MISSION STATEMENT
The South Dakota State Library provides leadership in promoting innovation and excellence in libraries. Consistent with the South Dakota State Library Mission Statement the Library provides Internet access for research and education.
SCOPE OF INTERNET ACCESS
It is the goal of the Library to provide the greatest possible access to the Internet within the limits of available resources because it offers a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. Library staff have identified specific starting points on the South Dakota State Library's home page for searches and links to sources on the Internet which are consistent with the Library's mission. Access to the Internet is compatible with the Library's endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View statements from the American Library Association. These documents are available upon request. All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users.
INTERNET USE
The same principles that guide the use of other library resources apply to the use of the Internet. The Library expects customers to use the Internet in a responsible manner respecting the rights of others and Library rules of behavior. Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and unacceptable use will result in suspension or cancellation of the privilege.
- Children's use of the Internet. As with other library materials and services, parents or legal guardians are responsible for the information selected or accessed by children. Parents should let their child know if there are materials, which they do not want him/her to use.
- Users will respect copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- Users must sign up to use the Internet and will use the terminal assigned by the library staff.
- Access sessions will be limited to one half hour per day unless otherwise authorized by the librarian. Users must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by authorized library staff. Exceptions will be made for state employees doing state-related research.
- Research on the Internet or using library online resources is a priority use over other activities such as email or chat rooms.
- By mutual agreement, two persons may share one access session as long as their behavior or conversation does not disturb other users or library staff.
UNACCEPTABLE USE
Internet computers will not be used for illegal activity, to access illegal materials or to access materials which by local community standards would be obscene.
Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to:
- Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
- Installation, downloading or modification of software
- Vandalizing the data of any other user
- Gaining unauthorized access to resources restricted files, or networks
- Users will respect the privacy of other users and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
- Violating of Federal, State, or local law or regulations
- Use of sounds or visuals, which might be disruptive to others.
- Accessing material that is obscene, child pornography, or "harmful to minors" (consistent with applicable state or local laws).
SANCTIONS FOR ABUSE OF INTERNET PRIVILEGES.
The first time an abuse of internet privileges is called to the attention of a patron, they will be warned that their activity is in violation of the acceptable use policy, should be discontinued immediately, and further violation will result in suspension of use privileges.
The second time an abuse is noted, the patron will be asked to terminate their access session and their use privilege suspended for the remainder of the day.
Gross and flagrant abuse will result in suspension of privileges for two weeks from the date of informing the patron of this action. Gross and flagrant abuse includes, but is not limited to, patrons who have had day privileges suspended three times. Two week suspension may be exercised by the State Librarian, Deputy State Librarian or Information Services Librarian upon finding that violation is sufficiently serious to warrant this action.
Patrons who persistently abuse Internet privileges and repeatedly are suspended for violations, will be permanently suspended from use of Internet terminals in the State Library by the State Librarian upon full investigation and documentation of all abuses and complaints.
Where access privileges are suspended or terminated, patrons will be given information concerning the process to protest the action and/or request that Internet access privileges be reinstated.
"Where access privileges are suspended or terminated, patrons will be given information concerning the process to protest the action and/or request that Internet access privileges be reinstated. This will include a written request for reconsideration directed to the State Library Board. The request will be considered at the next regularly scheduled library board meeting."
All violations of state, federal or local laws will be referred to appropriate legal authorities.
PRINTING AND DOWNLOADING
There is currently no charge for printing or downloading from Internet terminals. However, printing is limited to 25 pages per day. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the librarian where it is determined that a legitimate research need exists. At no time should obscene or pornographic literature be printed using State Library printers.
TRAINING
Staff is available to introduce Internet access and provide initial instructions on its use. To ensure the equitable delivery of all library services, the amount of time staff has available to provide Internet instruction is limited.
NOTICE
This Public Internet Use Policy is posted adjacent to computer workstations used by customers to access the Internet and other library databases. The policy is also included with library card applications and is available on the South Dakota State Library Home page.
Warning:
Chat rooms may be dangerous.
Internet Policy, revised 8/2006