2. The Library computers are available to residents, both students and adult, of Marshall County, and to non-residents who agree to abide by our use policies. The procedures for gaining access to and making optimum use of these resources shall be made available to users.

3. The Board of Trustees of the Marshall County Library System and the staff of the libraries respect the needs and interests of the citizens of Marshall County, who range from children to the elderly. The Library System supports the Library Bill of Rights, which states, ”Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.” The Library also recognizes an individual’s right to information. However, in an effort to equitably share the remarkable resources represented by the Internet, and recognizing the current very open nature of our buildings’ structures, no access to sexually explicit websites, violently explicit websites, Internet games, or to Internet chat rooms will be permitted via the library computers. To help insure this restriction, Marshall County Library System has installed and maintains (through the Mississippi Library Commission) filtering software on all library computers, both staff- and public-access. Anyone attempting to override this filtering software will be denied use of the library computers in the future.

DISCLAIMER
4. The Library does not assume responsibility for the information accessed through the Internet. The Internet is an unregulated medium. Not all information on the Internet is current, accurate, or complete, and the Library disclaims responsibility concerning the validity of material found there. Despite the use of filtering software, there are materials on the Internet which may offend or disturb patrons of any age. Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk.

CHILDREN AND THE LIBRARY COMPUTERS
5. The few computers what the library is able to make available are precious and hard-won. Young children must not be allowed to play or experiment on the equipment. Parents or guardians are responsible for watching their children’s treatment of the machines. Children or their parents are responsible for any printing which they generate.

6. There are special children’s workstations in each branch of the Marshall County Library. These computers are opened in a “Child” profile, which eliminates some of the office software available on other workstations. These computers have child-appropriate software which is not loaded on the other workstations, and they do offer filtered access to the Internet. Patrons over the age of 12 are never permitted to use these workstations, even if there is a waiting list for computer use. Parents are encouraged to sit with their children while the children use these or any workstations.

7. Despite the use of filtering software, there will be some resources available on the Internet which parents may feel are inappropriate for their children, so it is strongly suggested that parents monitor their child’s use of the computer at all times, even after the child has gained independent computer skills. The parents, NOT the library staff assume responsibility for deciding what electronic resources, which are available on even filtered workstations, are appropriate for their children.

8. Parents must warn their children to never, under any circumstances, reveal any personal information about themselves on any website on the Internet. This is essential for the child’s safety and well-being. This is why the library computers filter out access to electronic chat rooms, but parents must be aware that there are other sites which might solicit information from users. This warning is also posted in all library branches.

PROCEDURES FOR USING THE LIBRARY COMPUTERS
1. All those wishing to use the computer must first read and sign a Marshall County Library Computer Use Guidelines Agreement. A signed copy will be held at the library. Patrons under 18 years of age must also provide a parent or guardian’s signature, giving permission for the young patron to use the computers. Parents or guardians are strongly urged to accompany and oversee their children in the use of the library computers until the child is at least 12 years of age.

2. Registered users must sign in on the clipboard before beginning to use the computer. ( Do not enter a time on the sheet until you actually begin your time at the workstation.) Use is on a first-come, first-serve basis. We must enforce time limits in an attempt to have the machines shared equitably by the public. At the end of any workday, the number of computer-use sign-ins is tabulated for library statistics, and then the sign-in sheets are destroyed. This is to protect the privacy of any patron, of any age, signing in to use the library computers.

3. Time on the computer will be limited to one 30-minute session per day. Patrons may not sign up again for another session when their time is up. If you are a student needing more time to complete a school assignment, talk to a library staff member about arranging more time.

4. Printing is 10 cents a page, to cover the cost of toner. This includes mistakes and misprints, and applies to children as well as adults. If you experience a problem with printing, contact a staff member immediately.

5. Files cannot be saved to the hard drive. The library is not responsible for lost files. If you would like a permanent copy, you may buy a new, blank, formatted diskette from the library for $1.00.

6. Patrons using the Library computers must return the machine to the Desktop screen at the end of their session, closing any Windows which have been open during their session. A staff member will be happy to show the patron how to do this. Do not turn the computer off. Any printing which has been generated by the patron during the session must be claimed and paid for.

USERS MAY NOT:
7. Make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software. Make any attempt to alter computer configurations. Use any library workstations for any illegal or criminal purpose, including (but not limited to) so-called “hacking”, or electronically gaining illegal access to websites without authorization to those websites. Engage in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive to community standards, libelous, or slanderous. Install or download any software. Violate another user’s privacy.

8. U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U. S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information system, or any consequences thereof.