It is the mission of the Harrison County Library System to provide the citizens of Harrison County with centers for independent learning and cultural enrichment, To this end we view the Internet as a powerful and evolving tool that will provide new and exciting ways of linking our citizens with the information they need. Through the use of the Internet, library patrons will be able to find information not readily available elsewhere and will also be able to participate in the world-wide electronic community.
We believe that the same principles that have, for centuries, made libraries the repository of the printed word also continue to apply as we enter this new electronic age and that now, more than ever, we need to ensure that our citizens have free and equal access to all sources of public information. We also believe that our Librarians should continue in their traditional role of identifying, collecting, organizing and providing access to this continually expanding body of knowledge and ideas.
1. SCOPE OF INTERNET ACCESS:
It is the goal of the Harrison County Library System to provide the greatest possible access to
the Internet within the limits of available resources.
A. Current Access:
Patrons may access online library catalogs, full text and bibliographic databases,
electronic documents, and other informational resources.
B. Future Access:
Future access will be provided as it supports the library's mission and as funding
allows.
C. E-Mail:
The Harrison County Library is not able to offer E-Mail Accounts to the public.
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2. INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM: The Library recognizes the inherent right of individuals to determine what is most appropriate for their needs. To this end we recognize the standards set by the American Library Association.
A. Privacy/Confidentiality:
The same standards of privacy and confidentiality endorsed by the American Library
Association and outlined in their "library bill of rights" and "the freedom to read"
statements will be applied to our Internet access.
B. Equitable Access:
The Harrison County Library System endorses the ideal of providing information resources
regardless of technology, format, or method of delivery to all patrons equally and
equitably.
C. Content:
Users will be informed that information accessed off the Internet may be controversial,
inaccurate or dated, and that the standards maintained by our Collection Development Policy
do not apply to the vast information frontier provided by the Internet.
D. Children's use of the Internet:
As with the Library's other materials and services, parents or legal guardians are
responsible for the information selected or accessed by children. |
3. LIMITATIONS:
To insure equality of access to all patrons, Internet resources may be allocated at the discretion of the Harrison County Library System's Administration.
4. LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE:
The staff of the Library will be available to introduce Internet access and to provide initial instruction on its use. Reference assistance will continue to be provided within the framework of existing service guidelines. To insure the continuation of our traditional high-level of library services, the amount of time allowed to our staff for Internet instruction will be limited.
5. ACCEPTABLE USE:
The same common sense principles that guide the use of other library resources apply to
the use of the Internet, the Library expects patrons to use these resources in a responsible
manner that will, by definition, respect the rights of others.
It is not acceptable to use computer or Internet access to:
1. Degrade or disrupt the equipment or software.
2. Vandalize the data of other users.
3. Gain unauthorized access to other data banks or resources.
4. Invade the privacy of others.
5. Violate Federal, State, or local laws or regulations.
6. Install private software.
7. Engage in any activity which is deliberately offensive, libelous or slanderous.
8. Use any computer workstation to view or download pornographic material.
9. Participate in any real time "chat rooms".
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6. LIABILITY:
The Harrison County Library System assumes no responsibility for any damage, direct or indirect, that users or anyone else may experience through interaction with the Internet. The use of Internet resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed. Parents are strongly advised to monitor their children's Internet use. If a user feels that information obtained through this service is inaccurate or offensive, we suggest they contact the original producer or distributor of that information. The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by the Harrison County Library System.
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