Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library

Internet Guidelines

The Library provides Internet access in keeping with its mission of serving the community by making materials and services available to all residents. To enable all users to have access to the computer, the Library reserves the right to enforce time limits of 15 minutes.

The Library has no control over information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Library network is designed to support access to content, not personal communication or games. Using email, chat rooms, and divulging private information on Library computers is not encouraged and may be unsafe for children. For more information, see our Internet Safety pages.

Computers in areas designated for use by children may have restricted access to some adult content and no one may view inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web in these areas. Minors may not use Library computers to send email, divulge personal information, participate in chat rooms, or use other forms of direct electronic communication in these areas unless a parent or guardian accompanies them.

The Library does not endorse the viewpoints expressed on the Internet or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. As with other materials in the Library's collections, any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. No personal information about library patrons will be released without authorization, but patrons are responsible for any personal information they release on the Internet.

No one may use Library computers to gain unauthorized access to files, programs, or personal information whether stored locally or elsewhere. It is unacceptable to use the Library's computer system and Internet resources for any purpose that violates applicable U.S. or state laws, particularly Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-911.

Staff who observe patrons violating laws are required to:

Warn the patron he may be violating state laws and should use another Internet site.
Tell patrons who, after being warned, continue to exhibit unlawful materials in the presence of minors to leave the Library premises. If patron does not leave the premises, the police may be called and the patron charged with criminal trespass.

For more information about safe use of the Internet see our pages titled Internet Safety

This page is Bobby Approved