"Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. These rights extend to children as well as adults.
"Libraries and librarians exist to facilitate these rights by providing access to, identifying, retrieving, organizing, and preserving recorded expression regardless of the formats or technologies in which that expression is recorded" (American Library Association Statement on Electronic Information, Services, and Networks).
The mission of the Beauregard Parish Library is to provide the people of the parish with free and easy access to recorded information within the limits of space and budget. This includes access to various electronic resources which currently include the Internet, on-line library catalogs, and on-line or CD-ROM based databases. Access to these resources is provided according to the same policy guidelines which govern print, audio, and video resources.
Library resources are available to serve the informational, educational, and recreational needs of parish residents. Where necessary, the Library will use advance scheduling, time limitations, and/or priority allocations to insure that all patrons have equal access to resources.
Resources made available through the Library are subject to various legal restrictions. Library resources may not be utilized in violation of state, federal, or local laws. It is the responsibility of the individual user, not the Library, to insure that his/her actions are not in violation of any applicable law.
While the Library's role includes the provision of information and resources which support local businesses and commercial ventures, Library resources may not be utilized to promote a specific vendor or commercial establishment.
The Library may deny or restrict use by individuals who violate this Acceptable Use Policy. No user's access will be changed without due process, including, but not limited to, notice and a means of appeal.
There is no charge for the use of the workstations and public modem lines. Where Library workstations provide expendable. resources such as ribbons, paper, disks, etc., users may be charged fees to help offset the cost of the supplies. Patrons who purchase services, goods, or information from an on-line vendor, are responsible for negotiatng amount and transfer of payment directly with the vendor. Patrons who damage Library resources (equipment, disks, etc.) will be charged for replacement or repair.
As with print materials, the user should be aware that some information may be inaccurate, outdated, or offensive. Use of these resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed. Where the resources are utilized by minors, the parent or guardian, not the Library, is responsible for evaluation of information. The Library will utilize consent forms to help insure that parents and guardians are aware of this responsibility.
Networking electronic resources is in the development stage and the Library system or the systems to which the Library connects may be unavailable from time to time. Users are cautioned not to rely on last-minute availability.
Computer viruses and other programs which may damage hardware or software may be transferred from system to system through network connections (such as the Internet) or through electronic media such as tapes or disks. The Library is not responsible for any damage which may result from use of the electronic resources and users are hereby cautioned to use virus-checking programs.
Personal information such as addresses, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc., may be intercepted and misused if transferred electronically. The Library is not responsible for damages that may result from information transferred by the user.
Existing Library policies apply to resources and services involving electronic access. Related policies include: