Policy Adopted: May 4, 2010, by the AOPL Board of Trustees. We are pleased to offer computers, Internet, and wireless access to our patrons. This access is compatible with AOPL's stated goals of protecting intellectual freedom, providing information services, and encouraging learning. Internet users are connected to vast networks of information and ideas outside the Library. The Armstrong-Osborne Public Library has neither control over these resources nor complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. It is an unregulated medium. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable. Some sites contain material that may be offensive and/or illegal. AOPL assumes no responsibility for the content of these or any other Internet sites. AOPL complies with the United States Copyright Law and all other federal, state, and local laws relating to the use of the Internet and other electronic media. Library staff can offer searching suggestions and may be able to answer some questions. In-depth training on Internet and personal computer use is not offered on a daily basis. Some staff members may be more knowledgeable about personal computer and Internet usage. These staff members may not always be available due to scheduling constraints. The Library affirms and upholds the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of all Library materials and resources. It is not the Library's policy, therefore, to decide to which ideas or information children should be exposed. The Armstrong-Osborne Public Library does reserve the right to use filtering hardware and/or software for Internet access. Ultimately, it is the parent's or legal guardian's sole responsibility for their children's use of the Internet. The Armstrong-Osborne Public Library will not assume any responsibility for damages, direct or indirect (e.g., hacking), arising from the use of electronic services including the Internet. Users will be held financially responsible for any damages to computer hardware and software. Internet access is a privilege given to all Library patrons. If the rules and regulations are not followed, then usage may be revoked. Following any infraction, privileges may be revoked temporarily or permanently. Any users whose privileges are revoked have the right to (1) request, in writing, from the Director, a written statement justifying the action and (2) submit a written appeal to the Director and, as a follow-up, meet with the Director, Board of Trustees, and any involved member. 

RULES FOR RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL USE

• In order to use the computers, a patron must present their library card in good standing with a current picture ID.

• If you live within Talladega County, then there is no reason for you not to have a current Library card. If you live outside the Talladega County range, then a card can be purchased for $35.00 per year. This allows you the same privilege of computer use as a Talladega County resident.

• Patrons with a current AOPL card in good standing are allowed a maximum of 12 hours per week of computer usage in 2-hour blocks each time.

• A guest to the library may use the computer lab for a week and will be issued a temporary code which is good for one hour a day.

• All users, whether resident users or non-resident users, will be allowed to show their current in good standing Library card at the desk. If anyone wishes to go over his or her time, he or she must approach the desk and ask for additional time. Additional time will be granted to current AOPL cardholders if no one is waiting for a computer to use. Any and all time allowed within a specific time frame will count toward their weekly maximum.

• Computers may have up to 2 users per terminal; however, they must work quietly and not be a disturbance to other patrons. If a disturbance becomes a problem, then they will be asked to leave the library.

• Users agree, in advance, to pay for ALL pages they print (whether intended as a printout or not). The rate for printing is 20 cents per page. Printing does count as part of the time limit.

• All children under the age of 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or authorized teacher. The adult must remain at the computer terminal with the child at all times.

• Anytime sound is required with a patron's Internet access, he or she must use earphones at all times. Patrons must provide their own earphones or they can be purchased at the desk for $1.00.

• All computer users must be (a) considerate of other patrons and of Library staff, must not (b) overuse printing facilities, and must not (c) be irresponsible when using computer resources.

• Patrons are expected to be knowledgeable in basic computer operations. Library staff does not offer individualized instruction. The user is responsible for correct use and knowledge of the tools available on each computer.

• Patrons entering personal information (credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk. Computers are located in public areas. As a result, electronic transactions may not be secure.

• Users must not save any files to any computer hard drive (C drive). Users may save files to a jump drive (i.e. thumb drive). Library staff is available to help users who are unfamiliar with this procedure. Any or all of the computers may be unavailable to the public at other times when necessary for staff training or for administrative functions.

**WIRELESS ACCESS AND USE**

Unfiltered wireless internet access is available to all patrons. Any patron who complies with the Library's internet policy may use the wireless access service.

• You don't need a plug or phone jack; just turn on your laptop.  

• The library's wireless network is unfiltered and does not provide a secure connection. Information to and from your laptop may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.  

• Patrons use the library's wireless internet access at their own risk.  

• The library encourages patrons to use virus protection, a personal firewall, and other measures on their laptop to protect personal information from disclosure.  

• The library's wireless internet access does not include the ability to print documents on library printers.  

• Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance, and no guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.  

• The AOPL is not responsible for any loss of information or damage that may occur, either directly or indirectly, to any personal equipment or data, or for any damage or injury that arises from the use of the library's wireless internet access.  

• The AOPL reserves the right to terminate any wireless network connection in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.  

**EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTERS AND INTERNET (SOME OF WHICH MAY HAVE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES)**

✓ Violation of another user's privacy  

✓ Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network ID numbers.  

✓ Damaging or altering hardware and/or software.  

✓ Violation of copyright laws or software license restrictions.  

✓ Attempting to modify or gain unauthorized access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others.  

✓ Viewing, displaying, sending, or receiving text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene, threatening, or harassing.