The Internet is a worldwide computer network furnishing access to a vast number of resources in electronic format. The information and resources available on the Internet expand the library's information services far beyond traditional print collections.

Patrons and staff using library Internet computers are expected to act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner. Any use of the library's computers that violates a law or interferes with the activities of the library or its network may result in the loss of library and/or Internet privileges. Violation of United States, Virginia, or local laws, including (but not limited to) the following, may lead to prosecution:

USC Title 18 Chapter 110 regarding the Sexual Exploitation and other Abuse of Children

USC Title 18 Chapter 71 Sections 1465-1468 regarding distribution of obscene materials

The U.S. Copyright Act

Code of Virginia Section 42.1-36.1

Code of Virginia Title 18.2 Article 7.1 regarding computer crimes

Those portions of the Code of Virginia in Title 18.2 regarding obscenity and related offenses

Those portions of the Code of Virginia in Title 18.2 regarding juveniles

The Children's Internet Protection Act

The Children's Internet Protection Act and Virginia Code §42.1-36.1 require filtering software on all of the library's public Internet stations. Filtering software is designed to block access to Internet sites deemed to contain pornographic or obscene content or materials deemed harmful to minors.

The Children's Internet Protection Act and Virginia Code §42.1-36.1 require the library to disable the filtering software if requested by an adult patron. The Library Board designates library staff to disable the filtering software at the request of a patron for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Library staff shall disable the filtering software upon the receipt of such a request.

Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits. Reference staff are always available to help patrons locate books, periodicals, and other materials about the Internet.

Violations of this policy will be addressed by the library director or designee by warning the patron or suspending or terminating the patron's Internet privileges. Where deemed appropriate, the library director or designee will advise the sheriff's office of the violation for further investigation.

Adopted August 17, 1999, by the Augusta County Library Board of Trustees.

Revised and Adopted August 19, 2003, by the Augusta County Library Board of Trustees.

Revised and Adopted November 27, 2007, by the Augusta County Library Board of Trustees.