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Internet Use Policy Policy 308.0 General Regulations Relating to Internet Use A. Internet access at the Redford Township District Library (“Library”) is an extension of the Library’s stated mission to provide quality materials and services, which fulfill the informational, cultural, recreational, and educational needs of the entire community. B. In addition to using the Internet as an information resource, the Library will provide public access to the Internet to the extent allowed by the Michigan Library Privacy Act, MCL 397.606, as amended. C. Access to the library Internet computers requires a valid Redford Township District Library card or card issued to residents of reciprocal libraries belonging to The Library Network. D. Users of all library computers, terminal connections and wireless access (“Users”) must comply with this Internet Use Policy and the Redford Township District Library Patron Responsibilities and Conduct policy. Copies of these policies are available at the Adult and Children’s Reference Desks. E. The Internet offers a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. However, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate or incomplete. Users are encouraged to evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information accessed via the Internet. Access to the Internet
A. Access for Patrons Under 18 Years of Age. 1. Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, patrons under 18 years of age must use a filtered Computer or Internet access. A filtered computer or Internet Access means the computer has a program installed that is designed to restrict minors from receiving obscene material or sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors. 2. Minors under 18 years of age accompanied by their parents or guardians may have unfiltered access on any library computer. The parent or guardian must request at the Reference Desk to have the settings changed on their child’s terminal. “Accompanied by their parents or guardians” in this Policy means that the parent or guardian must be sitting at the computer terminal with the minor under 18 years of age at all times. PLEASE NOTE: Unfiltered access is not available on laptop computers. 3. The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent.) Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. 4. The responsibility for what minors under 18 years of age read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians. Parents are encouraged to sit with their young children to monitor their computer use. There are handouts available at the Children’s Reference Desk covering child safety on the Internet. B. Access for Patrons 18 Years or Older The public Internet computers and Internet access are equipped with commercial filtering software. Adults 18 years are older may request to disable the filter on the computer. Adults 18 years or older who need unfiltered access may ask at the Reference Desk to have the settings changed on their terminal. PLEASE NOTE: Unfiltered access is not available on laptop computers. Acceptable Use All Users are expected to use the Library’s computer or Internet resources in a responsible and courteous manner, and to follow all rules and procedures as established in this policy. A. Internet computers, terminal connections and Internet access may be used for lawful purposes only. Computers, terminal connections and Internet access cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose prohibited under any applicable federal, B. Destruction of equipment, software or data not their own is prohibited. C. Users shall not disrupt or engage in unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications. D. Users shall not use the Library’s computers, terminal connections or Internet access to harass other library users or library staff.E. Users must respect intellectual property rights and obey the copyright laws of the F. Users shall not access material that can be classified as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. G. User sign-up at an Internet workstation is limited to one hour. Additional sign-ups may be allowed depending on demand. H Because of the public nature of the Library’s Internet computers and because of the very nature of the Internet, confidentiality and privacy cannot be guaranteed by the Library. I. Users shall refrain from use of personal software, the attachment of equipment to the Library’s computers or networks or the modification of any operating system or network configuration. The User shall also refrain from downloading/uploading files to/from the library’s computers. J. Access to computers in the Children’s Area is reserved for children under 12 and/or parents accompanying children under 12. Access to computers in the Adult Area is reserved for those ages 12 and older. I Internet Service and Staff Assistance I A. Internet access may not be available due to technical problems. B. Staff may assist library Users in getting started on the Internet. However, the Library cannot guarantee that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist Users at all times the Library is open. Because of the many different applications available on the Internet, staff may not be able to provide specialized or technical knowledge about a particular application. Library Not Liable Individuals using personal devices at the Library shall hold the Library harmless from any loss, damage, liability, costs and/or expense that may arise during use at the library facility. The Redford Township District Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of its computers, terminal connections or access to Internet services. Violations of Internet Use Policy A. Users of the Library’s computers or Internet access must adhere to the Internet Use Policy. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the loss of the ability to use the Internet. B. The Library Director, or his or her authorized designee, is authorized to terminate any User’s access if the User has failed to comply with the Library’s Internet Policy and/or rules. 1. Initial Violation: Users observed violating this Internet Use Policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal warning. If the User does not comply with the request, the User’s access to the Library’s computers and Internet shall be terminated. If they refuse, the police may be called. 2. Subsequent Violations: The Director or the Director’s authorized designee may further limit or revoke the patron’s library privileges if infractions continue. Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation. Subsequent violations shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length. 3. If the violation of the Library’s Internet Use Policy affects safety or security or is a violation of law, the Library has the right to immediately call the police and terminate Library Internet or other privileges without complying with Subsections 1 and 2 above. C. Any User who is denied Internet Access may file a written appeal of the Director’s, or his or her authorized designee’s, decision. D. Illegal acts involving the Library’s Internet access service may be subject to prosecution. |
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2006 Redford Township District Library. All Rights Reserved. |