General Policy

The Akron Community Online Resource Network (ACORN) is a community-oriented information system designed to provide the general public of Akron and surrounding areas with free access to the growing world of electronic information. It allows access to a wide range of information (both locally generated and on the Internet) on education, the community, health, technology, government, clubs and many other topics. It also allows authorized users access to limited communications services such as electronic mail (e-mail) and bulletin boards. Authorized users are invited to access ACORN by modem or remote login via the Internet with personal or office computers, or through public access terminals throughout the Akron-Summit County Public Library system.

The purpose of the Akron Community Online Resource Network is to provide access to information of interest to residents of the greater Akron area. Accordingly, local access will be given preference over remote logins. ACORN will also promote the exchange of information and collaboration among local community service organizations, schools, libraries, government agencies, and businesses.

User Guidelines

Authorized user on the ACORN system are those individuals who have completed the registration procedure and abide by the following user guidelines. Successful operation requires that users regard the network as a shared resource. Network facilities are to be used in a responsible, legal, and efficient manner which reflects acceptable community standards.

The policies stated here do not attempt to define all required or prohibited behavior by its users. Each individual's judgment of appropriate conduct must be relied upon. The exercise of such judgment must be within the following guidelines which have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Final decisions regarding acceptable use will be determined by the Library. All users must agree to abide by these policies. Users who do not follow these policy guidelines may have their access privileges suspended or revoked by the Library. Please read and become familiar with them.

1. Acceptable uses of ACORN are activities which promote education and civic participation. Authorized users are encouraged to develop uses which meet their individual needs and which take advantage of ACORN's telecomputing functions: electronic mail (e-mail), bulletin boards, databases, and access to Internet resources. Users must respect the values and individuality of other ACORN users and the rest of the network community.

2. Any use of ACORN for illegal activities is prohibited.

3. Unacceptable uses of ACORN include, but are not limited to:
   1. Using profanity, obscenity, or language which may be offensive to other users. The current standard for a specific vocabulary is: any language or descriptive situation that would not be heard or seen on commercial television is considered offensive and not allowed on the network. This policy applies to the posting of public messages and other electronic communications on the network, including e-mail messages.
   2. Duplicating copyrighted material (text, data, or commercial software) via ACORN without the documented permission of the owner.
   3. Using the network to harass other users or interfere with their use of the resources.
   4. Hiding or misrepresenting your identity.
   5. Deliberately attempting to degrade or disrupt system performance. Such attempts will be pursued as criminal activities under applicable state and federal laws and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
   6. Failure to comply with the Library's request to cease a specific activity.

4. Users must acknowledge the limited capacity of the system and cooperate with the ACORN System Administrator to conserve resources and assure equitable access for all users. To assist with this, users are expected to:
   1. Observe a limit of one hour on-line during any given 12-hour period. At the discretion of the ACORN System Administrator, this time limit may be reduced.
   2. Delete files as soon as possible.
   3. Avoid spreading computer viruses - if any are detected, notify the System Administrator immediately. Files from unknown sources should not be uploaded.

5. The individual in whose name an ACORN account and password is issued is responsible at all times for its proper use. User accounts are non-transferable. Do not share your login or password with others. Users should change their passwords frequently to protect them from unauthorized use.

6. Any ACORN user's traffic that traverses another network is subject to that network's acceptable use policy. Failure to follow another network's policy will be considered unacceptable use of ACORN.