Computer Use and Pornography Policy
The Rio Rancho Public Library is committed to serving the needs of the community by offering access to educational, recreational, and cultural resources. In addition to print and audiovisual materials, customers may access the Internet and numerous software programs at the library.
Public Computer Information
While the Internet offers many positive, rewarding, and informative experiences, it also poses some risks. The library supports the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children's use of library materials and levels of Internet access.
Computer users are encouraged to read about child and teen safety on the internet at
http://www.safekids.com and
http://www.safeteens.com.
The library's Computer Use Policy is as follows:
- Library patrons are solely responsible for what they access on the Internet via library owned computers. For documents and information available on library computers, the city of Rio Rancho does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of such documents or information.
- What a minor can access on the computer is under the control of the minor's parent or legal guardian.
- There is no guarantee of privacy while on a library computer. Staff and other patrons may view what is on any computer screen.
- Library staff is available to assist with reference questions but are unable to provide complex technical support.
- The library does not offer e-mail accounts. Patrons may set up or access their own web-based Internet e-mail accounts.
- Accessing sexually explicit materials is prohibited on library computers by city rules.
- Patrons must comply with applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements.
- All existing laws and city policies apply to conduct when accessing the Internet on city owned computers. Damage or unauthorized access to the library's computers, databases, network, hardware, or software settings is prohibited.
- The library and the city of Rio Rancho shall not be liable for any damages or costs of any type arising out of or in any way connected with use of the library's public access computers.
The library's Pornography Policy is as follows:
- A librarian will tell you that the site is an inappropriate use of the library's computers and to close down the computer. (This closes the loops some sites get you into, just in case it was accidental.)
- You can continue to use the Internet, but will be closely watched.
- If you once again are found on a pornography site, you will be told to close down the computer and leave the computer area.
- Your library card and name will be noted and a block will be placed on your card until you speak to the library director or the designated supervisor. This discussion will not be on the same day as the incident.
- After you have spoken to the director or the designated supervisor, your card can be unblocked. A note will stay in your record so that if it happens again, further action can be taken.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in loss of computer or library privileges in addition to any appropriate legal action, including criminal prosecution.
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