Library Policies

Computer Rules | Computer Assistance Policy | Electronic Use Policy
Laptop Checkout Policy | Social Software Policy

Electronic Use Policy

Electronic Resources Access Policy
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Vermilion Parish Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, information, recreational and educational needs of the diverse Vermilion Parish communities. It is within this context that the Vermilion Parish Library offers access to the Internet and its multitude of resources.

Access to the Internet is compatible with the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and the Freedom to View Statements of the American Library Association and with the Mission Statement of the Vermilion Parish Library. However, Internet resources are not subject to the same selection criteria that the Library uses for other materials. In addition, Internet sites or access points change rapidly and unpredictably.

The Vermilion Parish Library is responsible only for data on those pages pertaining specifically to the Library. The Library is not responsible for the availability or content of any external sites linked to these pages. The accuracy and currency of information from local community organizations, governmental agencies and all other Internet sites is the complete responsibility of the originating agency. The Vermilion Parish Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its connection to the Internet.

Staff Assistance Library staff will assist patrons in accessing and using the Internet. Although the staff cannot provide in-depth training, they will answer questions and as time allows help users locate and use resources on the Internet.

Responsibilities of Patrons
The Internet provides access to a tremendous amount of important and authoritative information assembled by government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals. However, some sources on the Internet provide inappropriate, inaccurate, incomplete and out-of-date information. The user must be a good information consumer, questioning the source and the validity of the information he finds.

Users are hereby notified that they are responsible for the access points they reach and for the information they receive. All Public Computers are monitored by staff. Any time that a patron engages in activities which are prohibited by the Internet Access Policy or in disruptive behavior, his computer session will be terminated; he might lose his computer privileges.

The restriction and monitoring of a minor’s (under 18 years of age) access to the Internet, as with all other library resources, is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s computers. PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUPERVISE THEIR CHILDREN’S INTERNET SESSIONS. The library does not act in loco parentis (in place of the parent).

It is the responsibility of all users of electronic resources to respect intellectual prope
rty rights. Copyright restrictions may exist for individual electronic resources. Patrons may make copies only if allowable by copyright laws or licensed software agreements.

Patrons must use computers for acceptable purposes. Any use of the Internet, comp
uters or terminals for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes or in support of such activities is prohibited. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to online services.

Illegal acts may subject violators to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Research and the Internet
Patrons should remember that the Internet is simply one among a number of information sources. The World Wide Web does not make libraries and their resources out of date. Think about the information you need and then decide what the most appropriate source will be. Specific information can often be found in books, periodicals, and other information sources available in the Library. If you need a simple fact, it might be faster to look it up in an encyclopedia, almanac or other source.

E-Mail, Chatrooms, Commercial Uses
The Library permits access to e-mail, chat rooms and e-commerce sites on computers available to adults and teens 12 and older. Children’s computers will be unable to access
these services. Children under twelve may use the adult computers if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Wireless Internet Access
Free wireless Internet access is available at all library locations. You will need a notebook/laptop computer or wireless device with 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking. If you are not sure if your notebook/laptop computer or other device has this functionality, please check with the manufacturer or supplier of your equipment.

The Vermilion Parish Library offers to patrons open public wireless Internet access free of charge subject to the following terms and conditions:

Wireless Limitations and Disclaimers:

  • Wireless Internet access is provided with no guarantee and no warranty. You may encounter some “dead” spots in a library where wireless reception may be limited. If you have trouble accessing the Internet or staying online please move to a different location within the library.
  • The wireless Internet access we offer is filtered. By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Vermilion Parish Library Internet Access Policy. This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.
  • Data transferred through the wireless network is not secure and may be monitored, captured, or altered by others.
  • The Vermilion Parish Library assumes no responsibility for the protection of personal patron equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network.
  • The library is exempt from liability for data stolen, altered or deleted while using the wireless access.
  • Library staff is not able to provide technical support and is free of responsibility in regard to patrons’ computers or other equipment in accessing the wireless network. No guarantee can be made that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
  • At its sole discretion, the Vermilion Parish Library may terminate this public access at anytime and without prior notice.
  • Printing is available via the wireless network.
  • Headphones will be required by patrons listening to audio content inside the Library while connected to the wireless network. Wireless users must provide their own headphones.
  • Headphones are available for purchase at the circulation desk.
  • In using the free wireless Internet access, the patron agrees to release, indemnify, and hold harmless, the Vermilion Parish Library, its administration and employees, and any affiliate, from any damage that may result from the use of the wireless Internet access.
  • Patrons using the wireless Internet access agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Vermilion Parish Library Electronic Resources Access Policy.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless access.

Non-Library Hardware and Software
Patrons may not attach other hardware (laptops, CD-Rom drives, printers, etc.) to the Library’s public computers or library connections and may not install their own software.

Downloading
Files cannot be saved to the Computer’s hard drive. However, downloading information to a flash drive is allowed.

Filtering
In accordance with Section 54.520 ( c ), Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 – Telecommunications, the Library is required by the FCC to install filters on its public computers, as the default setting. This is to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This enforces a policy of Internet safety that includes monitoring the online activities of minors and the operation of a technology protection measure, in order to protect against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or deemed harmful to minors. Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors are prohibited.

Additionally, the Library filters access to proxy sites, hacking sites, and illegal download sites. The Library also restricts access to high-bandwidth sites.

Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. The Library reserves the right to prohibit violators from future access to online services.

Virus Warning
Although the library uses a program which checks for viruses there is no guarantee that diskettes will be protected. It is possible that downloaded software from the Internet may contain a virus. The Vermilion Parish Library is not responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, or for any liability that may arise from saving or downloading files to a diskette or thumb drive.

Reserving Computers
Internet access computers and terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All Internet work sessions, including printing, must be finished 30 minutes before closing time. Specific guidelines for scheduling and use of computers are available at all libraries.

Printing
8½”X11″ and 8½”X14″ black & white $0.10 per page
8½”X11″ and 8½”X14″ Color $0.25 per page
Anything larger than 8½”x14″ black & white $0.25 per page
Anything larger than 8½”x14″ color $0.50 per page

Adopted by the Vermilion Parish Library Board of Control May 12, 2010.
Amended by the Vermilion Parish Library Board of Control August 8, 2012.