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Library Policies

Services of the Library

In accordance with its mission statement and goals, the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library provides the following services to its community. The library may expand or delete services in the future as the community's needs change, after considering time, space, funds, and participation.

  • Select, organize, and make available a variety of materials.
  • Provide guidance and assistance to customers.
  • Sponsor and implement programs, exhibits, displays, book lists, etc., which would appeal to children and adults.
  • Cooperate with other community agencies and organizations to promote events, programs and activities that better the community and offer intellectual and/or entertaining ideas, though not at the expense or prejudice of any race, religion, gender or age.
  • Secure information beyond our own resources when requested, by using interlibrary loan to allow access to all available materials.
  • Lend to other libraries upon request.
  • Develop and provide services to patrons with special needs.
  • Cooperate with, but not perform the functions of, school, or other institutional libraries.
  • Provide service during hours which best meet the needs of the community, including evening and weekend hours.
  • Provide general computer use and Internet access for members of the library.
  • Regularly review library services being offered.
  • Use media and other public relations mechanisms to promote the full range of available library services.

Reference Services Policy

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library:

  • will provide information in the form of short answers to specific questions and guidance in locating material for patrons who appear in person, call on the telephone, or request information through correspondence, including correspondence via the Internet;
  • will assist patrons in the use of the library and teach basic research methodology, when appropriate (this includes providing help in developing a research strategy and advice on whether a trip to the library would be worthwhile for individuals who telephone);
  • will provide bibliographic verification of items both in the library and not owned by the library and will assist patrons in obtaining materials through interlibrary loan, when appropriate;
  • may refer library users to other agencies and libraries in pursuit of needed information.

Access & Borrowing Privileges

The library will serve all residents of the community and the public library system area. Service will not be denied or abridged because of religious, racial, social, economic, or political status; or because of mental, emotional, or physical condition; age; or sexual orientation.

The use of the library may be denied for due cause. Such cause may be failure to return library materials or to pay penalties, destruction of library property, disturbance of other patrons, or any other illegal, disruptive, or objectionable conduct on library premises.

To become a member/receive a library card at the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library, a person must present two pieces of identification; a valid photo ID and proof of current local address i.e., utility bill, voter's registration, personal check or similar. Both pieces of identification must have applicant's name and current address.

Confidentiality of Patron Records

The Clarksburg Harrison Public Library believes strongly in the patron's First Amendment rights and their Freedom to Read per The ALA Freedom to Read Statement. Circulation and similar records of any public library in West Virginia which identify the user of library materials are not public records but shall be confidential and may not be disclosed except:

  • To members of the library staff in the ordinary course of business;
  • Upon written consent of the user of the library materials or the user's parents or guardian if the user is a minor or ward; or
  • Upon appropriate court order or subpoena

In the second two situations, the Library Director or, if the Director is unavailable, the senior staff member on site should be notified before the information is given out.

Code of Patron Behavior

The Board of Trustees and the administration of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library are dedicated to providing a full range of library services and protecting the rights of library access for all members of the community. The library pledges to provide a pleasant environment that is conducive to library service and suitable for both serious study and casual use. Except where otherwise stated, the expectations for behavior outlined in this policy will apply to the library building, grounds, parking areas and Waldomore.

To enable the library to fulfill its mission, library patrons are asked to conduct themselves in a lawful, orderly and considerate manner. Patrons who violate the Code of Patron Behavior will receive notice they are in violation and may be asked to leave the library.

In addition to this general policy, the library has policies for specific situations such as meeting room use, use of computers and technology, filming and photography, etc. that should be followed when applicable. These policies can be found online and at the library’s service desks.

Expectations for conduct while in the library:

  • If you’re in the library, you must be using the library (reading, research, browsing, computer use, homework, etc.)
  • Respect the rights of other library users
  • Interact with library staff and fellow library visitors in a courteous manner
  • Conduct conversations including cell phone calls in a quiet manner

Any behaviors that distract from the library’s ability to provide a good environment for reading and learning will not be permitted.

