Perry County Public Library System
Internet and Computer Use Policy (revised January 2021)
The Perry County Libraries are pleased to offer public use of the Internet as part of the library's mission to promote the love of reading and provide access to free resources in pursuit of knowledge and enjoyment.
Guidelines
- In accordance with the Tennessee Code Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 9, sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics that may be reasonably construed as obscene by community standards inside or on the grounds of Perry County Public Libraries is prohibited, regardless of age of the library patron using computers inside Perry County Public Libraries.
- Users must accept and comply with all U.S. copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files, and other resources obtained via the Internet. The library expressly disclaims any responsibility resulting from copyright infringement by a library patron.
- Downloading of images or files from the Internet to the computer's hard drive is permitted. Unknown files will be purged from the system daily.
- All Internet users should avoid disclosing personal information over the Internet to preserve their own personal safety. Library Internet users are prohibited by law from disclosing, using, or disseminating personal information regarding minors without written authorization of the parent or legal guardian of the minors involved.
- Engaging in any of the following activities is a violation of policy: libeling or slandering of others; uploading a worm, virus, or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in hacking activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.
- Internet users are prohibited from using the library computers or Internet connection to compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chatrooms, social media and other forms of direct or indirect electronic communications. Such use includes, but is not limited to giving others private information about one's self or others or arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has met on the Internet without a parent or legal guardian's permission.
- Limited staff time and expertise do not permit training in the use of software, but staff will provide basic assistance with startup, and with saving and printing files.
Technology Protection Measures
In compliance with Section 9134(f)(1) of the Library Services and Technology Act, all computers with access to the Internet and available for use by the public will include technology protection measures for minors that protect against access through such computers to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene; (2) child pornography; or (3) harmful to minors; and the library is enforcing the operation of such technology protection measure during any use of such computers by minors; and All computers with Internet access will include the operation of a technology protection measures with respect to all of its computers that protects against access through such computers to visual depictions that are (1) obscene; or (2) child pornography; and the library is enforcing the operation of such technology protection measure during any use of such computers.
Disclaimer
The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world. Information access through the Internet is not warranted by the library to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. It is the patron's responsibility to verify the accuracy of any material found on the Internet. Therefore, library patrons are advised to exercise critical judgment when using information from the Internet, realizing accuracy, completeness and currency vary widely. Accurate, comprehensive, and current information may be found online at the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL).
Although the library uses a program that checks for viruses, there is no guarantee that files downloaded from the Internet are virus-free. The library is not responsible for any damages that may arise from accessing, saving or downloading files.
Responsibility
As with all library resources, the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. It is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians to monitor their children’s Internet usage, not the responsibility of library staff, volunteers, or other library patrons.
All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided to all users. There is no age limit for use of any materials provided on the Internet. Children have access to the same resources as adults. It is left to the discretion of the parent or legal guardian to decide what resources are appropriate for their children.
Violations
Individuals who use the library's computer resources and Internet inappropriately and do not comply with the guidelines, may have their library privileges suspended upon the first occurrence of said violation for up to 30 days during which entrance to any public library in Perry County will be denied. Subsequent violations may result in library privileges being suspended for up to a year. Individuals using library computers or Internet connection for illegal purposes or who cause malicious destruction to property may also be subject to criminal prosecution.
