Service Policy 405

Internet and Computer Policy

Revised:   December 16, 2003

 

The mission of the Spring Lake District Library is to provide current, high-interest materials in a variety of formats, to encourage children’s interest in reading by offering a stimulating array of materials and programs, and to serve as an informational center for the community.  The Internet Policy is developed in accordance with this mission statement and serves as a guide to Spring Lake District Library’s provision of Internet access.

 

In order to comply with Federal and State law (including the Children's Internet Protection Act and Michigan Public Act No. 212 of 2000), all computers with Internet access in the Library are filtered.  The filters are designed to protect against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.  A patron who is at least 18 years of age may request Library staff to disable the filter on computers located in the General Collection area.  Upon such a request, Library staff will disable the filter with reasonable promptness upon verification of the age of the patron, if necessary, by a driver's license, Michigan ID, or similar ID, and provided that the patron signs a brief certificate that the patron will use the unfiltered computer for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  The Library staff will not inquire into the reasons for the request to disable the filter.  Upon completion of the patron's session on the unfiltered computer, the patron shall notify the Library staff who will re-enable the filter with reasonable promptness.

 

The Library has two different classes of computers.  One or more terminals have e-mail and chat and may be used only by adults and minors accompanied by their parent or legal guardian for the duration of the use.  One or more other terminals are available to individuals of any age.  E-mail and chat are not available on these computers.

 

Filtered wireless access to the Internet is also available at the Library for use by patrons with their own laptop computers.  Due to technological limitations, the filter on the wireless access will remain enabled but patrons who are at least 18 years of age who wish to obtain unfiltered access may do so by using the Library's computers and requesting the disabling of the filter pursuant to the procedures set forth above.

 

Patrons are responsible for complying with this Policy when accessing the Internet.  In addition to other provisions of this Policy, patrons (including minors) shall not access visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography as defined by Federal law (47 USC §254(h)(7)(E), (F)) and shall not access or view obscene matter as defined in Michigan Public Act No. 212 of 2000.  In addition, patrons who are minors for purposes of Federal law shall not access visual depictions that are harmful to minors as defined by Federal law (47 USC §254(h)(7)(G)) and patrons who are minors under State law shall not access or view sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors as defined in Michigan Public Act No. 212 of 2000.  Subject to other demands on staff time for library services, the Library staff will make a good faith effort to monitor periodically the use of Library computers by minors.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Library holds the parents or legal guardians responsible for their minor children's use of the Internet in light of the fallibilities of filters and other demands on Library staff time.

 

The Library will not disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information regarding patrons, including minors, except as provided under the Michigan Library Privacy Act (MCL 397.601 et seq.), Federal law, or other applicable law. 

 

In addition to the restrictions above, Internet computers may not be used by any user (including minors) for illegal or unethical purposes (including, without limitation, so-called "hacking" and other unlawful access); harassment of other users; libeling or slandering other users; destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material; or the sending, receiving, or displaying of any material that is unlawful, fraudulent, or defamatory, or that is obscene or child pornography as defined by applicable law.

 

The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time.  The Library reserves the right to monitor compliance with this Policy and to suspend or restrict access to or use of the Internet or other Library privileges for users who violate this Policy.  Users who commit succeeding violations may be subject to increased suspensions or restrictions on access to or use of the Internet or other library privileges in accordance with the Library’s established procedures for enforcement of this Policy.  Illegal acts will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  The decision to restrict or suspend access for violations of this Policy may be appealed within three (3) days to the Director, whose decision shall be final.

 

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."  Users 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 user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

 

While the Library allows the use of its equipment, it does not permit the use of personal software, the attachment of equipment to the Library's computers or network (with the exception of permitted devices), or the modification of any operating system or network configuration.  The Library is not responsible for personal equipment brought to or used at the Library.  The use of Library facilities and equipment is reserved for library services and materials, subject to posted instructions.  Any user of the Spring Lake District Library who destroys, alters, dismantles, or disfigures any data, information technologies, properties, or facilities is in violation of this Policy.  Any violation of this Policy may result in suspension or removal of access privileges as provided above as well as legal action.

 

Further, Spring Lake District Library encourages Internet users to be responsible information consumers.  As such, they must:

·          question the validity, accuracy, and currency of information retrieved, as the Spring Lake District Library is not responsible for the content nor does the Library monitor the information made available via the Internet;

·          use the Internet at their own discretion, as the Internet contains materials that may be deemed controversial, inappropriate, or disturbing; Spring Lake District Library does not restrict access to information that they might find offensive (except as otherwise provided in this Policy).  

·          supervise their children's Internet sessions; Spring Lake District Library is not responsible for children's use of the Internet;

·          adhere to any applicable copyright laws;

·          understand that connections to specific sites on the Internet may be unavailable for technical reasons beyond local control, including an overloaded host computer at the destination site, a new Internet address for the destination site, or restricted/password authorization at the destination site;

·          understand that filtering products used on library computers are not infallible.  Filtering products have limitations and library users must be aware that complete reliance on filtering products for protection of minors is inadvisable.  The best protection is the constant presence of a parent or guardian when a minor is using the Internet.

 

The Spring Lake District Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from use of its Internet connection through the Library's service provider.