The following are prohibited:

  • Illegal acts, including commission of any offense which would constitute a misdemeanor or felony under the criminal laws of the City or Clarksburg or State of West Virginia
  • Possession of weapons of any kind
  • Damaging or destroying library materials, equipment or facilities
  • Loitering
  • Solicitation and panhandling
  • Possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
  • Use of tobacco, smoking, and use of e-cigarettes; the library campus is a smoke-free zone
  • Pets may not be brought into the building with an exception made for registered service animals or for special events; animals may not be left outside unattended
  • Eating within the library unless at authorized library events; drinks with lids are permitted (see policy concerning use of Waldomore for details about food at Waldomore)
  • Posting or distributing material without permission
  • Trespassing in non-public areas
  • Bringing suitcases, duffel bags, large bundles, bicycles, scooters or carts into library facilities
  • Using skateboards, skates, or wheels on shoes (Heelys, etc.)
  • Use of a public restroom for purposes such as shaving, bathing, washing/drying clothes
  • Inappropriate attire, such as wet clothing or lack of shoes or shirt
  • Unattended children under the age of 7; children must be accompanied by a caregiver age 12 or older
  • Disruptive behavior (see next section)

Disruptive behavior is generally defined as any patron behavior that interferes with the normal operation of the library or which unreasonably interferes with another patron's ability to use the library. Disruptive behaviors are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, those listed below:

  • Extended or loud talking or noise that is disruptive to others
  • Threatening or harassing behavior; verbal abuse toward patrons or staff
  • Profane or offensive language
  • Lewd or suggestive words or actions to patrons or staff
  • Running, pushing, rough-housing
  • A repeated pattern of behavior that is disturbing or threatening to others
  • Stalking
  • Napping or sleeping
  • Playing audio equipment loud enough for others to hear
  • Inappropriate displays of affection
  • Actions suggesting the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
  • Blocking of aisles or entrances
  • Monopolizing library resources or staff time
  • Discourteous behavior to other library patrons or library staff
  • An odor nuisance (body or fragrance)

Additional rules for the Children’s Area:

Adults unaccompanied by children may not use the Children’s Area as a general reading or study area.
Children under the age of seven must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver and supervised at all times. Caregivers must be 12 years or older.

  • A parent or caregiver accompanying a child in the library is expected to prevent the child from running, climbing, making excessive noise, damaging books and library property or otherwise behaving disruptively. If the parent or accompanying caregiver cannot control the behavior of the child, both may be asked to leave the library
  • All children under the age of seven must be supervised while using a library computer.
  • Children and adults using the library patio must follow the posted rules for patio use.

Consequences of Misconduct

In the event that a person is found to be in violation of one or more of the above rules, library staff or security personnel may issue a verbal warning or ask the person to leave the library. Additional sanctions may be imposed. Sanctions may include being banned from future library use or the library may contact local law enforcement or seek legal action appropriate to the situation.

Approved by the trustees of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library, November 19, 2014.

Policy on Children in the Library

To promote a safe and secure environment for children who use the library, we ask parents to join with us in protecting children from harm. The following are some things to consider when children are in the library:

  • Children can hurt themselves and others when they run, jump, or climb on library furniture or shelving. Please help prevent injuries by watching your child at all times. Children under 7 years of age must be supervised at all times while in the library.
  • Parent should be aware that there are areas of the library that are not supervised. For safety and security reasons, young children should never be left unattended.
  • Please help us maintain our computers by supervising all children under the age of 7 while they are using them.
  • Your children are sharing the library with many other library users, some of whom need and expect a quiet library. Please be aware that the level of noise which parents are accustomed to may not be acceptable to others. Quiet voices are encouraged.
  • School-age children are welcome to use the library at all times. However, the library is not a good substitute for supervised daycare or after-school activities.
  • Please be sure you know the library hours and promptly pick up your child before the library closes. If a child has not been picked up by closing time, and the parent or guardian canno56ian has not arrived by this time, the police will be called and the child will be treated as abandoned by law enforcement.
  • All children are encouraged to take part in library programming designed for their age group, including storytime and the summer reading program. While participating, however, children should follow the directions of library staff. Failure to do so will result in the child not being allowed to participate in other programs.
  • We encourage our young patrons to play with the games, toys, computer software and puzzles available in the Children's Area, but ask that caregivers be responsible for returning items to their proper location on the shelves.

