Library > Policies > Internet Policy

COMPUTER/INTERNET USE POLICY II.P

Purpose:

The North Plains Public Library provides public computers and Internet access to a broad range of information resources. This service is available as part of our mission to fulfill individual informational needs for day-to-day living, cultural, educational and leisure pursuits. The library strives to serve people of all ages at all levels of need and considers its endorsement of the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read documents to apply to the use of electronic information. The library also upholds public access to information in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the United States.

Rules of Internet Use:

Patrons must comply with library regulations concerning time limits on Internet use.

As with other materials in the library collection, the Internet is available to all library customers. Patrons are expected to be considerate in their use of the Internet. The library is a public place where children may be present. Patrons eight years or younger are required to be supervised by a parent/guardian or caretaker to use a computer.

Optional Use of Internet Filters:

In the program room, patrons over the age of 12 years have the option of turning off filtering software when starting their Internet session. Patrons should be aware that filtering software is far from perfect; it does allow some inappropriate content to pass through and can block appropriate sites. In the youth areas, the Internet access computers are filtered, without an option to turn the filtering software off.

Rules of Computer Use:

The Library Rules of Behavior also apply to patrons using computers. In addition:

Computers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are not available.
Viewing sexually explicit sites is not permitted.
Patrons must end their session and leave the terminal when asked to do so by library staff.
Patrons must abide by copyright laws and licensing agreements.
Patrons may not make any attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files or networks, or to damage or modify computer equipment or software.
Patrons will respect the privacy of other patrons, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
By mutual agreement, two or more persons may share one access session as long as their behavior and conversation does not disturb other patrons or library staff and they do not physically block or impede access within the library.
Printing costs are applied whether the patron brings paper or uses library paper.
Selected stations allow patrons to save documents or personal files to a removable storage device. The computers do not allow patrons to permanently save to the hard drive. The library is not responsible for loss of data that may occur when saving documents. Documents are not saved when a computer station times out.
Patrons may not engage in any activity that is illegal or deliberately and maliciously unethical, offensive, libelous, or slanderous.
Patrons may not have any food or drink at a computer workstation.
Patrons may not misrepresent oneself as another Patron.
Patrons may not expose children to pictures of nudity, sexually explicit conduct, or physical torture or brutality that lack serious literary, artistic, political, scientific or educational value for children.
Patrons may not distribute unsolicited advertising via the Internet.
Patrons may not use Internet sounds which might disrupt the ability of other library patrons to use the library and its resources.
Patrons may not watch DVD’s on library computers.
For library network security reasons, personally owned computers shall not be connected to the Internet utilizing any of the connections provided by the North Plains Public Library.

These restrictions also apply in email and chat room environments accessed through library computers. The library reserves the right to block any sites or activities that degrade computer network performance.

If an individual or group of Internet patrons creates a disturbance that limits the effective use of the library by others, they will be asked to correct their behavior, disband, and/or leave the building as appropriate. Violations may result in restrictions on library use. Illegal uses of computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

The sites that you have accessed may be visually monitored to ensure the library’s policy is followed.

Time Limits:

Internet terminals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If someone is waiting to use a terminal, use is limited to 60 minutes. If patrons have already been using the terminals for 60 minutes, they are expected to surrender use of the terminal immediately. Internet patrons who must give up a terminal after the time limit may get back on when one becomes available again.

Copyright Restrictions:

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of "fair use." Patrons may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs or data), without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the patron. The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Responsibility of the Library:

The library is responsible only for the content of the North Plains Public Library web site, which presents information about the North Plains community and guides patrons to recommended informational sites beyond the library walls. The North Plains Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available on the Internet and can not be held responsible for the content, accuracy, or quality of the information retrieved or images viewed.

The City of North Plains is required to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. Pornographic or obscene displays may constitute unlawful sex discrimination in violation of the Act. Please be aware that displaying explicit, graphic or obscene images on library computers may create a hostile workplace environment for library staff, and may result in the loss of library computer privileges.

The North Plains Public Library will not be responsible for injuries or damages to possessions of individuals or groups, or loss of personal data, resulting from the use of the computer.

