Riverside Regional Library

Public Internet Access Policy

(approved December 5, 2002) 

Internet Access at the Library

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, Riverside Regional Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational and educational needs of Riverside's diverse community.  It is within this context that the Riverside Regional Library offers access to the Internet.

Patron Responsibility 

1.  Inappropriate Images—Use of the library’s Internet computer to access material that is obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” is expressly prohibited.  Public display or printing of offensive or explicit sexual material is a violation of RS MO-573.060 and will result in suspension or revocation of library services and appropriate penalty under law.

2.   Age limits—All patrons age 16 and above may use any public access Internet computer. The library reserves the right to ask for proof of age. 

3.   Internet access by children—As with other library materials, supervision of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. 

4.   Parental permission required—Children age 15 and under must have a signed Parental Permission form on file.  This form must be filled out at the library by the parent or legal guardian. 

5.   Parental assistance required—Children age 7 and under must have a signed Parental Permission form on file AND must sit with the child at the computer when the child is accessing the Internet.  Children age 7 and under who are not accompanied by an adult will only be allowed access to the computers without Internet access, i.e. the Gateway computers in the “”child profile.”

6.   Signing up—Before using the computers for the first time, patrons must read and agree to abide by this Internet Use Policy by signing the form at the end of this document.  

7.   Signing in—Patrons must sign in and out at the circulation desk each time they use the Internet computers. 

8.   Time limits—Patrons may sign up for a one-hour block of time.  The patron must give up a terminal  at the end of  the hour if another person is waiting to use it.  If not, then he/she may sign up for one additional hour.  

9.   Reserving computer time—No more than 1 day in advance.  Can be reserved at the library or over the phone.  If patron has not arrived and signed in by 5 minutes after the hour, that time slot will be made available to other patrons.  

10.  There is a minimal cost per page for printing. Pay at the circulation desk. 

11.   Formatted disks can be purchased at the circulation desk.   

12.   Headphones for designated computers may be signed out from the circulation desk. 

13.   E-mail can be accessed on the library’s terminals. 

14.   Chat Lines, and messenger programs are prohibited on the library’s terminals. 

15. Damage—Patrons agree to pay for any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software intentionally damaged by the patron or by minors for whom the patron is  responsible. 

16.  Computer use—Computers are not to be altered for any purpose.  Patrons may not install or use their own software on the library’s computers. 

17. Ethical Use—Internet computers may not be used for commercial, unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.  This includes, but is not limited to, (a) harassment of    other users, (b) libel or slander of other users, (c) destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to thelibrary or other users, (d) disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, or (e) unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.

18. Penalties—Patrons are solely responsible for violations they or their legal dependents commit in relationship to library guidelines and policies as well as local, State and Federal laws that apply to usage of library electronic systems.  Such violations may result in suspension or revocation of library service and appropriate penalty under law.  

Library System Responsibility

1.  The library provides only access to the Internet and assumes no responsibility for the suitability, quality, accuracy, or timeliness of its contents.

2.  The library adheres to the basic tenets of the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statements, however, we reserve the right to investigate violations of patron responsibility as stated in this policy.

3.   Computer terminals are in public locations and can be easily seen by staff and other patrons in the library.  The staff reserves the right to ask a patron not to access a site that displays images that may be offensive to other library users or, if he/she persists, to ask the patron to stop using the computer or, if  necessary, to suspend or revoke that patron’s Internet use privileges. 

4.   The library staff provides limited assistance with Internet use.  If you have little or no experience in using the Internet, we encourage you to take the 30-minute introductory training offered weekly at the Central library in Jackson.  

5.   The library staff provides limited assistance with software programs that are installed on the library computers, but please note that the staff may not be familiar with every application available. Tutorial manuals are available on the computer tables, plus computer instruction books are available for checkout.

6.   Riverside Regional Library assumes no responsibility for damage to a patron’s disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library’s computers.

7.  Riverside Regional Library and its board members and employees will be indemnified and held harmless from any actions or judgments resulting from any breach of this policy statement.  They shall not be criminally liable or liable for any damages that might arise from a minor gaining access to material that is pornographic for minors through the use of a public access computer that is owned or controlled by the library.

Riverside Regional Library

Internet User Agreement & Registration

I have read and agree to abide by Riverside Regional Library’s Public Internet Use Policy.  I understand that if I fail to abide by this policy, my eligibility to use the library’s Internet computers may be suspended or permanently revoked.

(This portion to be filled out by patrons 16 years old and up.  Please print.)

Name:__________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________

           _________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________

Signature:_______________________________________________________

Date:_________________________

Parental Permission

Children 15 years old and younger must have a parent’s signature to have access to the library’s Internet computers. 
Parents must sign this form in person at the library:

(Please print:) 

Child’s name: _____________________________________________________

Child’s date of birth:_________________________

Parent’s name:____________________________________________________

Parent’s address:__________________________________________________ 

Phone number:____________________________________________________

Parent’s signature: ________________________________Date:____________ 

PLEASE NOTE: 
Children 7 years old and younger must have a parent or legal guardian sitting with them at the computer when accessing the Internet.