The Hammond Community Library is providing access to the computer and Internet as a means to enhance the information learning opportunities for the citizens of the service area of the library.

Access to the computer and Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the guidelines. All patrons, and parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the library’s computer and Internet service; prior to being granted access to the computer and Internet, anyone under 18 years of age, along with a parent or guardian, must sign the Computer and Internet Usage Agreement. All users must sign the log-in chart before beginning their session.

1. Must have a valid library card to use the Computer or Internet.
2. Must have fines on a valid library card paid in full.
3. Individuals may sign up for ½ hour sessions for use of the Internet.
4. Individuals may sign up for ½ hour sessions for use of the Word Processing renewable for an additional ½ hour if no one is waiting for the computer and it is approved by the librarian or library staff.
5. Individuals may use their own 3 ½" floppy disk to save information off of the Internet and Word Processing. The library will not supply disks to patrons.
6. No chat rooms, MSN Messenger Service or any other type of messenger service are allowed.

The Library expects that all use of electronic information resources such as the Internet will be responsible consistent with the purpose for which these resources are provided. This includes:

1. Using resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only: not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes.
2. Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
3. Further respecting the privacy of others using public access stations at the Hammond Community Library by not interfering with their use.
4. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software data.
5. Not making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of the software and hardware.
6. Not send, receive, or display text or graphics, which may reasonably be considered by library staff as offensive to the public.
7. No unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
8. In the event the patron violates any of the rules stated above, the library staff has the authority to revoke computer privileges. Privileges will be revoked on a case-by-case basis by the library staff.

1. I have read policies concerning the use of the Hammond Community Library Internet and Computer and agree to abide by these policies.
2. I agree to pay any repair or replacement cost of equipment or software damage by myself or by minors for whom I am responsible.
3. I understand that the library is not responsible for any damage to personal disks due to system malfunction or other reasons.
4. I understand that copyright laws restrict duplication of copyrighted software, and I will follow all copyright laws.
5. I understand that if I fail to abide by the Computer and Internet policies, I will lose eligibility for use of the Library’s Computer and Internet access.
6. I understand and will pay the same day for anything that is printed from the computer at .10 cents a page.

Signature______________________________________________________

Date ________________________________

FOR PATRONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

As the parent or guardian of ____________________________I give permission for my child to use the Internet and Computer at the Hammond Community Library, with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring their appropriate use of the Internet and other computer privileges and that I am responsible for any damages that may occur.

Parent Signature ________________________________________________

Date_________________________________________

The Hammond Community Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Subject to the above restrictions, it is the responsibility of the user (or parent, guardian or care giver) to determine what is appropriate. It is not possible for the library staff to control specific information children and youth may locate on the Internet. Just as libraries do not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies, which serve to govern the library’s purchase of written materials, may not apply to material accessed electronically.