BlaineCounty Library
Internet Access Policy
Mission Statement
The mission of the Blaine County Library is to develop and provide resources andservices that meet the cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs of our
community. Access to the Internet is compatible with the library’s endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View Statements. To meet this goal, the Library endeavors to provide fair Internet access forall.
The Internet offers access to a multitude of valuable sites;however some may be inaccurate,incomplete, dated, or personally offensive. Blaine County Library does notmonitor and has no control over the information accessed and cannot be held responsiblefor its content. Users must exercise judgment and evaluate the validity of the information found online. Blaine County Library staff will provide limited assistance and troubleshooting as time permits.
All Internet resources accessible through Blaine County Library are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information accessed by their children. Parents of minor children under the age of 18 are required to sign a consent form, in the presence of library staff, authorizing access to the Internet. Both the parent and minorchild must read the Internet Access Policy and sign the consent form.
Blaine County Library offers free wireless Internet access to patrons with wireless-enabled laptops or handheld devices. Users are responsible for configuration of their own equipment. Blaine County Library staff will not provide any assistance or recommendations regarding configuration or troubleshooting equipment. No printing services are available. Headphones must usedor audio must be muted. A wireless connection is less secure than a wired connection. Users are responsible for understanding the risk.
Blaine County Library’s Internet Policy does not include the use of filters. Blaine County Library does not receive federal funds for Internet access, therefore Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) does not apply to the library’s public access computers or to the wireless network provided by the library.
All users on the Internet stations are expected to use this resource in a responsible andcourteous manner. Any attempt to show obscene material to minors is unlawful inaccordance with Montana Code Annotated Section 45-8-201. Blaine County Library reserves the right to suspend and/or revoke a patron’s privilege to use the Internet due toillegal or irresponsible use or Internet Access Policy violation. There is a 30 minute time limit if other patrons are waiting for Internet access. The library staff has sole authority to end an Internet session and/or revoke privileges if inappropriate use occurs or if the guidelines are not followed.
Copies may be printed at a charge of 20 cents per page for black and white, 50 cents per half page for color or $1.00 per full page color copy. Files may be downloaded to the hard drive, but will be erased when computers are shut down. Files may be saved to a patron’s USB drive or burned to a disc.
Blaine County Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its computing resources, including but not limited to, loss or damage to user’s data, or damage arising from invasion of privacy in the user’s e-mail account, programs or files. In Internet users agree to hold the library harmless and agree to indemnify the library from any and all liability.
Revised and updated January 2013
Internet Access Form
I have read the Blaine County Library Internet Access Policy and agree to abide by the rules therein.
I agree to pay any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software damaged by myself or by minors for whom I am responsible.
I understand the library is not responsible for any damage to personal discs or drives due to system malfunction or any other reason.
I understand that copyright laws restrict duplication of copyrighted software, and I will follow all copyright laws. I also understand any attempt to show obscene material to minors is unlawful in accordance with Montana Code Annotated Section 45-8-201.
I will abide by the 30 minute time limit if other patrons are waiting for Internet access and will vacate the computer immediately when asked to do so.
Blaine County Library staff has sole authority to end an Internet session,suspend and/or revoke a patron’s privilege to use the Internet due to illegal or irresponsible use or Internet Access Policy violation.
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Parent or Guardian Signature______