Georgetown
Township Public Library
Acceptable Use
of
Electronic Resources
|
|
Statement
of Principle
Access
Via Library Equipment
Access Via the Library’s Wireless Network
Minors
Rules & Agreement for Electronic Resource
Use Compliance, Violation and Enforcement Administration & Modification
of Policy, Rules, Regulations & Procedures |
Statement of Principle
The Georgetown Township Public Library provides access to
computers, networks, and Internet services as a means to enhance patrons’
informational, educational, research, and enrichment opportunities consistent
with the Library’s mission and to ensure that residents have free and open
access to ideas and information. The
Georgetown Township Board and the Georgetown Township Library Director will
develop such policies, rules, and procedures as are necessary to insure the
fair, reasonable, and equitable access to and use of these resources. The
information included in this policy is intended to provide general guidelines
and examples and does not attempt to state all required or prohibited
activities by users. Library materials are available to learn about computer use.
Library staff will provide limited guidance but not instruction. All users of electronic resources are
required to read and agree to this policy and its contents prior to use of
Library equipment/services. If a user does not agree with the terms and
conditions presented herein, he/she should not use the Library’s electronic
resources. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 Access
Use of the Library’s Internet computers requires a current, valid library card from the Georgetown Township Public Library or other Lakeland Library Cooperative library. Patrons must be in good standing (as defined by Georgetown Township Public Library) to use the Library’s Internet computers. Access may be restricted, suspended, or terminated at any time for use not consistent with this policy and/or associated guidelines, rules, procedures, etc. Visitors from outside the Lakeland Library Cooperative may be
granted access to the Library’s Internet computers upon presentation of a
current, valid state driver’s license or state identification card. (Visitor
access will not be granted for individuals who are eligible to register for a
Lakeland Library Cooperative library card, but choose not to do so or fail to
provide/acquire required identification to do so.) Unaccompanied access is limited to minors ages 12 – 17 with written parental permission and adults (defined as individuals age 18 and older). Children under the age of 12 may access the Library’s computers only when accompanied at all times by an adult. Internet use privileges are not transferable. Only the library
cardholder may access Internet service through Georgetown Township Public
Library computers using his/her own library card. (The Library reserves the
right to (1) request identification and (2) terminate any session where the
cardholder is not the individual signed in.) Patrons using another person’s
library card (with or without permission) will have their electronic access
privileges suspended and/or terminated. Library staff will not look up or provide library card numbers
for computer or Internet access purposes. Patrons must bring their library
cards with them to access Internet service through the Library. (Replacement
library cards will be issued in accordance with Georgetown Township Public
Library’s Circulation Policy.) Some Library computers may be reserved for use only by minors.
Adults are restricted from using such computers, and minors are required
to use such computers. To use an Internet workstation, patrons
must sign-in via the log on page displayed on the computer to obtain one
30-minute session. If no one is waiting at the end of that 30-minute session and
at least one additional Internet computer workstation remains available
within the designated grouping (adult vs. minor) for walk-in use, a patron
may register for one additional 30-minute session. (If the “additional”
Internet workstation remains vacant for a minimum of 10 minutes, the patron
may register for his/her second 30-minute session.) A maximum time period of
one hour per day per person is permitted. The Library does not guarantee a
specific amount of time for computer use. All sign up must be
completed in person. No reservations will be taken. If all available Internet
workstations are in use, Library staff may, at a supervisor’s discretion, initiate
a “manual” waiting list at the Circulation Desk for the next available
Internet workstation. A patron registering on a manual waiting list must
remain in the building in the vicinity of the Internet workstations. Use of electronic resources may be
limited at peak times, and Library staff may reserve resources for classes,
training, special programs, maintenance, etc. Some resources/equipment may be
designated for specific purposes, and as such, time limits on these resources
may vary and are set by the Library Director. Computers, printers, etc. are
shut down 10 minutes prior to closing each day. Only one person may use a workstation
except where parents or legal guardians are required to be present or are
assisting a child. The Library Director, or designee, may approve or
disapprove requests for multiple users. Printing charges are assessed at the rate
established in the Library’s Fee Schedule. Patrons are responsible for
determining the number of pages in a file before printing and selecting/sending
the desired pages to the printer. Patrons will be charged for all pages
