Computer workstations are located within each library. Internet use is limited to sessions with a maximum of 60 minutes. Total Internet use is limited to 120 minutes per day per person.

Wireless Internet Access is offered within each library. Internet use is limited to time periods when the library is open.

Internet users should have no expectation of privacy, should be considerate of other library users, and refrain from displaying materials that might reasonably be considered objectionable.

HLC receives E-rate and/or LSTA funding. As a result, HLC is required by federal law, specifically the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, illegal, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The HLC Board has chosen to block these categories of sites in order to fulfill federal requirements.

• Adult
• Chat
• Social Networking except Facebook

Additionally, the HLC Board has authorized staff to block sites in the category of Streaming Media when needed in order to better manage the flow of traffic within the HLC local and wide area networks.

Inappropriate use, as determined by the library staff, will result in immediate cessation of Internet users’ access and/or disciplinary action. That authority is granted to the director for discretion on issues that may not be Board policy and procedures, with issue to be brought to the next meeting of the Board for ratification.

Access by Minors

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which Library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use. While HLC affirms and acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians to monitor and determine their children’s access to library materials and resources, including those available through the Internet, HLC has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.

Parents or legal guardians are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Parents or legal guardians are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway and to make use of the resources offered by NetSmartz.

HLC urges minors to also keep in mind the following safety guidelines:

• Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
• Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be revealed.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
• Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
• Have parents or guardians report an incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 if one becomes aware of the transmission of child pornography.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
• Remember that everything one reads may not be true.

Internet Disclaimer

In offering Internet access, HLC cannot guarantee that information found through the Internet is accurate, authoritative, or factual. Nor can HLC control access points that often change rapidly or unpredictably. HLC uses a commercial Internet filter to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, illegal, contain child pornography, or are harmful to minors.

In consideration of HLC providing access to the Internet, Internet users and the parents and legal guardians of Minor Internet users agree to hold HLC harmless and agree to indemnify the library from any and all liability arising out of the use of the Internet and/or Library workstations. HLC is not responsible for loss of any data due to service interruptions. HLC is not responsible for any commercial transactions that an Internet user participates in while accessing the Internet.

Procedure for Dealing with Inappropriate Use of Public Computers

• 1st time – a gentle reminder and a note in patron record
• 2nd time – no computer privileges for 3 months; written warning handed in person to patron; note in patron record
• 3rd time – Barred from the library for 1 year; certified letter sent to home address; note in patron record
• 4th time – Permanently barred from the library; trespass warrant served by police; note in patron record.