INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
LANCASTER COUNTY LIBRARY

The Lancaster County Library is committed to providing a wide range of information services and materials to community residents of all ages.  The library offers access to information for personal, educational and recreational needs including information available through the Internet.  This policy is established to ensure responsible and appropriate use of the Internet within the library’s facilities in Lancaster , Kershaw and Indian Land .

The Internet enables access to a wealth of valuable information from a variety of sources.  However, it also accesses data and graphics that may be inaccurate, controversial, illegal, personally offensive to the viewer, or inappropriate for children.  Individual users must exercise judgment in evaluating the validity and appropriateness of information retrieved via the Internet and must assume personal responsibility for their use.  The Lancaster County Library cannot be held liable for the content of any Internet site.

While the Lancaster County Library upholds users’ rights to privacy and confidentiality in their use of all library resources, certain Internet sites are inappropriate for viewing in a public setting.  In compliance with Budget Proviso 72.95 of the FY 2002 General Appropriations Act, the library uses filtering software on all but one public Internet workstation per branch. The filters block access to visual depictions that are sexually explicit, obscene, pornographic or otherwise objectionable content.   The proviso states, in part, that a public library receiving state funds with computers for public use “must equip these computers with software incorporating web-filtering technology designed to eliminate or reduce the ability of the computer to access sites displaying pornographic pictures or text. However, up to ten percent, and at least one, of the library’s computers must be unfiltered.”

The proviso further prohibits attempts to by-pass filters.  Consequently, any person who instructs or demonstrates to another person how to by-pass library filters shall have his library privileges revoked.  He may also be subject to prosecution under South Carolina obscenity statutes (S.C. Code 16-15-305).

Children’s Use

The Internet provides access to valuable educational resources for children and youth.  As with other library resources, the Lancaster County Library affirms the responsibility of parents to determine the appropriateness of Internet resources for their children.  Parents are strongly encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet use, as library staff cannot assume that responsibility. In the absence of the parent, filters are in place to ensure compliance with the federal Protecting Children in the 21^st Century Act (CIPA), as codified at 47 U.S.C. Code of Laws, Section 254(h) and (l).

Conditions and terms of use:

• The library requires that each computer user agree to its Computer Use Policy before every computer session. The user cannot log in without checking off his consent.

• All computer users must have a valid borrower’s card or a Guest ID Pass authorized by the staff.

• Children aged 13 and over are eligible to use filtered computers in the adult area.

• Children under 13 must use computers in the Children’s Department, which have the added protection of child-safe browsers installed. 

• Internet workstation users must behave in accordance with the library’s Rules of Conduct.

• Library staff will assist Internet users in a manner consistent with other library services.  The availability of staff and needs of other library users will necessarily affect the extent of assistance with Internet use.

• The library does not provide individual e-mail accounts; however, users may set up and access  personal e-mail accounts from library computers.

• Users may print and download information ONLY in accordance with the Computer Use Policy.

• Users may not:

Damage or attempt to damage equipment.

Alter or attempt to alter software configurations or icons.

Attempt to gain unauthorized access to or cause disruption of any other computer system.

Disclose, use, or disseminate personal information regarding minors.

Violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.

Violate state, federal, or local laws or regulations.

Display or send obscene (as defined by S.C. Code 16-15-305) images, messages or files.

Violate state, federal, or local laws or regulations.

Use their own software or download or install software on workstations.

Play games on the Internet workstations.

Attempt to disable or by-pass Internet filters or PC Reservation software.

Penalties for policy violations:

Violations of the policy may result in loss of Internet access or other library privileges.  Unlawful acts are subject to prosecution by local, state, and federal authorities.

This policy was revised and  approved by the Lancaster County Library Board

March 30, 2012