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| Home > Public Access to the Internet |
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| Public Access to the Internet |
The Knox County Public Library provides Internet access at computer terminals throughout the main library building. The computer terminals are available to the public on a first come, first served basis. All users must follow the library’s acceptable use policy. Individuals may use the computer terminals for a maximum of two hours per day.
It is beneficial for patrons to have some prior knowledge of the Internet before accessing it on a library computer terminal. Library staff members may not always be able to provide assistance to patrons at Internet terminals.
Knox County Public Library staff members reserve the right to have any patron relinquish the use of a public access computer when abuse of the Acceptable Use policy is suspected. Internet usage at the Knox County Public Library is a privilege, not a right. Library staff members have the authority to have patrons leave Internet terminals at any time. If library staff members see that patrons are not using library Internet terminals for the intended purpose of educational research, they will have patrons leave Internet terminals. Library staff members determine if and when patrons may access the Internet again at the library.
Time Management Software
for Public Access Internet Terminals
The Knox County Public Library installed on July 31, 2009, a time management software system to insure that all visitors have equal access to the Internet. On Saturday, August 1, 2009, this software will be in place on all public access PCs. Patrons will notice the new software as they begin their Internet sessions. Library staff members will gladly answer questions and help PC users as they become accustomed to the new software. This time management system allocates computer use time and enforces time limits for each public access terminal. Upon startup, the software provides a non-intrusive clock display of the available time remaining in each session. When a user’s session time expires, the software ends the session and resets the computer to the determined beginning point. There’s a self service kiosk that allows users to reserve public access computers or register on the waiting list.
Internet Safety Policy
Adopted by the Knox County Public Library Board on June 18, 2002
While using computer and Internet services provided by the Knox County Public Library, persons of all ages shall NOT do the following:
- Access, transmit, upload, download or distribute material or language that is pornographic, abusive, sexually explicit, obscene, harmful to minors or otherwise inappropriate for use in a public library;
- Engage in any illegal activities on the Internet;
- Vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization;
- Violate copyright or otherwise use intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission;
- Engage in hacking or attempts to otherwise compromise any computer or computer network;
- Persons under the age of 18 shall not disclose personal identification information on the Internet. Internet usage at the library by persons under the age of 18 will be monitored by library staff.
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Acceptable Use Policy
Adopted in June, 1996 and Revised by the Knox County Public Library Board in May, 1999
The Knox County Public Library shall provide usage of the Internet for the purposes of education and research.
- Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to the Internet.
- The Knox County Public Library makes no warranties, expressed or implied, that the functions or content of the Internet will meet any user’s specific requirement; or that it will be error-free or trouble-free, current or uninterrupted; nor shall the Knox County Public Library be liable for any damages sustained in connection with access to the Internet.
- The Knox County Public Library cannot control the data on the Internet. It is impossible for the Knox County Public Library to remove access to data which might be offensive; the Knox County Public Library will attempt to prohibit access to data which is inappropriate in a public library setting.
- While the library staff will attempt to monitor usage of the Internet by patrons under the age of 18, it is ultimately the responsibility of parents to control their children’s usage of the Internet. The Knox County Public Library respects the parent/child relationship and will do nothing to interfere with it.
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