Spooner Memorial Library - Internet Policy...



	Use of the Internet is available to all patrons of the Spooner Memorial Library. The Library has made the Internet available as an information and education resource in our role as the community center for information and lifelong learning. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s collections, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Due to this, and the fact that access points on the Internet can and do change often and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images, which they might find offensive or disturbing. USER RESPONSIBILITIES All Internet users are expected to use this Library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the informational and educational purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations, and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to those of the Library. Responsible Internet use includes: 1) No outside disks are allowed on any of our Library computers. Disks may be purchased at the desk. 2) Recognizing that the Internet, like all the Library’s resources, must be shared and used in a way that respects the rights of others, refraining from the activities that prevent others from using it. 3) Using the Library’s Internet for informational and educational purposes only. 4) Refraining from using the Library’s Internet to conduct commercial enterprise, or to engage in commerce such as the distribution of advertising. 5) Refraining from illegal or unethical use of the Internet. 6) Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed, or otherwise controlled software or data residing on the Internet. 7) Respecting the privacy of others using the Internet by not misrepresenting oneself as another user, by not attempting to modify or access other’s files, passwords, or data, and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer, network or site. 8) Refraining from damaging or altering equipment or set-up accessing the Internet. 9) Refraining from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet. 10) Refraining from deliberate propagation of computer worms and viruses 11) Refraining from transmitting threatening, harassing or abusive language and images. CHILD SAFETY ON THE INTERNET Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information and images accessed by their children. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images, so the Library requires children under the age of 12 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to use the Internet. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to personal and family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet. COMPLIANCE WITH LIBRARY INTERNET USE POLICY All users of the Internet at Spooner Memorial Library must sign a copy of the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement found on the next page. If a user is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the document before the user will be allowed access to the Internet. The library’s Internet is located in a public, not private, area that is shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider others when accessing potentially controversial information and images. Library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Internet. The Library does, however, reserve the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images, which cause a disruption. Failure to immediately comply with such a request by library staff will result in termination of the current session, and suspension of 1 to 12 months at the library director’s discretion, or loss of future privileges. Any violation of this Internet use policy will result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use the Library’s Internet resources. Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet will be subject to prosecution by appropriate authorities. LIBRARY STAFF ASSISTANCE The library cannot guarantee that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist users at all times the Library is open. Time permitting, staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching. *SPOONER MEMORIAL LIBRARY INTERENT USE AGREEMENT This document is given to all users of the Internet at the Spooner memorial Library. All users must sign it and if under the age of 18, must obtain a parent’s /legal guardian’s signature before they are allowed access to the Internet. We are pleased to offer our patrons’ access to the Internet. This access is compatible with the library’s information and educational roles in the community. The Internet allows users to comment to vast networks of information, resources and ideas outside the library. Spooner Memorial Library has no control over these resources, nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current, or it may be inaccurate, out of date or unavailable at times. The Internet and its resources are always changing. Users are warned that some material available on the Internet may contain items that are illegal, inaccurate, defamatory and potentially offensive or disturbing. The provision of access does not imply that the library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary to be found on the Internet. The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, about the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Users need to be critical information consumers and evaluate the validity of the information accessed. We believe the benefits of Internet access as an information and education resource far exceed any disadvantages. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. As with other library materials, a child’s access to the Internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent. RULES/ RESTRICTIONS/ WARNINGS Internet use will be managed so as not to allow behavior disruptive to others. The following actions will not be allowed: • sending or displaying obscene or disruptive messages, files or images. • using obscene language. • changing or adding files to the network or setup. • harassing, insulting or attacking others. • violating copyright laws or software license restrictions. • other violations as covered in the Internet Use Policy. Violations of these rules may result in loss or suspension of Internet access privileges, library borrowing privileges and appropriate legal action. USER AGREEMENT** As a users of the Library’s Internet access, I understand and agree to abide by the Acceptable Use Agreement and the Spooner Internet Use Policy. __________________________________________________Date________________ Spooner Memorial Library * Internet Use Policy PARENTAL PERMISSION AGREEMENT As the parent or legal guardian of the minor child named below, I have read and agreed to the Acceptable Use Agreement. I understand that some of the material on the Internet may be objectionable, but I accept the responsibility and agree to allow my child age twelve to eighteen to use the Internet independently. I give permission for my child to access the Internet at the Spooner Memorial Library. Parent’s Signature____________________________________________Date_________ Child’s Name_______________________________________________ Child’s Age________________________Birthdate_________________ Parent/ Guardian’s Phone____________________ Parents/ Legal Guardians must return this document in person to the library.