Electronic Resources Access Policy

I. MISSION

The Cabell County Public Library promptly and courteously provides library materials and information to the area's residents to meet their personal, professional, and educational needs.

II. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

In order to provide patrons with the best and most current information available, the Cabell County Public Library includes on-line electronic materials as a part of the services provided to patrons. These resources contain a wealth of valuable information, however, users should be aware that some information may be inaccurate, outdated, or offensive. Use of these resources carries a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed. Parents and guardians, not the library, are responsible for the use of these resources by children in their custody.

III. PROHIBITED USES

To assure appropriate use of library resources, electronic access and library equipment may not be used for the following purposes:

illegal, unauthorized, unethical or commercial purposes*
manipulation of internal hardware and/or software including uploading
transmission, uploading, downloading and/or viewing text or graphics which may be reasonably construed as obscene
copying or downloading or any material in violation of copyright laws
*commercial purposes are defined as direct usage of CCPL resources to market, advertise, or sell goods and services.

Usage of electronic materials and library equipment is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users. The library and its staff reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of such usage and can at any time require a patron to leave the workstation. Prohibited uses will result in loss of workstation privileges.

IV. LIMITATIONS

Because of high costs and limited resources, the administration will set time limits on computer use to ensure that all patrons have access to the electronic resources available. All usage must be concluded within five minutes of the library's closing time. Printing, where available, will be charged at the same rate as photocoping or printing with other library resources, electronic or otherwise.

V. OTHER GUIDELINES

As the quality or accuracy of information obtained from electronic resources can not be assured, the Cabell County Public Library assumes no liability or responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the usage of electronic resources.

Because library equipment to access electronic resources is located within plain sight and to assure the library's right to determine appropriateness of usage, patron confidentiality in accessing these materials may be compromised.

Patrons using electronic resources, whether on-site or off-site, must abide by the "Rules and Regulations for Conduct in the Cabell County Public Library" and other regulations contained in this policy. Perpetrators of willful or malicious damage or unauthorized access to the system will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Approved by the Cabell County Library Board - September 24, 1996; Amended January 27, 1998; Amended April 18, 2000