The Jackson/Hinds Library System (JHLS) provides Internet access in accordance with the Library's Mission Statement and the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights statement.
JHLS monitors and has administrative control over the information accessed through the Internet, but cannot be held responsible for its content. JHLS assumes no responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any Internet resource. The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the library. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature which some users may deem inappropriate.
Library staff cannot control the speed of Internet access during times of peak Internet usage.
Library staff cannot assist in configuration of personal computers, e-readers, smart phones or other electronic devices due to liability concerns.
Access To Inappropriate Material
Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. Since Internet sources do not always provide accurate, complete, or current information, users must take all responsibility in determining the validity of any information found. As with other library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. It is the responsibility of parents to supervise their child's use of the Internet. With the implementation of electronic filtering, minors and other Internet users will be reasonably protected from accessing inappropriate material on the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Jackson/Hinds Library System online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking", and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Supervision and Monitoring
Filtering software provided by Integrity Online that is designed to restrict access by minors and other users to harmful materials has been installed on a system wide, covering specific categories deemed inappropriate.
JHLS staff has the responsibility of supervising and monitoring usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Users my request unblocking of a specific site by contacting the ITS Department. At staff discretion, filters may be disabled to allow Internet access to adults for lawful purposes only.
Anyone using the Internet computers must agree to: 1) take proper care of all equipment, manuals/instructional materials; 2) report equipment or software problems/failures to staff immediately; 3) pay the replacement cost of any equipment or software damaged as a result of carelessness or malicious actions; 4) observe all copyright laws; and 5) agree not to access the Internet for illegal purposes.
Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy, effective July 1, 2002, was adopted by the Administrative Board of the Jackson/Hinds Library System at a public meeting on April 24, 2002 and amended by the Administrative Board on November 26, 2003.
This policy was reaffirmed by the Administrative Board on July 18, 2007.