Circulation of Materials

The Clarksburg Harrison Public Library offers a broad range of materials in an effort to meet the public's needs. The loan periods and fines for these materials are as follows:

  • New Books - circulate for 14 days and can be renewed three times if no other patron has placed a hold on the item. Fines are 5 cents per day, to a maximum of one dollar.
  • DVDS - circulate for 7 days and can be renewed three times if no other patron has placed a hold on the item. Fines are 25 cents per day, to a maximum of five dollars.
  • VHS - circulate for 7 days and can be renewed three times if no other patron has placed a hold on the item. Fines are 25 cents per day, to a maximum of five dollars.
  • Audiobooks - circulate for 14 days and can be renewed three times if no other patron has placed a hold on the item. Fines are 5 cents per day, to a maximum of one dollar
  • All other items, including fiction, nonfiction, young adult, children's, and large print materials - circulate for 28 days and can be renewed three times if no other patron has placed a hold on the item. Fines are 5 cents per day, to a maximum of one dollar.

Collection Development Policy

Philosophy

The mission of the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library is to provide the citizens of Clarksburg and Harrison County with a broad range of materials and programming designed to serve their informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs. The Library also actively seeks to make community members and organizations aware of library resources and services.

Because of the volume of publishing, as well as the limitations of budget and space, the library must have a selection policy with which to meet community interests and needs. The materials selection/collection development policy is used by the library staff in the selection of materials and also serves to acquaint the general public with the principles of selection.

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library subscribes to principles of the intellectual freedom as stated in the Library Bill of Rights and The ALA Freedom to Read Statement, documents issued by the American Library Association and included in the appendix of this policy manual. The Library is committed to honor the rights of an individual to use the library regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, or social or political views. The staff of the Library provides equal service to all Library users.

The Library's collections contain materials for customers of all ages. The use of materials is not limited by the age of the customer. The ultimate responsibility for the use of materials by children rests with their parents or legal guardians.

Responsibility for Selection

Library materials are selected by members of the staff after consulting professional review media. Staff members consult with each other to review the needs of the community as documented in circulation and reference statistics and by requests of patrons. The ultimate responsibility for selection of library materials rests with the library director, who operates within the framework of the policies adopted by the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library Board of Trustees.

Criteria for Selection

Materials considered for purchase by the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library will be evaluated by the following criteria:

  • individual merit of the item
  • popular appeal or demand for the item
  • relevance to community needs
  • existing library holdings
  • budgetary constraints

Materials are acquired in a variety of formats, including large print, audio, DVD, and digital media. Priority will be given to those materials in all formats that have the broadest appeal.

Interlibrary Loan

The Library is unable to offer all materials requested, due to budget and space limitations. Interlibrary Loan is used to provide patrons with materials that are outside the scope of this library's collection. In return for utilizing interlibrary loan to satisfy the needs of our patrons, the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library agrees to lend its materials to other libraries through the same interlibrary loan network, and to make an effort to have its current holdings listed in a tool that is accessible by other libraries throughout the state.

Gift Books

The Library accepts donations of materials only with the understanding that said materials will be added to the collection only if said materials are appropriate and needed. The same criteria of selection that applies to purchased items also applies to gift items. If the donated items do not meet the criteria for inclusion in the collection, the Library is free to do with them as it sees fit. This can include offering them to other libraries or selling them in the Friends of the Library book sale.

Deselection

In an effort to keep our collection up-to-date and useful to our patrons, the Library practices a policy of deselection. This is a continual practice of removal and replacement, aimed at outdated and worn materials that no longer meet the Library's standards for inclusion in the collection. Withdrawn materials will be handled in the same manner and under the authority as gift books.

Controversial Materials

The Library selects materials that represent a wide range of viewpoints and exercises impartiality in selection decisions. Selection is based on criteria stated throughout this policy. Materials are evaluated as a whole and not on the basis of a specific part.

The Library recognizes that some materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons. Citizens wanting the Library to reconsider the selection of library materials should complete the form below or at the Circulation Desk. Staff members will evaluate the materials in light of the patron's request, using published reviews and the criteria contained in this policy. The Library Director will decide the disposition of the materials in question and will notify the patron.

Gift Policy

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library appreciates and encourages gifts and donations from groups, individuals, foundations, corporations, etc. These contributions are vital to the future of the Library and its services. Once received, a donation becomes the unconditional property of the Library. Gifts and donations are accepted only if the Director determines that they can be used by or benefit the Library.

  • Acceptance The Library accepts gifts and donations with the understanding that upon acceptance the gift or donation becomes the property of the Library and is subject to disposition at the Library's discretion.
  • Acknowledgment. Whenever possible, gifts and donations will be acknowledged with a receipt.
  • Tax Deduction. Gifts and donations to the Library are tax-deductible as provided by law.
  • Appraisal. As the recipient of a gift or donation, the Library will not assign a monetary value for the donor's tax purposes.
  • Decisions. The Director has the right to decline gifts or donations and decides when donated materials added to the collection will be withdrawn.

Material Donations

Gifts of donated materials, such as books and audio-visual items, may be accepted into the Library's collection after review by Library staff according to established guidelines. Items received but not used by the Library will be donated to the Friends of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library, recycled, given away, or discarded.

The Library is most interested in receiving donations of new or gently used items in excellent condition. Groups or collections of items cannot necessarily be kept together and will be handled like all other donations. Large donations will be reviewed by staff before accepting. Donations valued at more than a $1,000 will be referred to the Director.

Material Accepted

  • Current interest - novels, best sellers, items on popular topics
  • Information books
  • Children's books
  • Paperback books
  • Biographies and autobiographies of popular and historical individuals
  • Books of local interest

Material Not Accepted

  • Encyclopedias sets more than three years old
  • Items that are unusable: dusty, dirty, moldy, or smelly
  • Items that have been kept in storage for more than a few months
  • Items that are damaged: ripped, torn, marked (ink, crayon, or highlighter), or water damaged
  • Condensed books such as those published by Reader's Digest
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Phonograph records
  • Heavily used media: books on tape, videos, DVDs, audio tapes, compact discs, etc.
  • Textbooks

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations are quickly and easily used to supplement and provide additional Library materials and services. Though the Library accepts gifts of cash donations for specific purposes, money can be more effectively used when funds are allocated to the areas of greatest need. Money designated for specific purposes must be approved by the Director before they can be accepted. This includes the money for the purchase of magazine and periodical subscriptions, special collections, and other items.

Other Donations

Other types of donations not referred to above, including items intended for Waldomore, will be handled by the Director. Once accepted, the Director will work out terms of acceptance that are compatible with the Library's policies, the donor's intent, and applicable laws. Such donations are accepted only if the Director determines that they can be used by or benefit the Library.

Meeting Room Policy

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library offers meeting areas with both the library and Waldomore for the use of community groups. The use of Waldomore is governed by a declaratory judgment.

The agreement of the library to make meeting room space available does not imply that the library either advocates or endorses the viewpoints expressed in the meeting or by meeting sponsors or speakers.

Regulations for use of the library's meeting rooms are as follows:

1.    Meetings and programs in the library room are limited to those of an educational, cultural, and civic nature, and must be open to the public.

2.    Meeting rooms will not be reserved for non-library groups soliciting business or actively selling items or services.

3.    All programs must be scheduled in advance with the Assistant Director or his/her designate.Booking must be done at least one week in advance. Bookings should include the contact information for at least one member of the group booking the room.

4.    All programs must take place during normal library hours.

5.    An organization holding a program in the meeting room shall be responsible for any damage done to the room and its contents. No furniture or equipment may be brought into the rooms without approval in advance from library staff. The library is not responsible for loss or damage to any property belonging to an organization or its members, nor is it financially or otherwise responsible to any group or its guests for any loss or damage any of them might sustain on the library premises.

6.    Neither the name nor address of the library may be used as the official address or headquarters of an organization, and all advertising and promotional materials for meetings held in the library must state clearly that the library is only the site of the meeting and not its sponsor.

7.    The library board reserves the right to withdraw permission for the use of the rooms or to reject an application when there is a conflict with library activities and programs which have priority over those of other institutions and organizations.

8.    The maximum number of times any one organization may reserve the use of library facilities at any one time, all facilities combined, is 12 times in a calendar year. If, after 12 meetings, rooms are available and the group is in good standing, the group may book for another 12 times until a total of 52 meetings have been reached.

Regulations for the use of Waldomore are as follows:

1.    Meetings and programs in the Waldomore are limited to those of an educational, cultural, and civic nature, and must be open to the public. The terms "educational," "cultural," and "civic" are defined in the declaratory judgment.

2.    All programs must be scheduled in advance with the Waldomore librarian or his/her designate.
Bookings must be done one week in advance. Bookings should include the contact information for at least one member of the group booking the room.

3.    No physical activity, such as action games or dancing, and no essentially social activities, such as card parties or teas, shall be permitted.

4.    Waldomore cannot be used for commercial meetings, sectarian religious meetings, political meetings, meetings for the benefit of private individuals, or meetings at which an entry fee will be charged.

