The Grace M. Pickens Public Library provides computers for public use. Computers are available for word processing and Internet access.

Users must:.

Users may not:

Information found on the Internet is not controlled by the Library. The Library is not responsible for the accuracy or content of materials retrieved from the Internet. A vast array of information is available online, including up-to-the-minute news, weather and sports. Resources from encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and books are also available. Please ask a library staff person to show you resources from the Oklahoma statewide databases:

· EBSCO which provides full text articles for nearly 1,860 periodicals covering nearly all subjects including general reference, business, health, and much more.

The Internet can be a valuable educational resource for children. However, due to its unregulated nature there are sites that parents may feel are inappropriate for their children. The Library staff is sensitive to this fact but will be unable to monitor the Internet activities of each child using the Internet. Parents of minor children have full responsibility for their child’s use of the Library’s Internet terminals. Parents must co-sign the Library’s Internet Use Agreement, in the presence of staff, for children under the age of eighteen (18) who want to use the Library’s Internet terminals. Children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while using the Library’s Internet terminals. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the hazards of releasing personal information across the Internet.

On July 23, 2003, The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) adopted an order that updates regulations pertaining to the children’s internet protection Act (CIPA) for libraries. This order was adopted to reflect the recent supreme court decision in American Library Association.

CIPA requires the filtering or blocking of certain visual depictions and requires libraries to adopt and implement an internet safety policy and operate “technology protection Measures” (blocking and filtering) if they receive

• E-rate discounts for internet access, Internet Service, or internal connections;
• Funds under title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to purchase computers used to access the Internet or to pay direct costs associated with accessing the internet; or
• Funds under state grant programs of the Library Service and Technology Act (LSTA) to purchase computers used to access the internet or to pay direct costs associated with accessing the internet.

· No advanced reservations for use will be taken. Computer and Internet use is first come, first serve.

· There is a 30-minute time limit, unless no other users are waiting.

· No more than two people may be seated at a computer workstation.

· There is a maximum usage of two hours per day per person or group.

· Staff will gladly assist Internet users but cannot provide extensive instruction. During certain hours of operation, staff time may be severely limited.

· All Internet users are required to sign in and out with Library personnel

· Users may use free e-mail sites available on the web for public use.

· Users may download to disks purchased from the Grace M. Pickens Public Library. Disks are available for purchase at 50¢ per disk and cd-roms at $1.00.

· Printed copies are 25¢ per page.

· Use of the Library’s computers begins at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. All users must be logged off fifteen minutes prior to closing of each business day.

Failure to comply to use the computers or Internet access, as defined in these guidelines, will result in the loss of computer and Internet privileges and possible legal action.

Users are financially responsible if noncompliance results in damage to Library computers, equipment and software. A bill for technical support, repair and replacement of equipment/software will be issued to the user.

An illegal use will be reported to the proper authorities.

10/09/2008