Computer and Internet Use Policy

Henderson County Public Library is committed to fulfilling its mission to engage the community through experiences and services that educate minds and enrich lives. In keeping with this mission, the library offers access to a broad range of online resources using public computers or personal devices connected to public Wi-Fi. By accessing the internet at the library using public computers or public Wi-Fi an individual has agreed to abide by this Computer and Internet Use Policy as well as the Library Code of Conduct.

Wireless Access

The library makes no guarantees as to compatibility of user’s hardware with the library’s wireless network; nor does it guarantee that a wireless connection can be made or maintained. The user takes sole responsibility for any loss of data, or damage to personal equipment as a result of using the wireless network. The library reserves the right to terminate a wireless session at any time or prevent users and/or devices from future access to the Wi-Fi for policy violations.

Content

Users are responsible for determining the accuracy and appropriateness of information accessed through the internet. Users should be warned that some material available on the internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, and potentially offensive and/or disturbing to some people. Users access the internet at their own discretion. As with other library materials, it is the responsibility of parents or guardians to guide their children’s use of the internet.

Security

All library internet access is provided through an unsecured public network. Buying,selling, banking, tax preparation and other financial transactions are permissible, but users conduct such transactions at their own risk. Even with safety measures in place the library does not guarantee security/privacy of communication across its network. The security of wireless internet connections is determined by the user’s device security settings.

Inappropriate Use

Library procedures for accessing the internet must be followed and use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library Code of Conduct. Misuse of the county’s computer network, the internet, library computer resources and equipment, including equipment associated with wireless internet access includes, but is not limited to:

• Illegal activity as described in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-60
• Display of messages, files, or images that violates the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-26
• Conducting illegal activities, including retrieving and viewing of obscene materials
• Disclosing, using, and disseminating personal identification information
• Gaining unauthorized access to or “hacking” into the Henderson County Library or any other computer system
• Connecting any personal devices to the library’s wired Ethernet network or devices without prior authorization
• Damaging or attempting to damage computer equipment or software
• Interfering with the library’s computer systems, operations, integrity or security
• Gaining unauthorized access to another person’s files
• Sending harassing messages to others
• Altering or attempting to alter the library’s computer settings
• Violating copyright laws and software licensing agreements, and transmitting inappropriate materials via the internet, electronic mail, or other forms ofdirect electronic communication

Filter

CIPA Compliant Statement.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (Pub. L. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h))

The Henderson County Public Library receives federal funding for internet access. As a result the library complies with CIPA, a federal law, which requires the installation of filtering software on internet terminals. Filtering software helps to protect against access to visual depictions deemed ‘obscene’ (as defined in 18 USC Section 1460), ‘child pornography’ (as defined in 18 USC Section 2256), ‘harmful to minors’ (as defined in 47 USC section 254 [G], or as defined in N.C. General Statutes (14-190.1 – 14-190.15).