November 2005

RESERVATIONS

The Library has established guidelines to enable the fair use of computers. We ask you to comply with those guidelines so that all users may benefit. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the loss of computer use.

1. Users must have a current Harrington Library Consortium (HLC) card in good standing (no overdue items or charges above $5.00) and are limited to one one-hour session per day. Arrangements may be made for extended or additional sessions for school assignments by contacting departmental staff members. Individuals who do not have or qualify for an HLC card may apply for an Internet Use Only card, which costs $5.00 and is good for a year.
2. Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis; however, reservations are accepted at least one hour or more in advance of the requested time. User sessions are forfeited if they are ten minutes late for their session times.
3. Members of a group are treated as a single user in determining the length of a session. The one-hour session starts from the time the first user sits down. At the end of the one-hour session, all users must exit the machine.

PROHIBITED USE

Violations may result in loss of access. The library staff is authorized to end an Internet session when material inappropriate to a public library setting displays on a screen. Texas Penal Code, Sections 43.21, 43.22, and 43.24, make display of obscene material a criminal offense. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Users must not:

1. Alter any software configurations including icons, menus, or any other computer settings.
2. Install or download any software or files to the computer hard disk or personal diskette.
3. Harass or disturb other users.
4. Damage computer equipment or software.
5. Engage in any activity which is deliberately and maliciously offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
6. Use any Library workstation for an illegal or criminal purpose; violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
7. Use the workstations to tamper with or make any changes to the Library’s networks or computer systems or to any other network or computer system.
8. Obstruct other people’s work by consuming large amounts of system resources, crashing any Library computer system, degrading system performance.

COPYRIGHT

U. S. copyright law (Title 17, U. S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

The Amarillo Public Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof. Furthermore, the library is not responsible for any liability that may occur as a result of the disclosure of financial or other personal information over the library's public computer services. Users should be aware that use of public computers is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding user's activities.