Internet Access Policy

Purpose Statement

The Jacksonville Public Library maintains a Web site and provides access to the Internet as one means of fulfilling its mission to "assemble, organize, preserve, and make available easily significant books and other enriching materials which will provide information, education, and education for every resident of the community..." (Jacksonville Public Library Mission Statement). All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using Public Library resources and facilities.

Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which by local community standards would be obscene (as defined in Texas Penal Code, sections 43.21 & 43.24. A copy of this definition, as spelled out by these sections, is available at the Circulation Desk). Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or to prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy as stated or implied herein.

User Caveat

The Internet is a global, unregulated network, with no state/country control of its users or content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of an inappropriate and/or controversial nature. The library has no control over the material you may directly or inadvertently access and cannot protect users from possibly offensive materials. The Jacksonville Public Library cannot be held responsible for any material accessed via the Internet, including the World Wide Web and E-mail. Use of the Jacksonville Library’s Internet access computers to view and/or distribute such material is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in suspension and/or revocation of the user’s rights to access the Internet via the library computers.

Users should note that since the Internet is a global, unregulated network, the library cannot control the availability of information links which change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of any information found.

Optional Use of Filtering Software

The Jacksonville Public Library supports the right and responsibility of parents to direct use of the Internet by their own children, and provides convenient access to filtered Internet terminals located in the Children’s Department. Filtering software (which is not under the control of the Library) may restrict access to sites which could be deemed objectionable, but may also limit access to sites which have legitimate research value. No filtering software is completely effective or efficient.

Library-developed Web site

The staff of the Jacksonville Public Library has developed a library Web site with recommended links in order to facilitate use of the Internet. Users should recognize, however, that the Library is not responsible for changes to the content of linked sites, nor for the content of sources accessed through subsequent links. Staff will provide assistance to Internet users to the extent that time and other patron demands allow.

Rules of Conduct

Persons wishing to use the Internet computers must have a valid Jacksonville Public Library card, current and in good standing. Your library card must be presented each time you wish to use the Internet computers.
Users must sign up to use the Internet on a next-available-terminal basis. Terminals will not be "reserved" for persons who are not in the immediate vicinity when their name is called, and telephone reservations will not be taken.
An individual has up to one hour on the Internet. In order to maximize availability of the Internet for all users, each individual is limited to a total of 2 hours per day, regardless of how many terminals are in use. On Saturdays, however, an individual has up to one half hour on the Internet. In order to maximize availability of the Internet for all users, each individual is limited to a total of one hour per Saturday, regardless of how many terminals are in use.
Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by authorized Library staff.
Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials which by local community standards would be obscene (as defined in Texas Penal Code, sections 43.21 & 43.24. A copy of this definition, as spelled out by these sections, is available at the Circulation Desk).
Library staff may limit use of computer equipment which has been purchased from grant funds, according to the terms or intent of the grant agreement.
Installation, downloading, or modification of software is prohibited.
Users will respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
Users will not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
Prompt payment is required by users who incur charges for printing or other authorized fees.
Users will respect the privacy of other users and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
By mutual agreement between Library staff and the Internet users, two persons may share one access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other library users or Library staff.
Children under the age of 12 (11 or younger) must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during their Internet sessions. Patrons under the age of 18 must have a signed permission form from their parents, to be filled out by the parent IN THE LIBRARY. Parents wishing to allow their children to use unfiltered Internet access must indicate so on the child’s release form.
As a courtesy to non-residents, temporary passwords are available for non-Cherokee County residents age 18 or older that will allow access to the Internet for thirty minutes. One thirty minute session is allowed per day.

Termination or Prohibition of User Access

Library employees are authorized to terminate any user’s access session, and to prohibit a user from subsequent access sessions for up to two weeks from the date of informing the user of that action, given cause to believe that the user has failed to comply with the Internet Acceptable Use Policy and/or Rules. After three such terminations, the patron will be denied access for one year.

Internet users whose access session his been terminated or prohibited will be given information concerning the process to protest the action and/or request that Internet access privileges be reinstated.