It is the policy of Live Oak Public Libraries (“Library”) to make internet resources available to its patrons along with collections of print, non-print and electronic reference resources. The addition of internet resources provides access to information beyond that contained in the Library’s collections.
Restricted Use
The Library’s computers are to be used only for lawful purposes in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided.
Use of the internet is governed by Georgia and/or federal law. Misrepresentation, unauthorized access to code, passwords or signatures, altering hardware or software, and any use for an illegal purpose is strictly prohibited. Patrons/staff must comply with all copyright laws and must not copy, download, post, reproduce, or distribute software, data, or other materials (including photographs, videos and/or music) in violation of the U.S. Copyright Act or other applicable law.
Activity Monitoring and Content Filtering
The Library is not responsible for internet content and does not control access to online content or protect patrons from online content they may find offensive, except in regard to compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).1
The Library is compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), and has technology protection measures (“internet filters”) on its computers, designed to protect against access to visual depictions that may reasonably be construed as 1) obscene, 2) child pornography, or 3) harmful to minors. Sending, receiving, or displaying sexually explicit materials or materials deemed harmful to minors is prohibited. Appropriate use and discretion must be followed when viewing materials. Library staff may request the removal of materials displayed on a public access computer.
Parents and guardians of minors have both the right and the responsibility for their child’s use of the internet computers at the Library to:
- assure their children’s safety and security when using email, chat rooms and other forms of electronic communications;
- protect against unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by their children;
- protect against unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and
- restrict their children’s access to internet sites that are harmful to minors.
Unfiltered Internet Access
As part of the technology protection measures, every effort is made to ensure sites that are not prohibited are not blocked for public consumption. However, due to limitation of filtering technologies, certain websites may become misclassified and therefore blocked. Should you find a website blocked you have the right to request that the website be unblocked by a library staff member.**
Administrative Actions
Patrons waive the right to any claim against the Library, its employees, trustees, officers and agents arising from the use of the internet.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of computer privileges or banishment from all Library locations.
Notes
- For more information on CIPA and the Library’s CIPA compliance measures, see the Library’s policies on Public WiFi and Computer Access and CIPA Compliance and Social Media Guidelines for the Public. ↩