Internet Use Policy

Internet Use Policy

Purpose

The mission of the Griggs County Public Library is to collaborate with the community to provide programs and services that bring people together, foster creativity, and encourage lifelong learning.

Electronic information and networking is a rapidly developing area of public and private activity.  The Library recognizes that these developments pose new challenges as well as new opportunities for the library board, library staff, and library users and their families.

All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided. It is unacceptable to use the Library’s computer systems and Internet resources for any purposes that violate the law or library policies.

Liability

While the library provides due diligence for connectivity, access, and security of data, the library accepts no responsibility for:

• Accuracy of information found online
• Damages resulting from loss of connectivity
• Breaches in security
• A breach of personal data
• Exposure to or infection by malware
• The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content by Griggs County Public Library.

The library accepts no responsibility for lost or misplaced items.

Congress and the courts have recognized that there is no single organization to govern, control, or select information for the Internet.  Because of this freedom of information, the breadth of information on the Internet, the unstructured and unregulated nature of the Internet, and the unreliable state of filtering, the Griggs County Public Library cannot control the content of resource available on the Internet.

The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parents (in place of a parent).  Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children.  Regarding children’s use of the Internet, it must be noted that all patrons of the Stowe Free Library, regardless of age, have equal access to the materials, information, and technology provided by the library.  The Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children and young adults under the age of 18.  It is the responsibility of parents and/or legal guardians to determine what their children may read, use, or access on the Internet.

Legal Compliance

The Internet is an unregulated medium that allows access to a wealth of materials that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. However, it also enables access to material that might be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate, or incomplete.  The library does provide light filtering in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

The Griggs County Public Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. The Library’s policies governing the purchase of materials are not applicable to materials accessed electronically. Library customers use the Internet and electronic databases at their own risk. The Library assumes no responsibility, and will have no liability for, any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of its database server

 Prohibited Activity

Library Staff member have final authority over patron conduct and the following prohibited issues, included, but not limited to:

• Unauthorized access including hacking;
• The Library’s internet access cannot be used to access obscene materials, child pornography, or materials harmful to minors as defined by community standards;
• Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics containing extremes of sex or violence that are an end in themselves;
• Violating copyright laws or licensing agreements pertaining to software, files, or other resources obtained electronically;
• Cyber-bullying;
• Food or beverage in the computer area;
• Identity theft;
• Listening to audio without headphones;

• Installing or downloading software on library computers;
• Attempting to alter software configurations or to cause degradation of system performance;

• Any behaviors that impair the ability of other patrons to use the library;

• Due to space constraints, computer use is limited to a maximum of two people per computer workstation;
• Use of the Internet for activities that violate local, state, or federal laws is prohibited;

• Tampering with, destroying or damaging equipment, software, or data belonging to the library;
• The Library staff is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the computers. Users should report problems to staff immediately;

Enforcement

Patrons perceived to be in violation of this policy will receive:

• A verbal warning and asked to leave the computer area immediately
• A written warning with computer privilege denied for one (1) week
• Denied usage of the computers permanently

Parents are responsible for their child’s behavior.

Any person in the library who views an inappropriate site or violates the Internet Acceptable Use Policy as outlined above, will have his or her library privileges suspended.  A suspension letter will be mailed to the offender or, for children 17 years and younger, to parents or guardians.

Registration

All must show a government issued ID to use a computer.  Every user under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian’s signature on file to use the computer unsupervised by the parent.  Parent or guardian must sign minor form in front of library staff (see Appendix H for minor’s form).   Usage may be restricted to one hour if there are patrons waiting to use the computer.

Printing Charge

Printing charges will be set by the Library Board and posted by each computer.

Staff assistance with library workstations

• Staff can provide a quick function overview. Assistance beyond this will be dependent on staffing levels and may not be available on certain days and times.
• Staff cannot fill out any forms for patrons including, but not limited to; tax information, medical information, legal information, and census information.
• Staff cannot advise patrons how to fill out forms nor assist answering questions beyond function.
• Staff cannot fill out job applications for patrons. Staff cannot assist with resume or cover letter writing beyond basic spelling and grammar checks and are not liable for any mistakes made or missed.

 Staff assistance with patron’s personal devices

We recognize public libraries have in many cases become the default go to place for assistance with consumer and personal electronics.

• Staff can provide assistance in accessing library related software (Overdrive, Online Resources, etc.) and setting up log in information.
• Staff cannot provide technical assistance with personal devices nor recommend apps or software.
• The library accepts no responsibility for a patron’s personal electronic devices including but not limited to incompatibility of library related software, issues with setup, software updates, or errors made during setup.

Wi-Fi

The library provides free Wi-Fi to all library users.

Wi-Fi is password protected.

The terms of this policy also covers the use of the Wi-Fi.

Board approved 5/6/2021