Internet Policy

The Internet is a global electronic network. It enables SOUL to greatly expand its information services beyond the traditional collections and resources. However, not all information on the Internet is current, complete or accurate. The Internet may contain material of a controversial or mature nature. SOUL neither restricts access to materials found on the Internet nor protects users from materials or information they may find offensive. SOUL encourages all users to make appropriate use of the Internet by providing programs and assistance for responsible use.

RULES GOVERNING IN-HOUSE USE

1. Due to the limited resources available for provision of public access to the Internet, SOUL reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual user may have access to library equipment. Rules for use of the Library’s Internet workstations are as follows:

• A valid library card is required to reserve a workstation
• Reservations can only be made by the cardholder, and the workstation reserved can only be used by the cardholder
• Each user may have one reservation at a time
• Users may make reservations three days in advance
• Reserved workstations will be held for 10 minutes after which PC’s will be made available to other customers.
• After the user completes the reserved time, he/she may make another reservation for later that day OR he/she may, without a reservation, continue to use the workstation, provided it has not been reserved.
• When the user”s session expires, they will be automatically logged off the workstation they are using.
• There is a one hour total limit on workstation use, per day. Reserved and unreserved use of any type of workstation counts toward this limit. There is no guarantee of one hour of use.

2. Library staff will assist customers, as time permits, with basic Internet navigation and with basic computer and printer functions.
3. Users may not attempt to reconfigure systems or software, or in any way interfere with or disrupt the current system or network set-up and services.
4. Users may not unplug, remove, or otherwise modify library equipment.
5. Some workstations have a dedicated purpose, such as searching for periodical citations and articles, and are to be used only for that dedicated purpose. Some workstations are reserved for use by people with disabilities.
6. All users are expected to be respectful of the rights of others in using the Internet. Each customer has the right to a quiet and organized work space. No more than 2 people may use a work station at the same time.
7. If any user abuses or engages in unauthorized use of computers, his or her computer privileges will be denied. If a customer refuses a staff request to end problem behavior, the customer will be asked to leave the library immediately. Staff may call upon the assistance of other and/or supervisory staff, and if the situation escalates, police may be called.
8. Computers will be shut down no later than 10 minutes before SOUL closes.