| Internet Access Policy
Service Objectives and Description
In seeking to fulfill its mission to “maintain a diverse collection of materials, and to provide access to information resources and materials outside its collection”, the Vernon Area Public Library provides free access to the Internet. This provides patrons access to the rich and vast array of Internet resources, and to the library’s subscribed databases and Web site.
The Internet provides many valuable resources, but it is essential that users understand that the library exercises and has no control over the contents of the Internet. Users must recognize that not all information available on the Internet is accurate, complete or current. Some material may be considered offensive or disturbing.
Because the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States protects the rights of citizens from government intrusion into what they see, hear and read, the library does not use filtering software on its Internet workstations.
While the Internet can be used for a variety of purposes, the library actively supports only those functions that relate to its mission and services. Software, tools, settings and upgrades are selected that relate to those functions.
By accessing the Internet through the library, patrons agree that the library will not be responsible for any indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages or losses that may arise in connection with their use of the Internet. When accessing the Internet through the library’s wireless network, patrons accept full responsibility for selecting, installing and configuring the hardware and software necessary for using the wireless network. The library assumes no responsibility for any investments patrons make in hardware or software, nor assumes the burden of support for interfacing the patrons’ system with the wireless network. Further, patrons accept any potential risk to their systems when modifying those systems to use the wireless network.
Privacy and Security
In keeping with library policies, and consistent with state and federal laws, the library protects users’ rights to privacy and the confidentiality of their library records. Insofar as possible, the library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of users. However, electronic communication by its nature may not be secure. The library cannot guarantee the privacy or security of any online transaction. Additionally, computers are located in open, public spaces in the library, and each user should exercise caution when using the Internet to avoid unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information.
Service to Minors
It is the express responsibility of parents and other adult caregivers to monitor and select the materials that they find appropriate for their children who are minors. The library does not deny access to any materials in any part of the collection to any patron. This applies to use of the Internet as well.
User Responsibilities
By requesting and accepting access to a library Internet workstation, or availing themselves of the library’s wireless network with their own computer, users are expressly agreeing to follow the provisions of this policy, the procedures put in place to implement it, and to conduct themselves in a legal and responsible manner.
Internet access may be used for legal purposes only. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Attempting to change or damage computer equipment, software settings, or files belonging to the Vernon Area Public Library District, other users, or external networks and Web sites;
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- Attempting, or assisting to attempt, unauthorized access to any Vernon Area Public Library District computer system, any other network, or external system;
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- Violation of copyright laws;
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- Violation of software license agreements;
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- Unlawful communications, such as threats of violence, obscenity, child pornography, and harassing communications as defined by law;
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- Intentional propagation of computer viruses.
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Examples of irresponsible use include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Computer use in ways that interfere with or impede the use by others, such as deliberately crashing a computer, consuming large amounts of system resources, locking out files, or any other type of interference with system operations;
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- Violation of another user’s privacy;
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- Disregard or violation of library policies and procedures dealing with computers and electronic resources;
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- Unauthorized use of computer accounts or access codes assigned to others.
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Policy Enforcement
Any individual who does not fulfill user responsibilities is considered in violation of the library’s Patron Behavior Policy. The user’s Internet access and use of other library resources may be suspended for a specific time period, according to state law and library policy. An individual who uses the Internet for illegal purposes may also be subject to prosecution.
Policy Review
Because the nature of the Internet and technology in the public library is evolutionary, this policy and the procedures developed to implement it will be reviewed periodically, and revised as necessary to meet the mission and service objectives of the library.
Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees 2/16/2004
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