Internet Use Policy

Computer / Internet Policies

The Putnam County Public Library believes that patrons have the right to the access of advances in technology and the changing needs of the community. The Putnam County Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of our community. It is within this context that the Putnam County Public offers access to the internet.

The Putnam County Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available on the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse user population, and it is your responsibility as a patron, to use this resource wisely.

Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Approval must be provided by a parent or guardian before a child will be allowed to use the internet or the computers. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s internet sessions. Children under the age of 14 years must have a parent or guardian accompanying them at all times during computer or internet usage.

In accordance with the Missouri CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act), Putnam County Public Library equips each public-access computer with an internet filter. Adults may request that the filter be turned off during their session. Children under the age of 17 must have the filter activated during their internet sessions.

Internet Access Guidelines

Misconduct of the following guidelines is prohibited. The patron will receive one verbal warning (which will be logged into the library’s complaint/warnings log book); at the second offense, the patron will be suspended from computer usage for the day; at the third offense, the patron will be suspended from computer usage for one month, or terminated upon the Library Board of Trustees decision, at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting.

1. A valid Putnam County Public Library card is required.
2. Internet sessions will be for a one-hour time period per day unless other arrangements are made prior to each session with the librarian.
3. The Internet computers will be normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during regular library hours.
4. You may not use your own software programs or download software from the internet.
5. Access to “chat lines” and non-web based e-mail programs are prohibited.
6. You may print information from the Internet. There will be a print charge of 20 cents for each letter-size page, 25 cents for each legal-size page, and $1 for each color page.
7. Respect for the property of others. It is not acceptable to attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; to seek unauthorized access to any computer system; or to damage or alter software components or equipment of any network or database by the propagation of computer worms and viruses or any other means.
8. Respect for the legal rights of others. It is not acceptable to use the internet access for any purposes which violate U.S. or state laws, including the licenses and copyright laws governing software programs or data.
9. Respect for privacy of others. It is not acceptable to misrepresent oneself as another user; to use the internet access to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials; or to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to: distribution or unsolicited advertising; and sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene.
10. Misuse of the computers may result in the loss of your computer privileges.
11. WiFi is available for patrons wishing to use laptops in the library.