Public Internet Use Policy of the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library

I. Purpose

To fulfill its mission of providing public access to information of all types in a wide range of formats, the City of Kerrville Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library ("Library") provides public access to the Internet, both through Library-owned computers that are available to the public and through a wireless network (Wi-Fi) that patrons may access through their own devices. The Internet is a global network comprised of information, multimedia resources, and social networks representing a variety of viewpoints and perspectives.

II. Internet Use

A. Patrons are prohibited from using the Library’s network for illegal activity, to access illegal or obscene materials, or to display material that violates the provisions of Section 43.24 of the Texas Penal Code: Sale, Distribution or Display of Harmful Material to Minors.

B. Library staff is available at times to assist patrons to become information literate: to access information efficiently and effectively, evaluate information critically and competently, and use information accurately and creatively.

C. It is both the right and responsibility of parents and/or legal guardians to guide their children’s use of Library resources in accordance with individual family beliefs.

D. Library staff may establish rules governing Internet use and consequences for misuse that are consistent with this Policy.

E. The Library maintains a list of websites for use by patrons to help guide them to sources that are accurate, complete, and current.

F. Not all information found on the Internet is accurate, complete, up-to-date, or otherwise acceptable to all individuals. The Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet, changes in content of the sources to which the Library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.

III. Security & Privacy

A. The Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or as necessary for the proper operation of the Library.

B. The Library is not responsible for the privacy practices or security of any website accessed by patrons.

C. The Library and the City of Kerrville accept no liability for any loss of privacy or data that patrons may experience, or any damage or harm arising from such loss.

D. Patrons are prohibited from making any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify Library-owned computer equipment or software; and are prohibited from downloading or saving items to Library-owned computers.

E. Patrons may download or save items on their own devices.

IV. Public Internet Access with Library-Owned Equipment

A. In an effort to enable as many patrons to use Library-owned equipment as possible, Library staff may limit the number of Internet session(s) a patron may have per day with Library-owned equipment and/or may limit the time that a patron may use such equipment.

B. Library-owned equipment purchased with grant funds may have restrictions or limitations placed on them by Library staff according to the terms or intent of the grant agreement.

V. Public Wireless Internet Access

A. The Library provides access to the Internet via a wireless network (Wi-Fi) for patrons to use with their own personal notebooks, laptops, and other mobile devices.

B. The Library-provided Wi-Fi is unsecured. A patron who chooses to access the Library’s Wi-Fi is responsible for anti-virus, security, and privacy protection.

C. Patrons using Library-provided Wi-Fi must comply with this Policy.

D. Patrons are responsible for having the proper hardware, software, and network settings on their wireless device to connect to the Library-provided Wi-Fi. Library staff will not be available to provide technical assistance related to a patron’s wireless device.

E. Printing is not available via the Library’s Wi-Fi service.

F. The Library is not responsible for any theft, damage, or misuse of a patron’s device.

VI. Compliance

A. Failure to comply with this Policy may result in the loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and possible prosecution.

B. Any attempts to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, to damage or modify Library-owned computer equipment or software, or to intentionally download or save items to Library-owned computers will result in the loss of computer access privileges, potential loss of Library privileges, and possible prosecution.

Adopted November 2012