The library does not guarantee that Internet service will be uninterrupted or error-free.

Responsibility of the Patron:

All patrons are asked to respect the privacy of other patrons and not attempt to censor or comment upon what others are viewing. However, the Internet workstations are in public areas, and privacy cannot be guaranteed. Patrons are responsible for which sites they select to visit, but should be aware that others may be involuntarily exposed to what is displayed. Be advised that all computers are located in public areas where minors are present. The law prohibits exhibition of obscene matter to any person.

The regulation of a child's use of the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Library staff is not responsible for monitoring or controlling children's use of the Internet. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. Be sure to note the originator of the information and question the validity when not issued by a recognized authority.

Patrons are responsible for any damage to the computer equipment caused by “bad disks” or misuse of equipment.

Patrons should ask the library staff for assistance if they are experiencing difficulty using the equipment.

Access by Minors:

The use of library resources by minors, including the Internet, is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Patrons eight years or younger are required to be supervised by a parent/guardian or caretaker to use a computer. Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The North Plains Public Library supports the right for each family to decide what is appropriate Internet use for their children.

The library has installed software designed to filter sexually explicit content on all Internet computers in the library, however, patrons over the age of 12 years have the option of turning off filtering software when starting their Internet session. Filtering software is far from perfect and not a substitute for parental supervision. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests solely with parents or guardians. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not use.

Internet Guidelines for Parents and Guardians:

The following are recommended guidelines for parents and guardians to ensure that children have positive online experiences, whether at home or in the library:

Use the Internet as a family. Join your children in Internet exploration.
Explore the wide range of available information and tell your children about sites you consider inappropriate for them.
Encourage children to use sites recommended on the library’s homepage and counsel them to avoid sites you consider unsuitable.
Provide guidelines for your children on the amount of time they spend online.
Instruct children NEVER to give out personal information (name, address, password, telephone number, credit card number) online.
Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone via the computer without parents’ or guardians’ approval.
Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
Remember that everything one reads may not be true.
Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make one uncomfortable.
Provide children with guidelines on acceptable use of electronic resources, including email and chat rooms.
Teach children to be good online consumers. As with print information, consider the source, date, and accuracy of online information.
Report any incident or concerns to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Evaluating Reliability and Validity of Information:

Patrons should evaluate Internet sources just as they do print materials, questioning the accuracy and completeness of information. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, it is important that patrons recognize that the Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content, and realize that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. The information consumer must be aware that it is up to the patron to evaluate the validity of information found.

Limited Computer Support:

The library staff may only be available for limited assistance at the computer workstations. Therefore, patrons are expected to use and explore electronic resources on their own.

Privacy Protection on the Internet:

Patrons should be aware that it is their responsibility to protect their privacy while sending information via the Internet. Interactions involving personal information such as credit card numbers, home address and phone, etc. should be used with caution.

The library avoids collecting or maintaining records that could compromise the privacy of library patrons and will only disclose your records as required to do so by law.

The Library Bill of Rights:

The library endorses the American Library Association's document "Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks: an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights." http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/electacc.html

Disclaimer:

The Internet offers access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. However, not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete or up-to date. The Internet is a global entity that does not fall under the control or governance of any single agency, government or organization. It is possible that individuals might access information that they find personally offensive or disturbing. The availability of networked information via library terminals does not constitute the library’s endorsement of the content of that information. The library does not warrant information found on the Internet to be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely or useful for patrons’ purposes. If any patron believes that information obtained via library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information.

The library does not select the material on the Internet and has no means or statutory authority to assure that only constitutionally protected material is available on the Internet. The authority to determine what is illegal content rests with courts as defined in Oregon and federal statutes.

Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the library is the responsibility of the patron. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the patron and the parent or guardian. Because parents or guardians may feel that information available through the Internet is not suitable for viewing by children in their care, supervision is advised.

Reevaluation of the North Plains Public Library Computer/Internet Use Policy will be reviewed and amended as needed.

Approved (4/19/2006)

For more details on policy rules, please see Library Board > Policies.

Boards and Commissions	City Departments