In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Garland Smith Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of our community. It is within this context the library offers access to the Internet. All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all users, with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using public library resources and facilities.
Due to limited staff the library cannot provide individual or in-depth training concerning Internet, computer jargon, or personal computer use. The library does provide books for checkout dealing with these subjects.
Disclaimer and Children's Use of the Internet
The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. It is also an unregulated medium. While it enables access to a wealth of information that is personally, professionally, and educationally enriching, it also opens doors to materials that may be offensive, disturbing, false and/or illegal. Since not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information, become a good information consumer. Evaluate Internet sources, questioning the validity of its content.
The library does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet and its available resources may contain material of controversial or mature nature. While the library uses Internet filtering software to block access to inapporpriate sites that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors, it does not monitor and has no control over information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion and they are solely responsible for any access points they reach.
Parents and guardians of minor children, not the library or staff, are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection. Parents may wish to supervise their child’s Internet sessions. Parents who believe their children cannot responsibly use the library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use. Children must be ten years of age or older to use the Internet. Children six years of age and older may use a computer without Internet access. Children under six years of age may use a computer without Internet access with a parent/guardian present at all times to assist the child.
Internet Use Policy
The Garland Smith Public Library requires all regular users to comply with the following before using the library’s access to the Internet:
- Have a valid library card with current address on file.
- Sign an Internet Use Agreement. Parents must sign for minors under the age of eighteen.
- Have no fines, all lost items replaced, and no more than one item overdue.
- Be familiar with rules, policies, and procedures.
A one day pass will be issued to a non-resident for one time use. That user is bound by the same rules of conduct as all users.
Internet computers may not be used by anyone, including minors, for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene. Library employees are authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to enforce the Rules of Conduct, and/or prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet and Computer Use Policy as stated or implied herein.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is defined as bullying or harassment that happens online. It can be in the form of an email, text message, game, chat room, or on a social networking site. The library has zero tolerance for cyberbullying. Anyone using library computers in violation of this policy shall lose all computer privileges. Links to online sources availabe for parents and children providing information for appropriate online behavior are available on the library's web page https://www.garlandsmithpubliclibrary.okpls.org.
Rules of Conduct
- Internet access through the library’s connection is for educational purposes only. (No chat groups, news groups, games, adult entertainment, etc.)
- Users must sign to use the Internet or computers on a next-available-terminal basis. Terminals will not be reserved for persons who are not in the immediate vicinity when their name is called. Telephone reservations will not be taken.
- Internet and computer use is free. However, prompt payment is required by users who incur charges for disks, printing, other authorized fees, or willful damage to equipment.
- Unless otherwise authorized by the librarian in charge, access sessions will be limited to thirty minutes with an additional thirty minutes possible if no one is waiting for a computer.
- Only one person may use the Internet or computer at a time with the exception of a parent and child or husband and wife as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.
- Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by library staff, even if they have not completed their access session or task.
- The library does not provide e-mail service. The user may send and receive e-mail through a free mail service of his choice.
- Internet computers may not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be obscene.
- Users may not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
- The Internet or computers may not be used for commercial activity.
- Users are to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- Users are to respect the privacy of other users, and refrain from viewing or attempting to view or read material being used by others. To do so is a violation of the Privacy Act.
- In accordance with the Privacy Act, the library staff may not provide unauthorized information about a patron's use of the computers or Internet.
Failure to comply with the Internet and computer policy and/or the rules of conduct will result in the loss of Internet and computer privileges. Illegal acts involving library computing resources may also be subject to local, state, and/or federal authorities.