Kansas City, Kansas Public Library

Library Computer and Internet Use Rules Content Filtering at KCKPL

Because the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library receives federal funding for public Internet access, federal law requires that blocking software be used with our Internet access computers. KCKPL cannot guarantee that our filtering software will completely block obscene materials, child pornography or other internet sites that might be considered harmful to minors. There may also be instances in which constitutionally protected material is mistakenly blocked.

If our filtering technology interferes with your research or other lawful use of the Internet, please see a reference librarian or supervisor for assistance. For your protection, please close all applications and the Internet browser when you are ready to leave.

Use of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library's computer resources and web site indicates that you agree to abide by the Library's Computer and Internet Use Rules. Parents are responsible for overseeing use of the Internet by their children.

Library Computer and Internet Use Rules

You may only use the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library's computer resources and web site if you agree to abide by the Library's Computer and Internet Use Rules. If you are not sure what the rules require, please ask library staff prior to using a library computer.

Your use of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library's computer resources and web site indicates that you agree to abide by the Library's Computer and Internet Use Rules. To use the full access Internet stations.

patrons must use their own library card in good standing (not blocked or barred) and the card must be in their possession.

To maximize Internet availability and insure fair accessibility to library computing resources, the following rules and procedures must be followed by library customers:

1. Computing resources may only be used for legal purposes and must be consistent with the Rules of Conduct of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (KCKPL). Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   A. Violation of any applicable international, federal, state or local laws, ordinances, rules or regulations.
   B. Harassment of other users;
   C. Libeling or slandering other users;
   D. Accessing or creating obscene materials or pornography.
   E. Displaying, accessing, or creating images or materials that disturb the peace of the library or any customer.
   F. Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to KCKPL or other users;
   G. Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
   H. Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies and other reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.
   
   
2. Computing resources should be used according to the policies of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library. These policies may be found here. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   A. Violation of computer system security.
   B. Installing or attempting to install software or files on KCKPL computers.
   C. Unauthorized use or attempted use of computer accounts, patron IDs, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
   D. Use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or e-mail exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, and so forth);
   E. Violation of software license agreements;
   F. Violation of network usage policies and regulations;
   G. Violation of another user's privacy.
   
   
3. Computers are assigned to individual patrons through an automated sign-in process. Library computer users should report any technical difficulties to library staff.
   
4. Parents of children using Internet stations at KCKPL must sign a computer user agreement on behalf of their children. Parents are responsible for supervising the Internet use of their children. Children with restricted cards will only be able to use Internet computers in the children’s rooms.
   
5. Adults using computer resources are responsible for the behavior of any accompanying children.

Misuse of library computers or Internet access will result in loss of computer privileges. Illegal use of the library computers or Internet access may result in the loss of library privileges and possible legal action including prosecution.

Library staff can often help customers with basic computer and Internet use, but we can only provide assistance as time permits. Library staff cannot provide advanced instruction and staff members are not responsible for data loss.

Customers must purchase a formatted data disk from Library Staff if they wish to save files. Customers may not use their own disks unless a staff person checks them first for computer viruses.

For more information, please read the official Board policy approved in May 1999 and revised in June 2002.

Use of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library's computer resources and web site indicates that you agree to abide by the Library's Computer and Internet Use Rules.