POLICY #1007
EFFECTIVE DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 2019
SUBJECT: INTERNET ACCESS
PURPOSE: To establish guidelines for Internet use by all Chesapeake Public Library users.
POLICY:
Internet access is available in all Chesapeake Public Libraries. All users are expected to use this resource in a responsible manner, conscious of the others using the computers around them. Use of Internet access provided by the Library to send, receive or display inappropriate materials, defined as text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene, is prohibited. Patrons exhibiting such behavior may be given a verbal warning or asked to leave, depending on the severity of the offense. Repeat offenders will be banned from using the Library for up to six-months at the discretion of Library Administration. Patrons are required to acknowledge the Library Internet policies posted with the login of a computer. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all computers are filtered. Patrons 18 and older can request a bypass of the filter for bona fide research purposes to be determined by Library staff.
Electronic resources are not to be used for illegal purposes. Any use of computers and/or the Internet that interferes with the activities of the Library or its network, or is in violation of the laws regulations, and ordinances of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or the City of Chesapeake, is strictly prohibited. Examples of such include, but are not limited to: harassment, libel, destruction of equipment or software, disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications, or unauthorized copying of copyright protected materials.
Violations of any U.S., Virginia, or local laws or statutes, including but not limited to the following, can lead to prosecution:
USC Title 18 Chapter 110 regarding the Sexual Exploitation and other Abuse of Children
USC Title 18 Chapter 71 Sections 1465-1468 regarding Distribution of Obscene Materials
Code of Virginia Title 18.2 Chapter 8 Article 5 regarding Obscenity and Related Offenses
Code of Virginia Title 18.2 Chapter 8 Article 6 regarding Juveniles
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986
Credit Card Fraud Act of 1984
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act
The Virginia Computer Crimes Act
The U.S. Copyright Act
Patrons are required to use their library card number and personal identification number (PIN) when registering for public computer use. Patrons who do not have a library card may request a guest pass or apply for an e-card. Guest users are allowed one pass per day for two sessions. Guest passes are subject to the same policies as a library cardholder with the exception of the number of sessions per day.
Patrons or guardians are responsible for the information selected or accessed by their children. Guardians are strongly advised to remain with their children while they use the public computers. Patrons 17 and under can obtain a guest pass at the Library Manager’s discretion without a photo ID.
Due to space constraints, there is a limit of two patrons at each computer station.
Availability is managed by a first-come, first-served system for two hour blocks of time for computer stations. Four blocks are allowed per day with a library card. Time extension, during a session, may be provided at the discretion of the Library staff.
All printing and downloading must be completed within the allotted time. There is a per page charge for printouts from the public computers.
The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal devices.
Stand-up email stations with a 15-minute time limits are provided as a courtesy to all patrons, and can be accessed without a library card by signing in as a guest.
