PUBLIC ACCESS: INTERNET POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR USEWhereas electronic information technologies have become a common feature in Public Libraries, and whereas the Lawrenceburg Public Library District has always endeavored to provide its citizens with the best possible access to information resources, public access to the Internet and other electronic technologies are offered. This service responds to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community and in the spirit of free access to information. As with other electronic services offered by LPLD, the primary purpose is for research and informational needs. The Internet is a global network with a highly diverse population of users. LPLD does not monitor, nor maintain control over information available over the Internet through its public access stations. Individuals should also be aware that it is possible to access material, which they may find controversial, inappropriate or offensive. Users should also be aware that not all sources on the Internet are accurate complete or, current. As with other information resources offered by the library, parents and only parents are responsible for supervising their children's access. APPROPRIATE USEUsers are expected to confine their Internet exploration and access to appropriate use. It is not appropriate to use the library computer to access obscene, pornographic or illegal materials. Use of the computer to harass others, to violate copyright laws, to obtain illegal copies, to modify data, to access passwords of other users, or to misrepresent other users is illegal as well as inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate use include but are not limited to: writing and sending chain letters, writing and sending harassing messages of any kind, unauthorized attempts to break into any computer system anywhere, use of the Library's public account for commercial purposes, any attempt to incur expense to the Library, misrepresentation of oneself or LPLD. E-mail is permitted only from browser e-mail options (such as Excite, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.). Subscriptions to messenger services are not permitted. Chat is not permitted except in the case of a requirement for a class in which the patron is officially enrolled. Permission must be requested and received to access a chat room. The public is not permitted access to the library’s email account. Noncompliance with the LPL Internet Policy and Guidelines for Access is considered inappropriate use. Inappropriate use will result in the user’s privileges being revoked for a period of two months. A second offense will result in a six-month revocation period. The third inappropriate use will result in a permanent revocation of privileges. STAFF ASSISTANCEAs with other resources and services, library staff will assist Internet users to the degree circumstances permit. The level of assistance at a given time may necessarily be limited due to the number of people using the library, the number of staff on duty and the expertise of the staff. If greater assistance is needed an Internet tutoring session may be scheduled with specially trained staff at a mutually convenient time. Lawrenceburg Public Library District including the Board of Trustees and employees cannot be held responsible or liable for inaccurate or offensive information or material or for any expense incurred as a result of Internet use. Lawrenceburg Public Library District reserves the right to amend this policy at any time deemed necessary. Changes as required by Federal or Indiana State Law will become effective immediately. As required by law (IC 36-12-1-12) this policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. The primary purpose of the Gates Computer Lab is for workshops and training sessions. When not in use as a training lab, the computers there may be used by the public for Internet access and other applications only if the computers on the first floor are all in use by other patrons. GUIDELINES FOR ACCESS
Revised September 27, 2005 ____________________________________ COMPUTER WORKSTATION PROCEDURES AGREEMENTUSER ELIGIBILITYA signed copy of the Internet and Computer Use Agreement must be on file for patrons to use a computer workstation. Users are required to sign in at the circulation desk and to leave a valid LPLD membership card during use. Out of county residents who do not wish to purchase an LPLD membership card may obtain a card for computer use only. Stations in the adult area are available to students, middle school age and above. Stations are available to younger children in the Children’s Department. USER GUIDELINESComputers are generally available on a first-come, first –served basis. Individuals may reserve time for the word-processing stations for up to two hours. No charge is made for computer use, however $.10 per page will be charged for printing. Print jobs may be picked up at the Circulation Desk. The Library provides only educational and productivity-type software. Personal software and games may not be used on the library computers. Users may not attach their own peripherals to library computers. Copyright laws must be strictly observed. Diskettes are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk. Non-compliance with these procedures and guidelines or with staff requests regarding the computers can result in revocation of user privilege. The Lawrenceburg Public Library District makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied with respect to any equipment, programs or other library materials, their quality, performance or fitness for any particular purpose. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTERS ARE EQUIPPED WITH A PROGRAM THAT DETECTS TAMPERING. Revised September 2001 |