5.    All regulations that apply to the library's meeting room also apply to Waldomore, with the exception of regulation 4 (All programs must take place during normal library hours). Use of Waldomore during hours it is normally closed is left to the discretion of the Waldomore Librarian and the Director.

Exhibits & Displays

As an educational and cultural institution, the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest and information to the community. Display facilities are reserved first for exhibits and displays related to library business and activities, but may also be used for public service items of educational, cultural, or civic interest. The Library does not necessarily advocate or endorse the viewpoints of parties permitted to utilize display cases or exhibit space.

Regulations for using library display areas:

  • Displays may not be used for advertising or for commercial purposes.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection, and no liability for possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are there at the owner's risk.
  • All exhibits must include a card or plaque indicating who is the exhibitor or sponsor of the exhibit.
  • Duration of the exhibit is to be determined by the library. Any items not picked up in a timely manner after the exhibit has ended will be removed by the library, and the owner will be responsible for any removal costs.
  • A release must be signed by the exhibitor before any artifact can be placed in the library. An example of the release follows:

Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library Display and Exhibit Release

I, the undersigned, hereby lend the following works of art or other material to the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library for exhibit purposes only. In consideration of the privilege of exhibiting them in the Library, I hereby release said Library from responsibility for loss, damage, or destruction while they are in the possession of the Library.

Exhibition to be held in the __________________________________
During ___________________________________________________
Description of materials loaned _______________________________
Signature __________________________________ Date ________________
Address __________________________________ Telephone _____________

Filming & Photography

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library primary goal is to be of service to the communities of Clarksburg and Harrison County. In the interests of serving our community, the library allows filming and photography, but only to the extent that it does not interfere with provision of library services and is consistent with the library's Mission Statement and Patron Code of Conduct.

Amateur photography designed to record a visit or make use of the library setting as a backdrop is generally permitted, provided that such activity avoids capturing identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission and does not cause a nuisance to other customers.

News media photography and filming is also permissible, when news media photographers and reporters are covering stories or doing projects that directly involve the library, its programs, and its customers. To obtain authorization for such projects, please contact the Director. The library does not grant permission for the news media to use its facilities for stories or projects that do not relate to the library itself. This includes using the library as an interview venue, or using customers on library premises for opinion polls or "man on the street" interviews.

The library permits photography and filming of the location and its activities when the use of such materials involves the library directly-for example, promotional materials for the library, books, articles, or film about the library itself, or materials that address the role of the library in the city of Clarksburg or Harrison County. Advance authorization for this filming must be obtained in advance from the Director.

The library does not permit commercial photography on or in its facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, using library buildings, grounds or interiors as a backdrop for portraiture, model photography, and product photography. It includes photography or filming used to advertise goods or services unrelated to the library.

The library will permit use of its facilities by the movie or music industry for filming major entertainment projects where a library setting is called for, if the project does not interfere with the mission of the library, is in accordance with the rest of this policy and does not advertise or promote commercial products. Filming may not be related to political campaigns or to partisan issues, because the library wishes to avoid any appearance of impropriety. These projects must be approved in advance by the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library Board of Trustees, with details worked out in advance with the library.

Any person filming or photographing on library premises is solely responsible for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed.

Library staff may terminate any photography or film session that appears to compromise public safety and security.

Upon completion of filming or photography, the library's facilities should be in same condition as it was prior to filming. Rearranging of furniture and other changes to the facility must be approved in advance by the Director.

Policy for Bulletin Board Use

The library will post on the bulletin board announcements of the cultural activities of the community that pertain to literature, art, music, drama and related activities, the flyers of nonprofit organizations, and public announcements of general interest to the community, subject to the following guidelines:

  • Posters, notices and material for posting will be submitted to staff at the Circulation desk. The director, or a designated staff person, will determine if the material is suitable for posting.
  • Material will be posted until the date of the event, or for 14 days, whichever is applicable.
  • Staff will date all posted material.
  • Posted material can be added or removed from the bulletin board only by staff. All items will be recycled once they are removed or if they are not suitable for display.
  • Posting of material does not imply endorsement by the Library.
  • These guidelines shall be applied to the distribution of materials in the library, also.

Inclement Weather Closing Policy

In the event of inclement weather, the director, in conjunction with the Library Administrative Team and the Building Manager, will make a decision on library hours. Notices about the closure will also be posted to the website and social media, and will be sent to the local media.

Electronic Resources Access Policy

Mission

"Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. These rights extend to children as well as adults.

