Crete Public Library Internet Use Policy

CPLD
01/99
Section 900

900      INTERNET USE POLICY

900a    ACCESS

            The Crete Public Library District offers to its patrons access to information through electronic resources.  Online systems and networks, including the Internet and the World Wide Web, are excellent sources of materials which are timely and wide-ranging in scope.  The Library staff can provide general assistance in search strategies and site evaluation, but because of the thousands of sites on the Internet cannot provide evaluation of particular materials. 

900b    SCOPE

            The Internet as a resource is global in scope.  The Crete Public Library District cannot control the content of material available through the Internet.  Patrons using the Internet should be good consumers and use judgment and discretion,  carefully considering information obtained from any resource.  Parents should supervise their children’s use of the Internet and discuss appropriate Internet behavior and use with them.  Patrons using the Internet should be aware of the following: 

1.  the Crete Public Library District only has responsibility for the content on  pages bearing its name.

2.  information on the Internet may be inaccurate and unreliable.

3.  information may not be current.

4.  sites change and may be unavailable.

5.  certain information may be considered controversial. 

900c    RESPONSIBILITY

            The Crete Public Library District is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a patron’s use of the Internet.  Minors must have written permission of a parent or legal guardian to use the Internet.  With this permission, the parent or legal guardian acknowledges the fact that the Library has no control over the content of the Internet and will not hold the Library responsible for what the child views on the Internet. 

910      UNACCEPTABLE USE

            Patrons are required to use the Internet at the Crete Public Library District in a responsible manner.  Use of the Internet and other online services is a privilege extended to patrons, not as an automatic right or as an obligation of the Library.  Parents are required to discuss appropriate Internet behavior with their minor children.  

910a    EXAMPLES

The following are examples of unacceptable use: 

1.  use of the Internet for an activity which violates State or Federal law.

2.  use of the Internet for any activity which results in the harassment of others or promotes hatred or violence

3.  damage to, destruction of, or alteration to the Library’s computer hardware, software, or network.

4.  violation of the library’s security system.

5.  violation of licensing agreements or copyright laws.

6.  storage of information on the Library’s computer system

7.  behavior in a manner which is disruptive, including but not limited to, display of  offensive visual material or overuse of computer equipment so as to deny others access to the equipment.

902      ENFORCEMENT AND VIOLATION

            The Administrative Librarian will review alleged violations of this policy on a case-by-case basis.  Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including exclusion of the user from access to the library network.