printed regardless of whether they take possession of them. (Personal paper
products are not permitted in Library equipment.) Library computers do not allow users to save
documents/personal files or download data or software. Attempts to do so will
result in the suspension or termination of electronic resource access
privileges. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised:
02/26/07 Revised:
08/22/11 Access Via The Library’s Wireless Network In
addition to traditional access to the Internet, Georgetown Township Public
Library provides high-speed wireless fidelity (WiFi) access to the Internet
that is open to patrons with a wireless-enabled device. Access may be
restricted, suspended, or terminated at any time for use not consistent with
this policy and/or associated guidelines, rules, procedures, etc. Patrons use the wireless network at their own
risk. Neither Georgetown Township Public Library nor its staff is responsible
for the quality, validity, reliability, accuracy, etc. of the content
accessed. Users are responsible for knowing how to configure their own
wireless-enabled devices. Library staff members are permitted to provide
general information for connecting devices to the wireless network, but are
prohibited from providing technical assistance with wireless-enabled devices,
including troubleshooting problems or assisting in making changes to any
device’s network settings or hardware configurations, due to liability and warranty
issues. The Library assumes no responsibility for device configurations,
security, or changes to data
files resulting from connection to the wireless network for
ensuring the safety or security of the devices themselves. In using this source of Internet access, the
user agrees and hereby releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless, the
Georgetown Township Public Library and its employees from any damage to
his/her own equipment that may result from the use of this wireless access. Printing
access is not available via the wireless local area network. Use of the Library’s
wireless network is restricted to adults (defined as individuals age 18 and
over). Presentation of a current, valid state driver’s license or state
identification card is required to gain access to the Library’s wireless
network. The Library restricts access to its
network through the use of a password. Upon confirmation of a
user’s eligibility for access via presentation of a current, valid state
driver’s license or state identification card, a password will be provided.
Passwords are changed frequently as a security and safety measure. The
Library will not provide passwords to minors and will not be responsible for
any minor that brings a wireless capable device into the Library and accesses
the network using a password provided by another user. Sharing access,
passwords, etc. with other users or allowing minors to access an Internet
connection through the Library’s wireless network may not only result in the
suspension or the termination of computer, wireless network, and/or Library
privileges but may also result in expulsion from the Library as well as legal
action. The
Georgetown Township Public Library does not assume responsibility for any damages,
direct or indirect, arising from the use of the Library’s Internet
connection, wireless network, or the connections with other systems which
users may make through the Library provided Internet connection. Information passing through the Library’s wireless
network is not secured and could be monitored, captured, and altered by
others. It is the user’s sole responsibility to protect his/her information
from all risks associated with using the Internet, including any damage,
loss, or theft that may occur as a result of the use of the Library’s
wireless network. All wireless network users must adhere to the Georgetown Township
Public Library’s Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Policy.
network and use of its
electronic resources. Adopted: 08/22/11 Minors
As with other types of
library materials, parents or legal guardians of minor children must assume
responsibility for their children’s access to electronic resources,
restricting and monitoring a minor’s access to information and use of
equipment. (Minor is defined as an individual under the age of 18.) Prior to being granted access to the Internet, anyone under
the age of 18 years of age along with the parent or legal guardian who
co-signed for the minor’s Library card must sign (in the presence of a Library
staff member) the Library’s “Child/Parent Computer/Internet Access Permission
Form.” This policy recognizes that (1) the Internet is an unregulated
medium and (2) minors are particularly vulnerable in the area of Internet
usage and are less able to make critical decisions in an informed and mature
manner with respect to accessing information via the Internet. The Library
cannot assure that a minor will not purposefully or inadvertently access
inappropriate materials, nor can it protect against the unauthorized
disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information
regarding a minor if the minor provides it while using the Internet. Therefore, parental supervision of minors searching the
Internet is advised, even with filtered access, as the Library cannot
guarantee that a filter will be successful in screening out all objectionable
or harmful content. The parent or legal guardian, not Library staff, is
responsible for the information selected and accessed by his/her child.
