I. The Internet and the Library's Mission
Computers and Internet access are offered to the public in support of the Library’s mission to enrich the community by offering information, materials, and services, and providing opportunities for connection. The library offers free, unfiltered internet access via public computers and its wireless network.
II. General Rules and Policies
All adult patrons have access to the computer stations. In order to use them, however, they must agree to the Library’s Use Policy, which is displayed at login.
Written permission of a parent or guardian is not required for Internet access by children 17 and under.
Children 16 and under may use only the stations in the Youth area of the Library.
Printers are available for those who need to make copies from the computers. There is a fee for copies.Please ask at the circulation desk for the current fee. Wireless printing is not available at thistime.
Reservation software is installed on the Internet stations in order to facilitate traffic flow and ensure that patron wait time does not exceed 30 minutes for a computer. If no one is waiting, sessions may be extended for additional time. Library staff can instruct patrons in the use of the reservation system.
Computer stations are intended primarily for the use of the Library District residents and cardholders. Non-residents may access stations only if District residents are not waiting.
Library staff members reserve the right to monitor use of the Internet and will terminate the patron’s session if use or patron behavior is deemed inappropriate according to Library policy.
III.Prohibited Uses
Unacceptable and prohibited uses of the Library’s Internet connection include, but are not limited to:
Use for any illegal purposes.
Transmission of threatening, obscene, or harassing materials:
Threatening: a communicated intent to inflict harm or loss on another or another’s property,especially one that might diminish a person’s freedom to act voluntarily or with lawful consent; acommunicated indication of an approaching menace; a communication that might well cause harm to aperson or thing.
Obscene: extremely offensive under contemporary community standards of morality and decency;grossly repugnant to the generally accepted notions of what is appropriate; material, if taken as awhole, that (1) appeals to the prurient interest in sex, as determined by the average personapplying contemporary standards, (2) portrays sexual conduct, as specifically defined by theapplicable state law, in a patently offensive way, and (3) lacks serious literary, artistic, political, orscientific value.
Harassing: words, conduct, or action directed at a specific person that annoys, alarms, or causessubstantial emotional distress in that person and serves no legitimate purpose.
Interference with or disruption of network users, services, or equipment.
Damage to or attempted damage to computer equipment or software.
IV.Disclaimers
The Internet is a global network that enables the Library to provide information to its patrons beyond the confines of its own collection. Library patrons use it at their own risk. It is an unregulated medium and the staff cannot control:
Accuracy of information
Access to offensive or disturbing information
Availability of sites
The Library disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through the Internet.
V.Statement of Parental/Guardian Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to supervise use of the Internet by children. The Library Board and Staff are not responsible for monitoring what sites children are accessing on the Internet. A minor is considered to be 16 years of age or younger.
VI.Staff Assistance
Library Staff will be happy to show patrons how to access the Internet and will provide as much assistance as possible within time and staffing constraints.
VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE LIBRARY’S INTERNET POLICIES WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE- BY-CASE BASIS AND MAY RESULT IN TERMINATION OF ACCESS BY A PATRON.