Highland County Public Library is pleased to offer its patrons access to the Internet. Realizing that the library's book collection and other available materials may not contain sufficient information to answer all queries, the library offers access to the Internet as a supplemental information resource.
Access and Use Policy:
The Internet is an enormous network of computer networks that connect with each other to share information. Governments, businesses, associations, schools, and individuals make information available to Internet users. Because it has so many contributors, the Internet contains a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view, some of them controversial. Not all sources on the internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. HCPL does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet. HCPL assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its Internet connection. Users are responsible for the access points they reach. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the library's connection. Users are encouraged to be critical customers, and to evaluate information carefully.
Acceptable Use Guidelines:
To use the Internet at HCPL, you must have a library card and sign and Internet access application. To use the Internet computer, you must log in first with the librarian at the front desk.
Children under the age of eighteen must have their parents' permission to access the Internet. The permission will be indicated by a signature by a parent or legal guardian on the application.
Children under age ten may not use the Internet unless they are under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, teacher, or adult care provider.
The internet computer is a public place and can be viewed by other people. Privacy and confidentiality cannot be assured. Users should be sensitive to others when choosing Internet sites to explore.
Users are limited to half an hour if others are waiting. However if no one is waiting, the person may stay on until some else wishes to use the computer.
Users are allowed to print electronic files or copy them to diskette. The charge for printouts is $.25 per page for text, and $1.00 for pictures. The charge for diskettes is $1.00 each.
Downloading or FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is allowed provided it can be accomplished within time limits.
Regular e-mail accounts are not available on the library's computer. Web-based e-mail may be used through a web site such as Hotmail.
Newsgroup, chat services and instant messaging are not available on the HCPL computer.
Unauthorized Use:
Unauthorized use of the internet via HCPL computer may result in loss of internet privileges. The following are prohibited:
Using the HCPL computer for illegal or criminal purposes.
Using the HCPL computer to "hack" the HCPL system or any other system.
Reading, or attempting to read, any protected file including a person's electronic mail.
Installing personal software on the HCPL computer.
Obstructing other people's work by consuming excessive amounts of system resources and time. You must respect the privacy of others using the HCPL computer by not interfering with their use.
Any person making unauthorized use of computers and the Internet in violation of applicable laws may be prosecuted.
Staff Assistance:
Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits. Formal instruction may be provided at designated times. Internet-trained staff may not be available at all times and cannot be considered "expert".
Rights of Patrons:
The standards of intellectual freedom and confidentiality endorsed by the American Library Association and the Board of Directors of the Highland County Public Library for traditional library media shall apply to electronic media as well, including the Internet.
Library staff will treat the contents of electronic files as private and confidential. Any inspection of electronic files, and any action based upon the inspection will be governed by applicable Federal and Virginia laws as well as the policies of HCPL.
Patron Responsibilities:
By signing up for Internet access at HCPL, the patron agrees to abide by the terms of this Internet use policy.
Public Internet Access Policy - Approved 4/28/98
