Internet Use Policy

4.5 Internet Use Policy

In order to fulfill our mission to provide information without discrimination to all of the Region’s citizens, we are providing public access to the Internet. The Internet is a global, digital network with no centralized control over users. The Library cannot police a global network and each individual user must take responsibility for his or her own activities on the Internet and for the activities of his or her children. Because of this, users should be aware of the following:

1. A patron must have a library card in good standing to use public computers. Library cards are not to be shared with friends or family members.
2. Patrons may not utilize the Library’s computers in violation of any local, state or federal ordinances, regulations or laws, including any activities in violation of Arkansas Codes §5-68-501, §5-68-302, §5-41-103 and U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).
3. Patrons are prohibited from damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or to other users, including adding, altering or deleting files on Library workstation hard drives or other Library computer equipment.
4. In order to provide equitable patron access, session length and number of sessions per day is limited. All computer sessions, regardless of length, count towards the session number total.
5. Patrons must respect the privacy and sensibilities of other users.
6. Patrons are prohibited from engaging in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.
7. Printing is available for a per page fee from most computer workstations.
8. To preserve patron privacy and to ensure system functionality, software or files are not permanently saved to the hard disk of any computer. Personal software may NOT be installed on library computers. Work may be saved to a USB device.
9. The Library does not provide support for patron’s equipment that is connected to the Library’s computers and does not assume any liability for those devices’ functionality, contents or serviceability.
10. Those libraries who apply for E-Rate for internet access are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Adult patrons 18 years and older may elect to disable the filter for unrestricted access for any lawful purpose that meets SEARL guidelines. The library does not monitor and cannot control information accessed by patrons through the Internet. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children’s Internet sessions. Parents may wish to visit sites such as www.safekids.com for suggestions on child safety on the Internet.
11. Southeast Arkansas Regional Library is committed to providing an environment free from harassment. Users may not display on screens and/or print materials that may be unlawful or prohibited under any applicable federal, Arkansas or local laws.
12. The Branch Manager is required to monitor the computers for violations of the above policies and laws. Persons found to be in violation or to be misusing or abusing the computers will be restricted from ALL Library use for the time specified.
    1. First Offense: One Week
    2. Second Offense: One Month
    3. Third Offense: Banned from library

Application to the Regional Director must be made for reinstatement.

The Branch Manager will be responsible for keeping a record of offenses and for notifying the Director on the third offense.