Board Approved: 4/14/03 Policy Purpose The intent of the Centralia Municipal Library District is to provide access to the universe of information that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of our community.  The Library offers public access to the Internet for the purposes of information gathering, research, and recreation. Resources The Library does not control any resources available through the Internet except for those on the Library’s home page.  The content and accuracy of information offered through the Internet is the responsibility of each originator/producer of information. Responsibilities of User Centralia Municipal Library does not act in place of, or in the absence of , the parent and is not responsible enforcing any restrictions that a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of the internet.  This is consistent with the policy for use of all library materials.  Internet resources accessible through Centralia Municipal Library are provided to all library users.  The Centralia Municipal Library does utilize standard filtering software, however, parents and guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.  Parents are advised to monitor their children’s Internet sessions. Users may not: 1. use any Library workstation for illegal or criminal purposes, including                       a. violation of any local, state, or federal law                       b. violation of U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code) which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use” 2. use Library workstations to gain unauthorized access to the Library’s or any other organization’s networks or computer systems 3. make any attempt to alter or damage computer hardware or software 4. use Library workstations for gambling or  inappropriate web page building   Internet Safety   In accordance with the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protections Act (NCIPA) and Missouri State Statute (182.825 & 182.827) individuals, especially minors, accessing the Internet using Library computers should be advised of the following: 1. all users should be aware of the dangers of unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors 2. all users should exercise care in the use of electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications.  (The Centralia Municipal Library does not allow minors on chat rooms of any type) 3. the Library reserves the right to restrict minor’s access to materials Library staff deems inappropriate to minors The Library encourages responsible and informed us of Internet Resources by minors: 1. parents/guardians must give permission for their minor children to use library computers by signing the minor’s application for a Library card 2. the Library offers educational and other software for children Disclaimer Centralia Library assumes no responsibility for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of its connection to Internet services or from the use of information obtained through this connection.  It is not possible for the Library to apply the same selection criteria to information available on the Internet as it does to resources within the Library’s collection.  Therefore, the Library assumes no responsibility for resources available on the Internet.  Users are encouraged to exercise care in their selection of information resources on the Internet. The Library cannot guarantee confidentiality or safety on the Internet. The Library Staff are not trained computer technicians but will do all within their ability to help with computer problems.  The Library or it’s staff is not responsible for any information lost during use of computers.