Library Policies

Internet Access

The mission of the Eagle Pass Public Library is to promote “free and easy access to the vast array of ideas and information”, ensuring “access to other collections and information sources throughout the nation and the world.” It is in the context of this mission that the library provides access to the Internet and other electronic information resources.

A. Disclaimer 

The internet is a global network of computers with no central organizational structure or control. It provides a gateway to millions of local, national, and international sources of information. While the Internet generally provides access to a wealth of information that is valuable and enlightening, the user may find information that is controversial, offensive, disturbing, erroneous, or illegal. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the appropriateness, accuracy, and usefulness of the information accessed through the Internet, the provision of access to electronic information by the Library does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of the information. 

As with access to other materials and services of the Library, any restriction of a minor’s access to, or use of the Internet and other electronic resources is the responsibility of the minor’s parents or legal guardians. Parents who are concerned about their children’s use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their children.

The Library does not control information accessed through the Internet. Because the Internet is so dynamic, the Library is not responsible for changes in content of sources to which it links, nor for the content of sources accessed through secondary links. 

B. Internet User Guidelines

Library patrons who access the Eagle Pass Public Library’s Internet and other electronic services are responsible for using them in an ethical, legal, and considerate manner. Examples of prohibited usage include, but are not limited, to:

· Using the Internet workstations for any illegal purposes

· Engaging in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. 

· Representing oneself as another person or using the Internet to transmit obscene, threatening, or harassing materials

· Viewing, displaying, or printing explicit graphical images in violation of Texas Law: PC 43.24, Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor

· Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library computer equipment

· Violating computer system or network integrity, including attempts to bypass network security functions, obtain passwords, or alter the configuration of Library workstations in any way

· Violating copyright laws. U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of “fair use.” Responsibility for any possible copyright infringement lies solely with the user. The Eagle Pass Public Library disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting thereof.

Texas Penal Code (Chapter 43)

� 43.22. Obscene Display or Distribution

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly displays or distributes an obscene photograph, drawing, or similar visual representation or other obscene material and is reckless about whether a person is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display or distribution.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, � 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, � 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

� 43.24. Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Minor" means an individual younger than 18 years.

(2) "Harmful material" means material whose dominant theme taken as a whole:

(A) appeals to the prurient interest of a minor, in sex, nudity, or excretion;

(B) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and

(C) is utterly without redeeming social value for minors.

(b) A person commits an offense if, knowing that the material is harmful:

(1) and knowing the person is a minor, he sells, distributes, exhibits, or possesses for sale, distribution, or exhibition to a minor harmful material;

(2) he displays harmful material and is reckless about whether a minor is present who will be offended or alarmed by the display;or

(3) he hires, employs, or uses a minor to do or accomplish or assist in doing or accomplishing any of the acts prohibited in Subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2).

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

(1) the sale, distribution, or exhibition was by a person having scientific, educational, governmental, or other similar justification; or

(2) the sale, distribution, or exhibition was to a minor who was accompanied by a consenting parent, guardian, or spouse.

(d) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is committed under Subsection (b)(3) in which event it is a felony of the third degree.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, � 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, � 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994.

C. Conditions of Use

To ensure that these Internet and electronic resources are provided fairly and equitably the following conditions of use shall apply:

· Internet workstations will be available during the Library’s normal hours of operation until fifteen minutes prior to closing

· Usage is on a first-come, first-served basis

· The Library reserves the right to set time limits for individual sessions of use so that monopolizing of Internet resources is minimized

· Internet printing charges will be the same as other Library printing and copying charges

· Library is not responsible for damage to the user’s disk or computer, for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from use of the Library’s Internet services

· Users shall not attempt to upload, install, set up, run, or execute any program or software not authorized by the Library on any of the Library’s computer workstations or systems. This prohibition does not, however, restrict users from uploading text documents, such as resumes, from their own disks to distant Internet sites. 

· The Library reserves the right to limit or restrict Internet applications

D. Confidentiality of Use

Transaction logs and any other information that can be used to identify a user with specific data, files, programs, or other electronic materials are covered by the Eagle Pass Public Library’s Confidentiality of Library Patron Information. However, the Library reserves the right to monitor and/or report activities as needed to maintain security and usability of the Internet workstations and the systems to which they are connected. In addition, users are advised that because privacy is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public.

E. Staff Assistance

Due to the various skill levels and time constraints of Library scheduling, Internet trained staff may not always be available for personal assistance. Library staff cannot provide in-depth training on Internet computer usage or personal computer usage. Staff may, however, be able to use professionally acquired skills to provide suggestions and tips for searching.

F. Sanctions 

Library users who violate the Internet User Guidelines, or who refuse to comply with the Conditions of Use, may be removed from the Library and may have their Library privileges revoked. The Librarian in charge has the authority to terminate a user’s Internet session in accordance with these sanctions. This decision may be appealed to a Supervisor and then to the Director. The decision of the Director is final.

Violations of the policies described above regarding the legal and ethical use of the Library’s electronic resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving the Library’s Internet and electronic resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.