About the Library

 The goal of our staff is to provide for our customers a relaxed, comfortable, and safe environment while visiting the library. No one should be subjected to harassment or abuse. It is up to all of us to make our library a safe and comfortable place to visit and work.

 Be considerate of others.

• Use a quiet voice.Refrain from obscene or abusive language and gestures. This includes using or displaying words and/or pictures which are not acceptable for public viewing on library computers.
• We have zero tolerance for anything physically or verbally obscene or abusive.
• Use headphones when listening to radios and tape or CD players.
• Keep aisles and walkways clear.
• Only guide dogs that assist the physically challenged are allowed in the library.
• Refrain from annoying, disturbing, and/or offending library customers and staff. This includes sleeping and loitering in the library or on the library grounds.
• Refrain from soliciting from or selling to library customers and staff.
• Use only the public bulletin boards to post announcements and flyers. Obtain staff permission before disseminating leaflets in the library.

Be considerate of library property.

• Check library materials out before taking them out of the building.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in the library.
• Take care of all library property.
• Library phone is available for short, local calls. Ask library staff for assistance.
• Obtain library staff approval before moving furniture or equipment. .

It's the law:

1. Use of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs is strictly forbidden on library premises. Use of tobacco products is only allowed outside the library building.
2. Unauthorized weapons are strictly forbidden on library premises.
3. Do not block entrances with bicycles, skates or skateboards. Do not wear skates or skateboards in the library.

Failure to comply with the Library Code of Conduct can result in the loss of library privileges.

Adopted September 2001

1. INTERNET PHILOSOPHY
   Providing internet files as an information resource is a logical continuation of the library's roles of formal education supporter and reference provider. The Internet enables the library to provide information and commentary from around the globe to users who may not otherwise have access to this resource. These files enhance the library's existing collection in depth and in currency.
   
   
2. REPONSIBILITIES OF INTERNET USERS
   The internet contains a wide variety of materials and opinions from varied points of view. It is basically an unregulated medium. In offering access to the internet, the library cannot control access points which often change rapidly. The Nottoway Library System does not monitor and has no control over the information displayed on the internet. Lawful use of the internet is the indi\vidual's responsibility.
   THE FOLLOWING USES OF THE INTERNET ARE UNACCEPTABLE
   
   • Tampering with the setup or configuration of the computersi in the library
   • Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library
   • Unauthorized copying of coyright protected material.
   • Harassment of or slandering of other computer users
   • Use of e-mail
   • Accessing obscene materials and/or child pornography
   • Participation in chat rooms
   • Use of visuals that might be offensive to others
   • Use of the internet for illegal or criminal purposes
   • Installation of personal software or insertion of a sidk into library computers
   • Downloading of data to the hard drive of the libraty's internet computers
   Unacceptable use of the internet computers will result in a loss of library privileges for the offending individual.
3. DISCLAIMER
   The Nottoway Library System disclaims any responsibility as to the internet's quality, informational accuracy, authoritativeness, timeliness, or usefulness for a particular purpose. The library also assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arizsing from use of its connection to the internet or other electronic resources. Internet access is not filtered and internet users must be aware that they may locate material that is erroneous or offensive.
   
   
4. STAFF ASSISTANCE
   Because of limited staff resources, the Nottoway County Public Libraries will not be able to provide intensive assistance to internet users. Staff will only be able to assist a patron with getting started, then will return later to check on progress. Patrons are encouraged to consult the library's online public access catalog to find reference and circulating materials on how to use the internet.
   
   
5. TIME LIMITS
   Due to limited number of terminals, all patrons wishing to use a PC will need to sign up at the Circulation desk. Reservations are taken only during the same day that the terminal wold be used. A patron may sign up for only one hour. After the session is over, the patron may sign up for another hour of time if no one else is scheduled or waiting. The librarian has the right to limit the use in special situations where the demand is great. The library reserves the right to interrupt a patron's second session of the same day of the terminal is needed to answer a reference question.Public access computer patrons must complete their work at least fifteen minutes before the library closes to the public. A librarian may remind the patron of this procedure.
   
   
6. YOUTH ACCESS TO THE INTERNET IN NOTTOWAY LIBRARIES
   Information for Young Adults and their Parents
   The library has taken steps to make the internet experience as pleasant and safe as possible for young people. They include the following:
   • UNDER AGE 5
     Children under the age of 5 MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult AT ALL TIMES when using the internet. The adult must have signed the library's statement of responsible and ethical use.
   • AGES 6-17
     Parents/guardians must sign a permission form for all 6 through 12 year olds. All young adult users ages 13 - 17 must sign a statement of responsible and ethical use - as do adult users
   • AGES 18 and UP
     The statement of responsible and ethical use must be signed by the user. It is the responsibility of the user or parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate, to set standards, and to establish guidlines. Parents concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should spend time on-line with their childresn, Brief orientations to the internet users will be given to all users the first time they access the internet