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INTERNET USAGE Visitors wanting to use the internet The Cape Girardeau Public Library is pleased to offer internet access for travelers passing through the area. Simply come to the reference department at the library. After reading our policies and regulations and agreeing to its terms, you may access your e-mail account or search online. You do not need a library card to use the computers. Adult/Reference Computers - Internet terminals are available to in-house library users during normal business hours. All who use the library's Internet computers are required to read and agree to abide by the Internet usage policies. Individuals ages 18 and under must have a parent or guardian also sign the agreement form. The Reference staff will help with searching techniques and resources. Children's Computers - It is the policy of the Cape Girardeau Public Library to provide resources including Internet access equally to all library users. Filtering software has been placed on computer stations in the Youth Service Area. In accordance with the law, the filters may never be disabled for minors. Software filters are not 100% effective, therefore parents and guardians, not library staff, are responsible for all information that their children select, access and/or submit. Parents are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. In accordance with the Neighborhood children's Internet Protection Act, minors may not access inappropriate matter on the Internet. The library also cautions minors that electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications are not safe or secure. Minors should never disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information. (Whenever an individual comes to the library to use the Internet computers, they will have to read the following policies and sign the user agreement form.) Internet Policies Nature of the Internet: The Cape Girardeau Public Library has no control of the Internet and its resources. We therefore assume no responsibility for the quality, accuracy or timeliness of any information obtained from the Internet. Please be aware that the Internet contains material that may be of a controversial nature to some users. Staff Assistance: The Reference staff will help with searching techniques and resources. Staff will ask patrons with no previous Internet experience to schedule an hour Internet Introduction coaching session. Patron Use: Internet terminals are available to in-house library users during normal business hours. With the exception of visiting travelers, all users must apply for a library card with a picture ID and a proof of address. (Non-residents of the Library District will only be able to use this card to access the Internet). Anyone with $5 or more on their record will be denied access to the Internet terminals. Visiting travelers who request access will be given a 1 time use guest account. Computer stations in Youth Services are for youth 16 and under. Children in grades 2 and under must have an adult with them at all times at any library computer station. Time Limits: Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and may not be reserved ahead of time. Internet use is limited to a maximum of 2 hours per day. Printing: Internet terminals are on-line with a printer for patron use. Each page is $.15, payable through the coin-op. Those wanting to print documents should use the print preview first in order to print only the pages desired. Downloading: The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal disks when downloading nor for any viruses that may be downloaded with software on the Internet. Preformatted disks and CD's are available for purchase at the circulation desk for $.50 each. E-mail: The library does not offer electronic mail accounts. Patrons may download their e-mail if they know the Internet address of their private accounts. Library Links: The Cape Girardeau Public Library Reference Links are sites frequently used by the Reference staff to answer questions for which other sources are not readily available. The selection of the Youth Services links is determined by educational, informational, cultural and recreational interests and needs to individuals of the Youth community. The selections are supported by professional journal reviews and maintained by library staff. Personal Software: Patrons may not use personal software, or alter or attach equipment to the library's hardware. Ethical Use: Internet computers may not be used for illegal purposes. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to: hacking; harassment of other users; libeling or slandering other users; destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library or other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; or unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material. Internet Access Policy: It is the policy of the Cape Girardeau Public Library to provide resources including Internet access equally to all library users. However, as part of the library's effort to restrict minors' access to harmful materials, filtering software has been placed on computer stations in the Youth Services Area. Software filters are not 100% effective, therefore parents and guardians, not library staff, are responsible for all information that their children select, access and/or submit. Parents are advised to supervise their children's Internet sessions. In accordance with the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act, minors may not access inappropriate matter on the Internet. The library also cautions minors that electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications are not safe or secure. Minors should never disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information. Inappropriate Images: In light of the above statements, the Cape Girardeau Public Library assumes the responsibility for maintaining a neutral environment in the public service areas. We ask patrons to be aware that terminals are in public locations and can be readily viewed by other patrons in the library. The library recognizes that although certain material may not be offensive to some, the staff does reserve the right to ask a patron not to access a site that displays material that may be offensive to other library users. Approved by The Board of Trustees on September 23, 1999, Revised October 25,2001, Revised July 25, 2002, Revised June 26, 2008. Internet Registration and User Agreement 1. I have read the policies concerning the use of the Cape Girardeau Public Library's Internet computers and agree to abide by them. 2. I agree to pay any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software damaged by myself or my minors for whom I am responsible. 3. I understand that the library is not responsible for any damage to personal disks due to system malfunction, or any other reason. 4. I understand the copyright laws restrict duplication of copyrighted software, and I will follow all the copyright laws. 5. I understand that if I fail to abide by the Internet computer policies, I will lose eligibility for use of the Library's Internet computers. 6. I understand that information I may give or take through the Internet is not necessarily secure. 7. I understand that the Internet is not safe or secure, particularly for minors, when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communications. _____(Initial) 8. I understand that it is unlawful to disclose, use and disseminate personal identification information regarding minors without proper authorization. _____(Initial) Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________________ Name (print clearly): _________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________________________________ For patrons 7th grade - Age 17: As the parent or guardian of ____________________________________________ I give permission for my child to use the Internet terminals at the Cape Girardeau Public Library, with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring his/her appropriate use of the Internet computers and that I am financially responsible for any damage that may occur. Parent's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ____________
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