Computer and Internet Policies

1. Access to Internet Resources
   
   1.1 - The mission of the Taylor Public Library is to provide educational, informational, and recreational resources to patrons of all ages, cultural and economic backgrounds. The Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services.
   
   1.2 - The Taylor Public Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information networks around the world with the Library's other resources. As an unregulated medium the Internet offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. The Internet also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.
   
   1.3 - In introducing the Internet as an information resource, the Taylor Public Library's goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and as a public access agency give opportunity to any citizen or visitor who wishes to participate in navigating the Internet.
   
   1.4 - Library staff will identify specific starting points for searches on the Library's home page which are appropriate to the Library's mission and service roles. The Library cannot control or monitor other material which may be accessible from Internet sources. It is not possible to apply the same selection criteria which are used for other materials.
   
   1.5 – The Taylor Public Library offers unfiltered access to the Internet.  The Library cannot control or monitor the vast amount of material accessible from computers and networks via the Internet. Individual users & parents or guardians of minor children must accept responsibility for determining content.
   
   2. In-Library Access
   
   2.1 - The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material. The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of Library materials and resources.
   
   3. Conditions and Terms of Use in the Library
   
   3.1 - In an effort to ensure that the use of this medium is consistent with the Mission of the Taylor Public Library the following regulations shall apply:
   
   3.1.2 - Designated Internet stations will be located where they can be monitored by staff for assistance and security.
   
   3.1.3 - The Library reserves the right to require all prospective users to read and agree to the Taylor Public Library’s Internet Use Policies and Procedures for library computers and Internet usage.
   
   3.1.4 – The Library will not tolerate users who damage or abuse computer equipment or furniture.  This includes removing equipment, installing harmful programs or otherwise inflicting physical damage on Library equipment or furniture.  Computer users are responsible to pay for all printing. The Library assumes no liability for damage to users’ data, documents, discs, CDs or other storage devises.
   
   3.1.5 - Youth under 16 years of age are required to have signed parental or guardian permission to access the Internet.  The Library reserves the right to request identification of potential users to verify age.  Children 6 years old & younger are not allowed on the Internet unless physically sitting with a supervising parent or guardian.  While the Library will make every effort to ensure that the use of the Internet is consistent with the Mission Statement, parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values and boundaries.
   
   3.1.6 - The Library will establish procedures that will make Internet stations equitably available to all users on a first come, first serve basis.  The Library will manage the Internet stations as a limited resource, making time limits or other limits & restrictions as detailed in procedures. 
   
   3.1.7 - Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library's Rules of Conduct which have been adopted and are posted in the Library.  Use of the Library’s computers for illegal, criminal or other unauthorized purposes is not allowed.  Such abuses include but are not limited to:  abuse of U.S. Copyright Law; breach of computer security or online solicitation of a minor as detailed in Texas Penal Code, Chapter 33; display or distribution of obscene images or materials or display of materials harmful to minors, pornography or child pornography as detailed in Texas Penal Code, Chapter 43; abuse of any other laws or ordinances, be they local, state or federal, during the operation of the Library’s computers.  Computer users who engage in criminal activities will be subject to criminal prosecution by the appropriate police agency.

          3.1.8 - Failure to use the Internet stations appropriately and responsibly, as defined in the policies and
          procedures, may result in revocation of Internet use privileges or expulsion from the Library, as determined
          by the Library Director or City Manager.