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
