Library staff can assist you with logging on a website; however, library staff cannot assist you in any other way due to privacy issues. This includes accessing email, personal records, online purchasing, etc. We may; however, be able to make suggestions to help you.
- The public computers are available during regular library hours. They shut down 15 minutes before closing.
- A library card must be used to log-on to a computer. Temporary guest passes are available at the circulation desk for visiting, non-resident patrons.
- The public computers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Time is allotted in thirty (30) minute increments. If no one is waiting, an additional thirty (30) minutes may be added to the patron’s time. Requests for additional time may be denied if there are other patrons waiting. Maximum time allowed per day is 3 (three) hours.
- The card catalog computer may not be used for internet access. It is designated for catalog searches by patrons, or to access the Moore County Library System website only. No printing is allowed from this terminal.
- The microfilm computer may only be used for accessing and printing articles from microfilm. Please ask a staff member for assistance if you need to use the microfilm reader.
- Files may only be saved to a USB device. Any outside devices for saving files must be scanned for viruses by a librarian before you will be allowed to use it in our computers. USB devices are available to purchase at the circulation desk for $10.00.
- You may not plug any outside devices into our public computers, such as cell phones, tablets, etc.
- All black and white printing is .25¢ per page. Printing from the color printer costs $1.00 per page. The print window allows the patron to select which pages to print, so a patron is responsible for paying for ALL pages printed.
- All users of public access computers and the internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner. Responsible, ethical use of such resources includes the following:
- Using resources for educational and informational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes.
- Not misrepresenting oneself as another user; not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
- Respecting the privacy of others using public computers at the library by not interfering with their use.
- Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
- Not sending, receiving, or displaying texts or graphics which may reasonably be interpreted as obscene.
- Misuse of internet access on any library equipment will result in loss of your computer privileges and may be punishable by law. *
INTERNET SAFETY
Introduction
It is the policy of the Moore County Library System to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. **
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Moore County Library System online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Moore County Library System staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of Elite Technologies Computer Repair or designated representatives.
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of the Moore County Library System at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on May 11, 2017.
*Texas Penal Code
Sec. 33.02. BREACH OF COMPUTER SECURITY.
- A person commits an offense if the person knowingly accesses a computer, computer network, or computer system without the effective consent of the owner.
Sec. 43.22. OBSCENE DISPLAY OR DISTRIBUTION.
- A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution.
(Other sections under Chapters 33 and 42 of the Texas Penal Code are also pertinent.)
** CIPA definitions of terms:
MINOR. The term “minor” means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.
TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
- OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
- CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
- Harmful to minors.
HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
- Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
- Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
- Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
Approved by the Moore County Library Board on 10/14/2021.