Internet Policy

Chapin Memorial Library provides materials and services to help residents, city staff and visitors obtain information to meet their educational, professional and personal needs.

Chapin Memorial Library provides Internet access as one tool to fulfill those needs.

The Internet offers access to local, national and international sources of information. However, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information, and some sources may be offensive. Individuals must exercise judgment in evaluating information via the Internet and must assume personal responsibility for use of the Internet.

It is not acceptable to use the Library’s access to the Internet for any purposes that violate federal, state or local laws. The user is responsible for knowledge of all laws for which they may or may not be held in violation.

While Chapin Memorial Library upholds user’s rights to privacy and confidentiality in their use of library materials, the nature of electronic resources makes it impossible to guarantee these rights. Some Internet sites may be inappropriate for viewing in a public setting therefore users should exercise discretion in consideration of the rights of others.

Internet use by Children

Conditions and terms of Internet use.

Internet workstation users will behave in accordance with the Library’s policies and procedures.

Library staff may establish sign-up procedures and time limits for use of the Internet workstations, which may vary with seasonal use.

Staff may designate certain computer workstations for specialized use.

Library staff will assist Internet users in a manner consistent with other Library services. The availability of staff and needs of other Library users will necessarily affect the extent of assistance in Internet use.

Users may print copies from the Internet at the cost posted on each printer. Customers must pay for every page printed.

The following rules must be observed:

1. Users may not attempt to gain unauthorized access, cause interference or disruption of the Library’s computer system or any other computer system—Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising; transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials; propagation of computer worms or viruses; or use of the network to make unauthorized entry to other computational, information, or communications devices or resources.
2. Users may not damage or attempt to damage computer equipment or software.
3. Users may not alter or attempt to alter software configurations or install software.
4. Users may not violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
5. Users may not engage in any activity which is disruptive to other Library users.
6. Users may not violate federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
7. Users may not display or send obscene (as defined by S.C. Code 16-15-305) images, messages or files
8. Users may not monopolize PCs.
9. Users may not create bookmarks.
10. Users accessing sites with sound must use headphones.
11. No more than 2 people may use a workstation at one time.

Violations of any of these rules will result in loss of access and /or other library privileges. Unlawful activities may result in prosecution by local, state or federal authority.