Libraries and librarians exist to facilitate these rights by providing access to, identifying, retrieving, organizing, and preserving recorded expression regardless of the formats or technologies in which that expression is recorded."

   (American Library Association Statement on Electronic Information, Services and Networks)

The mission of the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library is to provide patrons with the best and most current informational resources possible, including on-line electronic information resources. Patrons are cautioned that the Internet, an unregulated worldwide information and communication network, is only one of many electronic resources available through the library.

Electronic Resources and Users Responsibility

Electronic resources contain a wealth of valuable information. However, users should be aware that some information may be inaccurate, outdated, controversial, or offensive. Use of these resources carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed. Parents, not the library, are responsible for the use of these resources by their children. For the purposes of this policy, a minor is defined as anyone who has not reached the age of 18. In offering Internet access, the library staff cannot control access points which often change rapidly and unpredictably.

Although the library seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of its customers and their individual right to privacy, Internet users must be sensitive to the fact that computers are located in public areas and images on the screen are subject to view by a wide audience. Users should remember that others may be inadvertently exposed to the results of their search. As a courtesy to the next user, and for your own privacy, please close out all open programs and click on the home button at the end of your session.

Users are cautioned that the Internet is not a secure medium. Personal identification information included in all transactions, files, and communications may be subject to unauthorized access by third parties. In addition, it is dangerous to give out personal identifying information. Minors need to be exceptionally aware that of this very real danger.

Prohibited Uses of Computers

All patrons, including both adults and minors, and staff may not use the Internet in the following situations:

  • Illegal, unauthorized, unethical or commercial purposes Library equipment will not be used to access material that is illegal. Illegal is defined as that which is:

a. obscene as defined in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code
b. child pornography as defined in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code
c. harmful to minors (This provision means adults cannot access sites that would be harmful to minors.)

Instant Messaging and Chat Rooms

o   Instant Messaging may not be installed on any of the library's computers. Chat Rooms may be an unsafe environment and can be dangerous to minors. Some users of them will misrepresent and conduct themselves in an inappropriate manner. In addition, the current technology installed at the library will not support them without problems and they are, therefore, prohibited.
Manipulation of internal hardware and/or software including uploading of any software.
Transmission or downloading of any material in violation of state or federal laws including the following:
o   Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene, and other illegal materials as defined by law. Copying or downloading of any material in violation of copyright law. (Downloading of software and files not in the public domain is a violation of copyright law and is expressly prohibited.)

Hacking or accessing any site that needs authorization.

"Lawful use of electronic resources is the individual's responsibility and not that of the library." Internet use is a privilege and should be treated as such by all users of the system. Library staff has the right to determine the appropriateness of use and can at any time require a patron to leave the computer. Prohibited uses will result in loss of workstation privileges. In accordance with the library's general policy, appeals of such should be addressed in writing to the library director. Perpetrators of malicious damage to the system will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Limitations

AGE: Children under the age of 12 should use the computers available in the children's department. Any child using the second-floor computers should be supervised by a parent or adult guardian.

TIME: Use of the Internet computers is on a first-come, first-served basis. Users are given 2 hours of Internet access per day. This is broken up into thirty-three minute segments, with no break necessary in between each segment. Exemptions to the time limit are given by the reference librarian only in certain circumstances which include: research, homework, word processing, etc.

Patron Requests

Electronic information technology is emerging, expanding, and changing constantly. The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library Board of Trustees encourages patrons to make use of the new technologies and welcomes comments and suggestions regarding policies governing use. Comments and suggestions may be made to the library director in person, over the telephone, or in writing.

Procedures for Use

The Library uses a program called CMS to verify authorized users and to keep track of time used on the computers. CMS does not keep any information from the sessions for any purpose other than those listed.

Technology Protection Measure

As a library in the statewide library network, CIPA filtering requirements will be met at the state level by the West Virginia Library Commission. When installed, the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library will enforce the operation of the filtering program during any use of computers to which they apply.

Wireless Internet Disclaimer

By choosing to use this free service, you agree to abide by the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library's "Internet Use Policy." This policy states the limitations of Internet access, your responsibilities for using that access, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses.

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library's wireless network IS NOT SECURE. Information sent to and from your notebook/laptop or other wireless device may be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library staff is not able to provide any technical assistance nor is the Library able to guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection.

The Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for notebook/laptop computer or other wireless device nor for any changes you make to your device's settings or configurations, security, or data files resulting from your connection to the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library's wireless network.