Internet Access & Policy

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The Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library provides free access to the Internet for Collierville residents in accordance with our mission to provide informational and educational material to the public in a variety of formats. The library does not monitor and has no control over the massive content of information available through the Internet. The quality of material available on the Internet varies widely in accuracy and content. Some may be offensive. The library assumes no responsibility or liability for content on the Internet.  Library patrons access the Internet at their own discretion. 

Library staff is not in a position to supervise minor’s use of the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554), all library computers are equipped with filtering software. The software is set to screen out sites which may reasonably be construed as obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or child pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or harmful to minors as defined in section 1703, Pub. L. 106-544. However, the library recognizes that filtering/blocking technology is not a completely reliable means of protection from materials that may be offensive, controversial, or illegal.

As with other Library materials, the access of materials by children is the sole responsibility of parents or guardians. Parents and children are encouraged to learn more about child safety on the Internet, including the use of electronic mail and other forms of direct electronic communication. Library staff are not responsible for monitoring information accessed by children from the Internet, and the Library will not act in “loco parentis” nor assume functions of a parent’s or legal guardian’s authority with regard to the behavior of their children in the Library. Computers located in the designated children’s area do not provide access to the Internet.

The Library provides an open wireless hot spot. Patrons using personal computers or mobile devices in the library are subject to the library’s policy on public computers and Internet access.

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 system and Internet resources for any of the following:

  • For any purposes which violate applicable U.S., state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.

  • Users must respect the copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files and other resources obtained via the Internet. 

  • Using the Library’s online services for unlawful activities, including unauthorized online access or “hacking,” is prohibited. 

  • The unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors is prohibited. 

  • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library.

  • Disruption or interference of network users or services. Such interference or disruption includes but is not limited to: distribution of unsolicited advertising, harassment, libeling, or slandering of others; propagation of computer worms or viruses.

  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene by community standards.

  • Loading one’s own software onto library computers.

The Library assumes no responsibility for damages, direct, or indirect, for the use of the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, damage to personal or office computer equipment caused by virus-laden material downloaded from any Internet site. The Library is not responsible for damages to a user’s USB drive or any loss of data. Users are encouraged to purchase and use a virus detection program on their home and office computers. 

The Library is not responsible for any liability that may occur as the result of the disclosure of financial or personal information over the Library’s public computer services. Patrons should be aware that the use of public computers is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding patron’s activities.

The quality and performance of computers, printers, or software is not guaranteed.