Internet Use and Safety Policy

Date of Current Revision: 06/12/2025

Objectives

The McKenzie Memorial Library offers free and open access to the Internet to all as an opportunity to access materials and resources not available locally. The purpose of this policy is to clarify the use of the Internet resources by staff, volunteers, and the public in the facility operated by the McKenzie Memorial Library.

Disclaimer

The Internet provides access to information that may be inaccurate, illegal, or offensive to some users. It is the responsibility of the user, parent, or legal guardian to determine what is accurate; the library disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, or usefulness for a specific purpose. The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of its connection to the Internet.

The library offers filtered access to the Internet in compliance with the provisions of the Children's Internet Protection Act. Filtering software diminishes the likelihood that searchers will inadvertently retrieve text or images that they may find offensive but does not eliminate that possibility. Recognizing the fact that filters may block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful, the act stipulates that customers aged 18 and over may request the filter be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purposes; however state and federal laws still apply. The filtering software or technology protection measure is aimed at preventing minors from accessing visual depictions that are “child pornography,” “pornographic for minors,” or “obscene.”

The Internet Use and Safety Policy, like all other policies, will be reviewed and/or revised by the Board of Trustees annually and as the need arises to ensure compliance with CIPA.

The McKenzie Memorial Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning computer or Internet use. We will, however, be glad to assist you and offer searching suggestions.

Patrons should not have an expectation of privacy, as all public computers are in view of other patrons and library staff.

Internet Acceptable Use Rules for All Users

Use of library technology by each and every staff member, volunteer, or patron shall constitute that person’s acknowledgement and agreement to abide by this Internet Use and Safety Policy, including guidelines for use of the Internet by minors.

Patrons are expected to adhere to all rules governing the use of the Internet in libraries, including the duration and frequency of sessions. Patrons who violate library policy regarding the use of the Internet or who behave in a disruptive manner will be asked to either modify their use appropriately or have their Internet usage access terminated.

The guidelines for acceptable use are as follows:

• Patrons must check out computers at the circulation desk, and use of the computers is on a first-come first-served basis.

• There is a 60-minute time limit for computer usage. Exceptions will be given only if a special school-related report or educational reason can be shown.

• If all computers are in use, the first one who signed on will be asked to leave the computer.

• Downloading to the hard drive is strictly prohibited. The library allows users to bring in their own flash drive or CD, but each must be presented at the circulation desk before they are inserted into a computer workstation.

• Excessive noise and actions that disrupt others will not be permitted.

• The access of material that is considered obscene by community standards (Tennessee Code 39-17-9) is strictly prohibited.

• Users shall not disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information regarding minors without proper authorization.

• Users shall utilize the library network for lawful activities only. They shall not use the network to cause harm to others or damage the property of others. They shall not intentionally upload, download, or create computer viruses or other forms of malicious programing, attempt to harm or destroy equipment, manipulate the data of any other user, or seek unauthorized access to networks and systems, including so-called “hacking.”

Supervising Computer Use by Children

No one, especially not minors, may access material that is considered obscene by community standards (Tennessee Code 39-17-9).

Physical presence is required at all times by a parent or legal guardian for children and young adults 15 years of age and younger.

Adults using computers are responsible for their unattended children. They will not be allowed to roam freely in the building. Additionally, they will not be allowed to type or bang on any computer equipment. This is considered vandalism, and the supervising adult will be financially responsible for any damage caused.

To the extent that is practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of minors of the online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.