Electronic Access Policy

I. MISSION

The mission of the LaSalle Parish Library is to provide patrons with the best and most current information resources possible including online electronic information resources.

II. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND USERS RESPONSIBILITY

These resources contain a wealth of valuable information.  However, users should be aware that some information may be inaccurate, outdated or offensive.  Use of these resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed.  Parents have the ultimate responsibility for their children.  Parents, not the Library, are responsible for the use of these resources by their children.

III. ACCEPTABLE USES

Patrons are encouraged to use the workstations for purposes such as the following: Research and educational information; unstructured navigation ("surfing") of the Internet to locate sites of interest and to improve usage skills; printing from full text databases.

 IV. PROHIBITED USES

Patrons and staff may not use the workstations in the following manner:§ Illegal, unauthorized, unethical or commercial purposes;  § Manipulation of hardware and/or software including, but not limited to, uploading of any software, modification of system and/or application files and modification or deletion of log files or history; this includes downloading of public domain software and internet programs because these items may have viruses.§ Transmission or downloading of any material in violation of state or federal laws including the following: sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene; and copying or downloading of any material in violation of copyright law downloading of software or files not in the public domain is a violation of copyright law and is expressly prohibited.§ Use of chat rooms and pornographic or obscene materials.

Workstation use is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users of the system.  There are information resources on the Internet that are inappropriate for viewing in a public setting.  Because the Library is a public place shared by people of all ages, Library Staff has the right to determine the appropriateness of workstation use and can, at any time, require a patron to leave the workstation.

Because of the possibility of virus contamination, only disks purchased from the Library may be utilized in the workstations.  Any disks removed from the Library cannot be reintroduced into the Library workstations.  If the patron would like to continue to use the disk in a Library workstation, the patron can leave it at the front desk and ask for it upon the next visit. 

Prohibited uses will result in loss of workstation privileges.  In accordance with the Library's general policy, appeals of such loss should be addressed in writing to the Library Director.  Perpetrators of malicious damage to the system will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

V. LIMITATIONS

TIME:  There is a time limit of 30 minutes per session for all patrons.  Use of the online workstations is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All patrons must sign in at the front desk prior to using a workstation and must sign out at the front desk when use is complete.

The LaSalle Parish Library meets criteria set forth by CIPA (Childhood Internet Protection Act).

VI. COSTS

There is no charge for the use of the workstation and to access the information therein.  However, patrons shall assume printing costs.  Patrons are responsible for all printing, even accidental.  Disks for downloading must be purchased from the Library at a cost of $1.00 each.

VII. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

Electronic information technology is emerging, expanding and changing constantly.  The LaSalle Parish Library Board of Control encourages patrons to make use of the new technology and welcomes comments and suggestions regarding policies governing use.  Comments and suggestions may be made to the Library Director in writing.