INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

The Springfield-Greene County Library provides Internet access as an extension of its commitment to meeting the informational needs of the community.

The Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse user population and it is the public's responsibility to use this resource wisely. Through its homepage, the Library provides a guide to Internet sites that are frequently used to assist with informational needs.

The Internet computers must be used in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, and taking care with use of the equipment. Computer and Internet settings may not be changed. Computers may not be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose, including any activities prohibited under any applicable federal, Missouri, or local laws. Violation of current Missouri law (Missouri Revised Statutes 573.010 and 573.060) and Springfield City Code (Sec. 78-227) in regards to accessing and displaying pornography and/or obscene materials will result in suspension of computer privileges. All users must abide by MoreNet's Service Policy.

All computers within the Library, including staff computers, are filtered for pornographic and sexually explicit web sites in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act. Patrons connecting to the Library's network with their own laptops or PCs will also be filtered for pornographic and sexually explicit web sites. Adults doing bona fide research may request that filters be disabled.

Access to chat is allowed at a limited number of computer stations at each branch. Chat is not allowed on computers in the children's or young adult departments. Parental permission shall be obtained for minors wishing to use chat on the Library's designated chat computers. Access to e-mail is allowed on all computers except the Funding Information Center computers at the Library Center.

Computer use by patrons is limited to a total of 2 hours per day, one hour at a time. This time limit includes activity at all branches. Extension of the time limit may be granted at the librarian's discretion and only if the computer is not reserved for another patron.

Patrons owing $50 or more in fines and fees will be blocked from using the Library's Internet computers. Patrons are encouraged to return overdue items or work out a payment plan with Circulation Department staff. Minors 17 and under are exempt.

Patrons are responsible for all printing from computers. Black-and-white copies are 10 cents per page and color copies are 25 cents per page.

Library cards or computer day passes are required to use an Internet station. Patrons are required to use their own library or computer card. Using multiple cards in order to increase the length of time on a computer is against policy and can lead to a loss of computer privileges.

For those who live outside of Greene County and wish to use the Library's computers, there are three options:

• Pay a $50 annual fee for a Library card for the entire family.
• Pay $15 and receive a three-month Visitors' Card for both computer use and checkout privileges.
• Pay $1 each day for a Non-Resident Computer Pass which allows one person to use Library computers for two one-hour periods. Proper identification is required.

One verbal and one written warning is given before a patron is prohibited from using the computers for six months. After the first six-month ban, patrons may request reinstatement from the Branch Manager, who may discuss the reinstatement with other Library personnel. A second violation of policy after reinstatement will result in an immediate ban, and may not be appealed.

Patrons may lose computer privileges for violating any Internet Access Policies.

Internet Safety Policy

Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Maintaining the physical safety and well being of children is the role of the parent/guardian or assigned chaperone. The library staff cannot take legal responsibility for the care of the unattended child. The Library filters access to pornographic and sexually explicit web sites from all computers as required by Missouri Revised Statute 182.827 and the Children's Internet Protection Act. Chat is also filtered on Children's and Young Adult computers. Filtering software is not guaranteed to protect a child from access to information that a parent/guardian finds inappropriate. Children 17 and under are encouraged to use the computers in the children's or young adult departments but are not required to do so.

The Library's web site attempts to help guide children and young adults to Internet sites appropriate for these age levels. Programs informing the public about safe use of the Internet are periodically given at each branch. Web sites about Internet safety are available on the Library's homepage. Printed materials may also be available. These guides give safety tips for minors when using the Internet including the use of email, chat, and personal identification. Minors should use caution in their use of electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as these forms of communication can expose minors to dangerous situations. Minors should never disclose personal information, such as name, school, address, and telephone number to strangers on the Internet.