Richland Library is committed to providing customers with equitable access to the Internet through the Library’s public computers and wireless network. The Internet provides a wealth of valuable information resources, but not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete, legal, trustworthy or up-to-date. The Library cannot monitor or accept responsibility for the material provided by Internet resources.

General Guidelines

• Customers who access the Internet through the Library should be aware that they are working in a public environment shared by people of all ages and sensibilities. They should refrain from any use that might disrupt the ability of other customers to use the Library and its resources.
• Customers are individually responsible for their own access, use or dissemination of information via the Internet.  If customers choose to share personal information (name, address, password, etc.) on the Internet, they should do so safely. The Library cannot be responsible for the security of personal information shared with non-library websites.
• Passwords,  documents  and  other  work  saved  on  Library  computers  are  not  retained  by  the Library.
• As with other Library resources, restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. The Library upholds and affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of the Internet.

Filtering

In  compliance  with  the  Child  Internet  Protection  Act  and  South  Carolina  law,  the  Library  uses filtering software to block pornographic web sites on all public computers. Filtering software is not completely reliable.  At times, appropriate sites may be blocked while inappropriate content may be accessible. Customers should alert Library staff of any concerns.

Lawful Use

Library  computers  and  networks  cannot  be  used  for  any  fraudulent  or  unlawful  purpose, including  any  activities  prohibited under federal, state,  or  local  laws,  including  Section  16-15-305 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which addresses obscenity.

Material on the Internet is copyrighted. It is the customers’ responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning copyright and to respect federal and state copyright laws.

Restrictions

Users may not: 

• Engage in activity that is disruptive to other library users.
• Damage or attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
• Engage  in  fraudulent  or  unlawful  activity,  including  accessing  websites  in  violation  of Section 16-15-305 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
• Gain  or attempt  to  gain  unauthorized  access  to  the  Library’s  network  or  computer systems, or to any other network or computer system.
• Violate copyright law or software licensing agreements.
• Bypass or attempt to bypass web filtering software.
• Download or use malicious software.
• Disclose, use or disseminate personal identification information regarding minors without authorization. 

User Agreement

Customers  who  use  Library  computers  to  access  the  Internet  must  agree  to  guidelines  for  use. Violations  of  these  rules may  result  in loss of access to the Internet and/or Library privileges. Unlawful activities may result in prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.