Amherst County Public Library
Section 2-5 Computer/Internet Acceptable Use
Amherst County Public Library makes computers available for public use at both library locations. Most, but not all, library computers connect to the internet. In compliance with Virginia law, all public use computers with internet access are filtered by software to block access to child pornography as defined in the Code of Virginia in 18.2-374.1:1, obscenity as defined in 18.2-372, and, with respect to minors, materials deemed harmful to juveniles as defined in 18.2-390. Library staff will disable the filter at the request of a patron to enable bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Since no filtering device is perfect, the responsibility for what minors, i.e. children under age 18, read or view on the Internet rests with the parents or guardians. Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the internet. Filters will be turned off for minors only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Library users wishing to use a computer must have a current Amherst County Public Library Card. Guest cards may be assigned to non-residents who present a valid driver's license or photo ID.
There is no fee for use, but patrons with a blocked library account will need to pay in full all charges before using the library's computers.
Security is technically difficult to achieve and the computers are located in public areas. Electronic information and viewing screens could become public. Library staff has the right and ability to monitor use of library owned computers for any reason. Users have no right to privacy when using library computers and should expect that their use of the computer may be reviewed by library staff at any time.
Printing charges are listed on available printers.
Downloading to CDs or jump drives is permitted. Use of jump drives containing software and password protected software is not permitted.
No more than one person per station is permitted (except adults working with children).
E-mail access is permitted if user has an established account through a commercial provider or through an educational institution. However, user must know how to access that account from our public computers. The library assumes no responsibility for the use of such systems. It is the user's responsibility to acquire an account with such systems and learn how to utilize it.
Other Regulations
- Standing behind others when they are working on the computer is not permitted.
- Patrons are asked to keep talking to a minimum in respect for other users.
- Personal software programs may not be installed or used on library computers.
- Users may not access, download, receive, distribute, transmit, store, display, view, print, or produce obscene materials, child pornography, and/or other materials prohibited under applicable local, state, and federal laws.
- ACPL does not permit storage on or uploading of files from its equipment.
- Only library staff may reboot, restart, or log onto the library's computers.
- Users may not use the Internet for illegal activities, including the violation of the rights of third parties, or activities inconsistent with the Library's tax-exempt status.
- Using the Internet for illegal or unethical purposes, including any not specifically listed in the Amherst County Public Library guidelines and policies, shall result in the suspension of computer/Internet privileges. Suspected criminal activity will be reported to law enforcement.
- Users will be held liable for willful damage to the library's computing equipment.
- By using the public Internet workstations at the Amherst County Public Library, you agree to the following:
The library is a public place and there are some Internet resources which may be inappropriate to a library setting. All Internet users are expected to use library Internet access in a responsible and legal manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.
Responsible use of the Internet includes:
- Adhering to the Amherst County Public Library Acceptable Computer/Internet User Policy.
- Using the Internet for educational, or informational, or recreational purposes only, and not for illegal or unethical purposes.
- Respecting the needs of other library users by adhering to the 60 minutes per person limitation.
- Parents monitoring the Internet use of minors.
- Not accessing, downloading, receiving, distributing, transmitting, storing, displaying, viewing, printing, or producing illegal materials and graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene. The access and display of obscene graphics and child pornography is illegal (Code of Virginia, 18.2-372, 18.2-374). We urge careful consideration of the Internet sites you choose to view. The library is a public place and other library users may inadvertently be exposed to graphics displayed as a result of your search(es). Users also have an obligation to exercise control and restraint in regard to displaying materials which may be harmful to minors (Code of Virginia, 18.2-391.1), keeping in mind that children are frequent users of our libraries
- Not installing personal software on library-owned computers and not making changes to the setup or configuration of library-owned software or hardware including the adjustment or alteration of computer operating systems.
- Respecting the privacy of others using Amherst County Public Library computers by not interfering with their use.
- Not infringing copyright - U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, US Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Amherst County Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Failure to comply with these policies and guidelines shall result in loss of Internet privileges at the Amherst County Public Library.
Because of the unsettled state of applicable local, state, and federal laws, the Amherst County Public Library reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time.
Adopted by the Amherst County Public Library Board of Trustees; revised 10/4/05; revised 6/19/07; revised 10/19/10; revised 12/18/12.
