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Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Access
This policy covers the rules and guidelines that must be followed in order to access the Internet at the Newport News Public Library System.
Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Access
Acceptable use of the City of Newport News Public Library System’s Internet access is subject to the laws, regulations and ordinances of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the City of Newport News. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to refute, abridge, or otherwise negate the effect and full force of any such statute.
Access to the Internet as provided by the City of Newport News Public Library System imposes certain responsibilities, limitations, and obligations upon the recipient of that access. Acceptable use demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individuals' rights to privacy, freedom from intimidation, harassment, and unwarranted intrusion. Any use of library equipment to access material that deals with obscenity or child pornography is expressly prohibited.
Nothing in the foregoing shall limit the City of Newport News in prosecution of individuals or the attempt to recover damages including specific remedies contained in:
Federal Acts:
- The Privacy Protection Act of 1974
- The Privacy Protection Act of 1980
- The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986
- Statutes addressing the Interstate Transport of Stolen Property
- The Electronic Communications and Privacy Act
- The U. S. Copyright Act
- USA Patriot Act 2001
State Acts:
- The Virginia Computer Crimes Act
Unacceptable uses include but are not limited to, altering or attempting to alter Library computers or programs in any way (including Library set-up and files), violating or attempting to bypass security of the computer systems; violating copyrights, patent protection, or licensing agreements; unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and accessing or attempting to access material that is obscene, contains child pornography, or is otherwise unlawful.
All publicly accessible computers with Internet access shall be equipped with a technology protection measure to filter or block Internet access through such computers to child pornography, obscenity, and with respect to minors, materials deemed harmful to minors as defined by Section 18.2-390 of the Code of Virginia. Such filtering measures shall remain in effect unless an adult patron or a juvenile patron's parent or guardian has requested unfiltered Internet access for a lawful purpose.
Suspension of Use Privileges- A library patron who is suspended for violations of this policy shall also be suspended from using any other computer provided by the Newport News Public Library System at any library branch.
1. Any unacceptable use of library equipment including but not limited to, altering or attempting to alter Library computers or programs in any way (including Library set-up and files), violating or attempting to bypass security of the computer systems; violating copyrights, patent protection, or licensing agreements; and accessing or attempting to access material that is obscene, deals withchild pornography, oris otherwise unlawful shall result in suspension of use privileges.
2. Any abuse or misuse of the computer hardware or software shall result in suspension of use privileges. This includes copying library software, the installation of unauthorized software, or changing library established computer set-up programs.
3. Harrassment of others or violation of their privacy will result in suspension of use priveleges.
4. Suspension of use privileges for other reasons shall be as determined by the library staff based on Newport News Public Library System policy or law.
Above Acceptable Internet Use Policy approved by City Council November 9, 1999; revised and approved by City Council October 23, 2001, October 14, 2003, and November 8, 2005, October 23, 2007, October 27, 2009.
