Arkansas City Public Library Internet Access Policy

The Arkansas City Public Library’s Internet access is intended primarily as an informational resource. The Library does not provide access to chat, news or discussion groups.

Library patrons must have an Arkansas City Public Library card to use the public Internet access computers. A maximum use of one hour per day is allowed.

Library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion. The Arkansas City Public Library does not protect persons from information found individually offensive. The Arkansas City Public Library has no control over resources available from outside the Library nor does the Library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet at any given time. The Library cannot be responsible for its content.

The Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for viewing by children. The library staff is not in a position to monitor and supervise children’s use of the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

The Arkansas City Public Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library does not monitor an individual’s use of any sites except when material displayed on the screen is not appropriate in a public environment. As all Internet workstations are in view of other patrons and staff, users are not permitted to display any visual images containing obscenity or graphic violence as identified in K.S.A. 21-3516 and 21-4301 et seq.

Unlawful acts and inappropriate use of Internet access will result in cancellation of the individual’s use of this service. Examples of unlawful acts or inappropriate use include, but are not limited to the following: · Displaying any visual images containing obscenity or graphic violence · Using the Internet access station to display or disseminate sexually explicit or suggestive material · Tampering with computer hardware or software · Using the Internet for illegal or unethical use · Using the Library’s Internet connections to conduct business or any other commercial enterprises. · Transmitting threatening, harassing or abusive language or images · Not respecting the privacy of others

Illegal acts involving library computer resources may also subject the user to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. It is unlawful for any library patron to utilize a computer in a manner which is in violation of K.S.A. 21-3755 et seq.

If Internet searching results in disruption of library service or if patron behavior when using Internet resources becomes inappropriate for a library setting, the library reserves the right to end the session.

Users must comply with the United States Copyright law and all other applicable laws.

When using the Internet, please remember that some material may be outdated, wrong, or biased. Patrons are encouraged to critically evaluate all information found.

Library staff may assist with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction on computer use.

ADOPTED 5/12/99