Internet Usage Policy
Safety Tips to Cyberspace for Parents and Kids.
The Tulsa City-County Library offers public access to the World Wide Web via the Internet. This global electronic network may contain materials which are out-of-date, illegal, controversial or offensive to individuals. Although the library system cannot assure the accuracy or timeliness of the information, we do provide easy links to selected sites which we believe are authoritative and reliable via our web site.
In order to use library Internet computers, a customer must have a valid Tulsa City-County Library card. There is a daily time limit for each customer using the computers. Customers are only allowed to use their own card, issued in their name, to access the computers and abide by the time limits associated with one card. Customers may not lend their card, sell their time, or otherwise transfer their daily Internet time/usage privileges to any other user.
Customers may print from the Internet computers as well as saving information to removable devices such as floppies, CDs, or pen drives. Customers may also listen to programs with sound via headphones. The Library does have some of these items available for sale and there are some costs associated with printing.
All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library users.
It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements, and to assume responsibility for payment for any fee-based service.
Acceptable use includes respect for other users and their privacy and maintenance of the integrity of the computer system.
Unacceptable use includes “hacking” or using the Internet for any illegal purpose, displaying or transmitting obscene or threatening material and using the system in a manner that precludes or hampers its use by others.
The library uses a technology protection measure (or “Internet filter”) on all computers with Internet access. It is used to assist in preventing access to sites which violate Oklahoma State Statutes Title 21-1021-21-1024.4 and Title 21-1040.75-21-1040.77, otherwise known as “harmful to minors law.”
As required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h), blocking is applied to visual depictions of materials deemed obscene or child pornography or to any material deemed harmful to minors (as those terms are defined in the U.S. Code). Subject to staff supervision, the filter may be temporarily disabled only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Additionally, the Library may use the filter to block certain categories of sites for the protection of the network and PCs (for example sites that use malicious code to “hijack” a computer’s settings or install spyware).
Customers may request changes in access to specific sites. While the library does filter all PCs, both staff and customer, the library cannot guarantee the effectiveness of said filter. Customers wishing reconsideration of sites should complete a Citizen’s Request for a Change in Internet Access form.
The forms are available at all Tulsa City-County Libraries and via the Library web site. All such requests go to the Library’s IT Director who, with a committee of staff members, evaluates the site in light of the customer’s request to make a decision. If an individual is not satisfied with the action taken, he/she may appeal to the CEO.
We strongly recommend that parents supervise their child’s Internet sessions and let them know if there are materials which they should not access. Parents should also advise their children of safety and security issues when using the Internet, and warn them against the disclosure of personal information when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Failure to abide by these policies will result in the loss of Internet privileges.