Library personnel do not and cannot act in loco parentis. In accordance with the federal Child Internet Protection Act
(CIPA), the Library utilizes a technology protection measure (or “Internet
filter”) on all Library computers. Per CIPA, the software is set to screen
out sites which may be reasonably construed as obscene, depict child
pornography, or are harmful to minors. (Users 18 years of age and older who
believe a site is being blocked or allowed in error may submit a request in
writing to have it reviewed by Library staff. A decision and any necessary
action will be made by the Library Director.) Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 Rules
and Agreement for Electronic Resource Use
The same rules and expectations govern patron use of electronic
resources as apply to other conduct and communications. Patrons are further expected to comply with these rules and
all specific instructions from the Library Director or other staff members
when accessing the Library’s computers, networks, and Internet services. Patrons may not use the Library Internet
computers or wireless network for unlawful purposes or to view illegal
content. Some uses of Library-provided Internet and/or equipment use are not
permitted. Such use may constitute termination of one’s access or permanent
revocation of one’s electronic use and/or Library privileges. As such, the user shall: ·
Agree
not to incur any costs for the Library through the use of the Library’s
equipment or resources. ·
Obey
all applicable laws regarding copyright or licensing. ·
Refrain
from practices that interfere with fair and public use of the Internet and
its users. These practices include, but are not limited to the following:
The above serves as a sampling and is not intended to be
all-inclusive. Unauthorized/inappropriate use of the Lakeland Library
Cooperative Online Catalog and/or Internet System or the Library’s computer
network/equipment as defined in this policy is a violation of the Library’s
Rules of Conduct. Violations will result in the suspension of Library
privileges and/or revocation of electronic resource use and/or Library
privileges. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 Revised:
08/22/11 Compliance,
Violation and Enforcement
Patron use of the Library’s equipment,
networks, and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Access entails
the exercise of responsibility. To remain eligible for such privileges, one
must make use of the equipment, network, etc. in ways consistent with the
mission of the Library and in accordance with direction of Library staff. It is the policy of the Library to provide an atmosphere
conducive to the appropriate use of Library services and facilities. The rules
of conduct outlined herein apply to all electronic resource users. Patrons
shall not use Library resources in a manner that disturbs or interferes with
other patrons, employees, or operations of the Library. All patrons accessing
the electronic resources must respect the rights of other patrons not to be
inadvertently exposed to materials and images they find personally
unsuitable. Library computers are located in public areas that must be shared
by users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Thus, all patrons are
encouraged to consider this when accessing information and images. Patrons
who display information or images which cause a disruption to the library
environment will have their access privileges denied, suspended, and/or
terminated. The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet or
other computer session at any time. Failure to comply with policies, rules, procedures, etc. as
well as unacceptable or inappropriate use of the Library’s electronic
resources may not only result in suspension or termination of computer and/or
Library privileges but also expulsion from the Library as well as legal
action Users will be held financially responsible for any damage to
Library computer equipment, software, etc. The Library Director shall have final authority to decide
whether a patron’s privileges will be denied. Utilizing computer access at the Georgetown Township Public
Library to perpetrate illegal acts will be subject to prosecution by local,
state, and federal authorities. Users (as well as parent/legal guardians in
the case of use by minor children) will be held responsible for his/her
actions with regard to the Library’s equipment and/or services. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 Disclaimers
Patrons use Library computer hardware,
software, and services at their own risk. The Library assumes no
responsibility for the quality, accuracy, or currency of any
electronic/Internet resource; equipment malfunction; or loss associated with
data or transactions of any type. Patrons should recognize that, in addition
to valuable and reliable information, the Internet does contain inaccurate,
dated, incomplete, and controversial material. The Library makes no guarantee that all
Internet content and services will function on its equipment or via a
connection provided by the Library. The Library may limit user access to
Internet functions which it determines to be inconsistent with its mission
and goals, consume more resources than the benefit derived in support of the
mission and goals, compromise network/equipment security, etc. By accessing the Internet through the Library, patrons agree
that the Library will not be responsible for any direct or indirect,
consequential, special, or punitive damages or losses which may arise in
connection with their use of the Library’s equipment, World Wide Web server,
or from the Library’s connections to other Internet services. The Library assumes no responsibility for unauthorized
charges, costs, or illegal use and is not responsible for damages to, or data
on, a user’s personal computer/electronic equipment. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 Privacy & Security
The Library retains control, custody, and supervision of all electronic resources, including, but not limited to, computers, networks, and Internet services provided. The Library reserves the right to monitor all electronic resource use (including computer and Internet activity) by patrons. Patrons should have no expectation of privacy. All
workstations are in view of other patrons and staff. The Library makes no
representations regarding the privacy of information sent over
equipment/connections provided by the Library. Transactions, communications, and activities are potentially
vulnerable to unauthorized access. Internet users should be aware that it is
not a secure medium. It is possible for third parties to obtain information
regarding an individual user’s search activities. Users should exercise
extreme caution about providing personal information on the Internet. Information relating to or in support of illegal activities
will be reported to the proper authorities. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 Administration &
Modification of Policy, Rules, Regulations & Procedures
The Library reserves the right to modify
this policy at any time and without advance notice. The Library Director has the authority to
implement this policy and to create whatever rules, regulations, policies,
etc. necessary to enforce this policy and is responsible for establishing any
administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy. Adopted:
10/09/00 Revised: 02/26/07 |
|
|
|