C. INTERNET USAGE:  (Passed September 9, 1997, Revised 10/14/2003)

It is the Library's mission to make available to all residents of Columbia, a wide variety of media for their educational, informational and leisure-time pursuits.  Toward this end, the Library offers Internet access to its cardholders.  The use of the Library's Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges.

To use the Library's Internet, the potential user:

1.        Must be a Columbia cardholder in good standing.

2.        Is limited to one hour. 

No reservations will be taken.

3.        Must read this policy and sign the attached waiver(s).  If they are under 18; a parent/guardian must sign the waiver in person.

Internet usage is limited to one person per terminal. Library staff will permit exceptions on a case-by-case basis.  Children under 12, however, MUST be accompanied by a registered adult Internet user.

The Library's computers are not set up to download to disks.  However, you may print files and information at the going rate of .10 cents per page for black print and .25 for color print.

INTERNET CONTENT WARNING

A majority, if not all, of the information and data obtained on the Internet is generated outside the library.  It is therefore impossible for the library to control, restrict or prevent access to controversial materials.  Each parent/guardian is responsible for conveying the standards that their child or ward should follow.  By giving permission to use the Internet, a parent/guardian accepts full responsibility for their minor's actions and acknowledges that there is information on the network they may not otherwise want available to their minor.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following are examples of unacceptable Internet use:

1.        Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of federal copyright law or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation;

2.        Unauthorized downloading (or loading) of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or free of virus.

3.        Using the network for private or commercial gain, or advertising private or commercial concerns;

4.        Wastefully using resources such as file space;

5.  Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;

6.  Invading the privacy of individuals;

7.  Using another user's account or password;

8.        Posting material authorized or created by another without his/her consent.

9.        Posting anonymous messages;

10.    Deliberately accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing or illegal material.

11.    Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

12.    No chat rooms or Messenger chatting.

LIBRARY DISCLAIMERS

-The Columbia Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied for the service it is providing.

-The Library is not responsible for any damages the user suffers.

-Library staff is not responsible for in-depth instruction or technical assistance on the Internet terminals, other than basic hardware/software instructions.

 -The Library assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees.

 -Future Internet privileges may be modified and/or suspended in their entirety at the discretion of the Library.

 Violations of these policies may result in the loss of privileges and/or appropriate legal action.  Furthermore, the user agrees to indemnify the Library for any losses, costs or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the Library relating to, or arising out of any violations of these policies.

Internet Filtering

Our Internet computers have filter software applied to avoid access to inappropriate sites, games and chat rooms. Amended 05/08/2007)