time from anywhere, the Library has no control over nor is it responsible for the content of the information available on the Internet. Users are encouraged to use critical judgment when evaluating the information they find on the Internet.

The following procedures and guidelines are used to help ensure appropriate use of the Internet at the Public Library of Anniston and Calhoun County.

Use of the Internet by Minors:

a.       Minors (defined as persons under the age of 19) shall not access illegal pornographic material, material "harmful to minors", or otherwise inappropriate for educational uses.

b.       Minors shall not use library resources to engage in "hacking" or attempts to otherwise compromise system security.

c.       Minors shall not engage in any illegal or unethical activities on the Internet. Such use includes but is not limited to:

1.    violation of copyright or licensing agreements

2.    violation of another user's privacy

3.    viewing or transmitting material that is not constitutionally protected

4.    representing yourself as someone else

5.    distributing advertising, junk mail, chain letters

6.    interfering with or harassing other users either in person or online

7.    transmitting computer viruses

8.    engaging in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous

9.    attempting to violate computer security or to gain unauthorized access to the library's network or computer systems or any other network or computer system

 d.       Minors should use caution in their use of electronic mail, chat
           rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications,
           as these forms of communication can expose minors to
           dangerous situations.

e.       Minors should never disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, and telephone number to strangers on the Internet

Any violation of library policy and rules may result in loss of library-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Use of the Internet by Adults:

a.       Adults (defined as persons 19 years of age or older) shall not access illegal pornographic materials

b.       Adults shall not use library resources to engage in "hacking" or attempts to otherwise compromise system security

c.       Adults shall not engage in any illegal or unethical activities on the Internet. Such use includes but is not limited to:

1.  violation of copyright or licensing agreements

2.  violation of another user's privacy

3.  viewing or transmitting material that is not constitutionally protected

4.  representing yourself as someone else

5.  distributing advertising, junk mail, chain letters

6.  interfering with or harassing other users either in person or online

7.  transmitting computer viruses

8.  engaging in any activity that is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous

9.  attempting to violate computer security or to gain unauthorized access to the library's network or computer systems or any other network or computer system

Any violation of library policy may result in loss of library-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in keeping with existing procedures and practices. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Enforcement of policy:

a.       The Public Library of Anniston and Calhoun County uses a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to some Internet sites that are not in accordance with the Computer Use Policy of the library or Collection Development Policy.

b.      The technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access may be disabled by a library staff member for bona fide research purposes by an adult.

c.       A library staff member may override the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access for a minor to access a site with legitimate educational value that is wrongly blocked by the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access.

Board Approved 8/21/2001, reviewed and revised 3/25/2008