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Internet Use Policy

 

INTERNET USE POLICY

 

Electronic Networks and the Library’s Mission:
Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), the Mt. Morris Public Library is committed to networking, which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefirts from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.
 The Mt. Morris Public Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:
 
1.      Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state.
2.      Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet.
3.      Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.
 
Relationship to other Library Policies: 
The Mt. Morris Public Library's Internet Use Policy is part of the library's overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies.  The general Computer Rules apply to use of the Internet workstations. 
 
Use of Equipment and Networks: 
All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided.  By using the public Internet workstations, accessing the wireless connection, or accessing the Internet in any other manner at the Mt. Morris Public Library you agree to the following guidelines: 
  • Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
  • Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system.
  • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
  • Using resources in a manner that conforms to federal and/or state law.
 
The following activities are unacceptable:
 
  • Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer equipment, software, or network security procedures.
  • Use of personal software.
  • Storage of data to anything other than a personal diskette, CD or flashdrive.
  • Use of the library’s institutional electronic mail (e-mail) account.
  • Downloading e-mail attachments without first consulting a library staff person regarding current virus alerts.
  • Use of chat rooms.
  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics that may be reasonably construed as obscene.
  • Accessing any service that incurs a cost.
  • Use of electronic information network for any purpose that results in the harassment of other users.
  • Use of electronic information network in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Mt. Morris Public Library and network/database providers.
  • Use of any workstation other than a children’s workstation by persons under the age of 12 unless a parent or guardian has authorized the use of such workstation by signing that portion of the required permission slip (see below).

Procedures for use of Internet workstations:

See "Computer Rules." 

All Internet users must have an Internet Use Agreement signed and on file. (Exception:  See “Email Station”.) Users under the age of 18 must have a signed parental or guardian permission slip on file. The permission slip must be signed in the library in the presence of library personnel.
 
Users under the age of 12 will only be allowed to use children’s workstations unless a parent or guardian has signed the portion of the permission slip that specifically allows for the use of all workstations. 
 
You may use Internet resources for no longer than one hour per session, one session per day, for a maximum of three sessions per week, unless a workstation is available and not reserved. Reservations may be made by phone or in person. Patrons who reserve the computer must arrive no later than 10 minutes past their scheduled time or the reservation will be canceled and the time made available to another patron.
 
If the computer is not scheduled, it may be used on a first come, first served basis.
 
Email Station: This stand-up workstation is available for a maximum of 15 minutes to anyone wishing to check email, obtain a map, etc. A signed Internet Agreement is not required, but a driver’s license or other form of identification must be left at the desk.
Start-up and shut-down procedures for the workstations will be done by library staff only.
 
Only persons who have a signed Internet Agreement on file may be at the Internet workstations, whether using the Internet or observing. All persons must have a signed Internet Agreement on file when accessing the Internet in any manner on the library premises.
 
The Library does not offer electronic mail (e-mail) accounts, but patrons may download their e-mail through utilities such as Hot Mail, Yahoo, etc.
 
The Library staff may provide assistance to patrons (as time permits) in the use of the Internet in the following manner:
  • Demonstrate basic search techniques
  • Assist with informational searches
  • Provide instruction in setting up simple email accounts with Hotmail or Yahoo 

 The Library staff will NOT provide instruction in the use or implementation of specific computer programs or websites.

 
If there appears to be a problem with the workstation equipment or Internet connection, patrons should immediately consult the staff.
 
Misuse or abuse of the computer or Internet access will result in disciplinary actions, which may include loss of Internet privileges and loss of Library privileges. Library staff will determine the appropriate consequences. 

Filtering:

All of the library's public access workstations are filtered for sexually explicit content.  The children's workstations are more stringently filtered than the adult workstations, and the filter attempts to exclude violence, chat rooms, promotion of illegal drugs and criminal behavior, etc.  Filters, however, are imperfect and are no guarantee that sites of this nature will be entirely inaccessible.

 
If an adult (age 18 or older) wishes to access a site that has been blocked, a library staff person will enable the site upon request.  This, however, does not imply permission for anyone to violate any portion of the Internet policy.  If the staff person believes the requested site will do so, s/he may refuse to enable the site.
 
Warnings:
 Internet users must be aware of the following points: 
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable.
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be from a reliable source.
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current or up-to-date.
  • Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid.
  • Particular information sites on the Internet may be unpredictably unavailable.
  • Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons. 

 The Library is not responsible for damages, indrect or direct, arising from a library patron's us of Internet information resources.

Children’s Access to Electronic Information Networks:

The Mt. Morris Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Even with the use of filtering, the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information children and youth may locate on the Internet. Even with filtered computers, it is possible that objectionable material may be accessed. It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or caregiver to determine what is appropriate, and to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety.

 

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| Last updated July 8, 2009