Internet Use Agreement

Rules for Internet Use

1. User must be a MRL library cardholder or an individual possessing acceptable identification and meet the following age requirements: Users age twelve and younger shall have access to Internet stations in Children's Services when accompanied by a parent/guardian or an individual over the age of eighteen appointed by the parent/guardian (parental appointment must be verified in writing). Users older than twelve shall have access to the Internet via stations in Audio-Visual Services.
2. MRL library cardholders must meet existing MRL rules for checking out materials and/or equipment
3. Sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene/pornographic) material access and/or viewing is prohibited
4. Time limits will be enforced
5. Attempts to reconfigure or change hardware will be grounds for revocation of Internet privileges

Warning about Internet Usage Confidentiality
Users of electronic mail systems should be aware that electronic mail in its present form cannot be secured and is, therefore, extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification. Electronic communication carried on via MRL computer stations should not be considered confidential when necessary, such communication may be used as evidence in criminal investigations and/or prosecutions. Evidence of illegal activity may prompt MRL to report such activity to legal authorities.

Display/Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials
Use of Library Internet access stations to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive (obscene or pornographic) material is prohibited. Violators of this policy may be removed from the Library building and may have their library privileges revoked.

Time limits per day
Initial use on the Internet/word processing stations is one hour and will be on first come, first served basis.. Additional use will be allowed based on availability if no one is waiting. Use of the Internet/word processing stations Users are required to sign-in at the appropriate desk (Audio-Visual Services/Children's Circulation). One person per Internet station except in the case of parent and child. 

Legal Use
The public may only use computers for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following: harassment of other users; libeling or slandering other users; destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications or unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material.

Ethical Use
Computers should be used in accordance with ethical standards of the Library. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following: violation of computer system security; unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others; use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or e-mail exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities and so forth); violation of software license agreements ;violation of network usage policies and regulations or violation of another user's privacy.

The Library endorses the practice of responsible use of computing equipment. It includes refraining from the following: overuse of connect time, printing facilities or processing capacity; overuse of interactive network utilities; use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others or use of any computing resource in an irresponsible manner.

Sanctions
Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Disclaimer
Since the Internet is a global electronic network, there is no regulatory control of its users or content. The Internet and its sources may contain controversial material. The Library cannot censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's connection. Parents and children are encouraged to read MY RULES FOR ONLINE SAFETY available from Baltimore County Public Library. Another important source for guidance is CHILD SAFETY ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY, reprinted and distributed with permission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Library staff cannot control the availability of information links that often change quickly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. MRL assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of the Internet.

Limitation of Liability
The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the Morrisson-Reeves Internet User Agreement. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that Morrisson-Reeves Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of privacy in their user's computer accounts, programs, or files.

Approved 12/17/99, Revised 12/15/00, Revised 6/21/02 and 5/23/03