I. Mission Statement for Internet Use

To fulfill its mission of meeting our citizens’ needs for reading, learning, and information, the Richland County Public Library offers access to a broad range of information resources, including those available on the Internet.

II. Acceptable Use

The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information, and some sources may be offensive. The Richland County Public Library does not maintain and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet.

As with other library resources, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. To direct children to recommended Internet resources, the Library has developed a Kids’ Site with appealing and age-appropriate reading levels and links. This is accessible on all PCs in the library. Also, Library staff is available to provide assistance identifying appropriate sites for children exploring the Internet. However, the Library also upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of this and other library materials and resources. Library users, adults and children, are the final selectors in using the Internet and are responsible for their individual choices and decisions.

The following Internet safety guidelines and tips are helpful when using e-mail and other Internet services:

For children

• Never give out personal information without asking your parents
• Tell an adult you trust about anything that makes you feel uncomfortable
• Never agree to meet someone in person without talking to your parents
• Don't give passwords to anyone except your parents

For parents

• Talk to your children about Internet safety
• Get to know your children’s online friends
• Work with your children on the Internet; visit sites they visit
• Establish guidelines for Internet use just like you do for television watching
• Teach your children not to give out personal information

The Library Board of Trustees in compliance with the Child Internet Protection Act and South Carolina Law approved the use of web filtering software on all public access computers. The software is designed to filter pornographic pictures or text. The Board recognizes that such filtering software is far from perfect and may allow some inappropriate content to get through and may block some appropriate sites.

Everyone accessing the Internet must click on an agreement page stating that they will abide by the Internet Use Policy of the Library.

The Internet must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others and taking care with the use of equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed.

The computers cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under applicable federal, state, or local laws, specifically accessing web sites in violation of Section 16-15-305, South Carolina Code of Laws.

Material on the Internet and the World Wide Web is copyrighted. It is the user's responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Web and to respect state and federal copyright laws.

The Richland County Public Library is committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment. Users must not display on screens and/or printers materials that may be objectionable.

III. Conditions and Terms of Internet Use in the Library
(Guidelines for Public Internet Use)

1. Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Code of Conduct that has been adopted by the Library Board of Trustees and is posted in the Library. The following rules must be observed.
   1. PCs may not be used to gain unauthorized access to the Library’s network or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
   2. Users may not damage or attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
   3. Users may not violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
   4. Users may not engage in any activity that is disruptive to other library users.
   5. Users may not violate federal, state or local laws or regulations, specifically accessing web sites in violation of Section 16-15-305, South Carolina Code of Laws.
   6. Users may not bypass web-filtering software, or demonstrate how to do so to another person.
   7. Users may not disclose, use or disseminate personal identification information regarding minors without authorization.
2. Patrons may not download or use malicious software on library PCs.
3. The Richland County Public Library is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information found on the Internet. Violations of any of these rules may result in loss of access to the Internet and/or other Library privileges. Unlawful activities may result in prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Violations of these rules will result in loss of access to the Internet and/or other library privileges. Unlawful activities may result in prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.