Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Andes Public Library Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

  1. As part of its mission, the Andes Public Library provides Internet access and personal computing resources to both residents and visitors to our community.
  2. The ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY provides wireless access at select locations, enabling individuals who visit our library to use their privately owned computer equipment to access the Internet. 
  3. Consistent with ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY Circulation Policy, parental permission for Internet access using Library equipment is required for individuals who have not attained the age of 17.
  4. The ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY does not monitor and has no control over the information on the Internet. The ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY assumes no responsibility for any loss or damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet or from any other use of its personal computing resources.
  5. As with all library resources, patrons are advised to exercise their own critical judgment and discrimination when evaluating sites found on the Internet. Certain information may be inaccurate, misleading or offensive to some individuals.
  6. Unauthorized access, including so-called hacking, and any other unlawful activities by any Library users are strictly prohibited.
  7. Patrons using public access computers to search the Internet must quit the Web browser before moving away from the computer.
  8. Due to the highly visible nature of most of the computer screens in the library, patrons may not have on the screen content that is inappropriate for a public and open environment.
  9. To comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and restrict access to online content that may be considered harmful to minors or offensive to adults, the ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY employs technology protection measures (filters) on all computers with Internet access. Users must be cautioned that filters are not foolproof and due to technological limitations cannot obstruct access to all potentially harmful or offensive content. In addition, filters may block access to some legitimate or constitutionally protected material found on the Internet. By law, individuals who have attained the age of 17 have the right to unfiltered Internet access.

CHILDREN, PARENTS AND THE INTERNET

  1. Parents/guardians have the sole right and responsibility to decide what is appropriate for their child. The ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY does not act in loco parentis (i.e., in the place or role of the parent). Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of their child’s Internet activity. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images.
  2. To address the issue of the safety and security of minors (individuals who have not attained the age of 17) when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications, the Library recommends the following safety guidelines. Minors should:
  • Always ask their parents’ permission before using their full name, address, telephone number, or school name anywhere on the Internet
  • Always tell their parents or another adult they trust if they see something online that is frightening or that they do not understand
  • Never respond to messages that make them feel uncomfortable or uneasy
  • Never give out a credit card number or password online without parental approval
  • Never arrange to meet in person someone they have met online unless they discuss it with their parents and an adult accompanies them.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES

All patrons must abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct and are expected to use Internet and/or personal computing resources in a responsible and orderly manner. Internet users must adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. Be considerate at all times, remembering that the library is a public space, serving people of all ages.
  2. Remember that the Internet is not a secure medium. Third parties may obtain information regarding users’ activities. For your safety, refrain from sites that require your name, address, phone number, social security number, or credit card/bank information.
  3. Limit Internet use to thirty (30) minutes if someone else is waiting.
  4. Engage only in activity that is legal, not harassing or in any way discourteous or defamatory.
  5. Make no attempt to damage library computer hardware/software or alter configurations in any way.
  6. Neither add, nor change bookmarks in the public access computers’ web browsers.
  7. Do not download personal software, violate system security, legal agreement (e.g., software licenses), or any federal, state or local laws (e.g., copyright, child pornography).
  8. Printed materials are 10 cents per page, black and white, or 50 cents per page for color and should be paid directly to the librarian.

User responsibilities are not limited to the above and may be subject to change.

By adopting this policy, the ANDES PUBLIC LIBRARY Board of Trustees authorizes the Administration to acquire appropriate hardware and software to provide Internet access and other approved computer-based services and to develop rules and regulations to implement this policy.