All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the Library’s computer systems and Internet resources for any purpose that violates the law or library policies. Technology is a privilege, not a right.  Privileges misused may be taken away.

ACCEPTABLE USE:

Technology will be used for the purpose of education or research, and its use will be consistent with the mission statement of this library.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

  • To prevent damage to hardware or software, patrons who do not know how to use a computer will not be given computer time. Staff members offer occasional help but not constant instruction on computer use, so patrons are encouraged to attend classes offered at local community colleges or local high schools.
  • Reservations for a computer shall be required during high use times at the discretion of the staff.
  • Maximum consecutive use may not exceed two hours. When several patrons are waiting, the time limit is 30 minutes.
  • Only one person may be sitting or standing at a computer at a time, unless a parent needs to assist their child.
  • Only library programs may be loaded on library computers.
  • Patrons may use their own portable media on library computers as long as the files that are created or edited do not alter or damage the library computers or any program on the library computers. However, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library staff.
  • Due to weather or electrical problems, computers may be turned off by the library staff.
  • All computer use shall cease at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the closing of the library.

UNACCEPTABLE USE:

  • Viewing material that violates federal, state, or local laws or regulations, including those regarding accessing, viewing, printing, and distributing obscenity or child pornography.
  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics containing extremes of sex or violence that are an end in themselves.
  • Using computers to gain access to the Library’s internal network or computer system or to any other restricted network or computer system.
  • Using computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers without authorized permission.
  • Violating copyright laws or licensing agreements pertaining to software, files, or other resources obtained electronically.
  • Violating another user’s privacy.
  • Attempting to alter software configurations or cause degradation of system performance.
  • Installing or downloading any software.
  • Disrupting or interfering with network users or services. Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, harassment of others, propagation of computer worms or viruses, randomly initiating interactive electronic communications, or overuse of interactive network utilities.
  • Tampering with, destroying or damaging equipment, software, or data belonging to the library.

Patrons, or parents of patrons under the age of 18, will be held responsible for any damage to hardware or software.

Any person in the library who views inappropriate material or violates the Internet Acceptable Use Policy as outlined above will have his or her library privileges automatically suspended for 30 days. Further violations may result in permanent loss of privileges.

The Library reserves the right to modify this policy as necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet.

The Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library reserves the right to change policies and procedures without notice. Signage, posted near the public computers, acknowledges the existence of this policy.

Passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of April 4, 2000.

Reviewed and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of March 4, 2003.

Revised and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library on April 4, 2006, July 1, 2008, and again on February 7, 2012. 

Reviewed and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of January 6, 2015.

Revised and passed by the Board of Trustees of the Nashville Public Library this day of March 2nd, 2021.