Lebanon Public Library Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Insuring Fair Internet Access for All Library Users
Amended 09-25-2012.
In
order to use the Library's computers, users of all ages must read and
accept the Lebanon Public Library (LPL) Computer and Internet
Acceptable Use Policy each time they log in to a Library computer.
The purpose of Library-provided Internet access is to facilitate
communications in support of information gathering and education. All
patrons, regardless of residency, are allowed access to the Internet
while in the Library. Patrons under the age of 18 do require
parental consent for access.
The Library makes no warranties
of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the Internet access it
is providing. The Library will not be responsible for the accuracy, the
nature or quality of the information stored or the quality of
information gathered through Library-provided Internet access. The
Library will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations
resulting from Library-provided access to the Internet.
Any
/ all computer use may be suspended or revoked by LPL administration at
any time, without prior notice or hearing, for abusive conduct or
violations of the conditions set forth in this document. LPL will be
the sole arbiter of what constitutes abusive conduct or violation of
the LPL acceptable use policy. In cases of Internet Policy abuse,
patrons / guests will receive only one (1) warning, resulting in notes
placed on the patron / guest’s record; the second incident may result
in the loss of Internet privileges permanently. Any person who refuses
to comply with these guidelines will be asked to leave the library
premises.
Section A: Inappropriate Internet Conduct
-
In accordance with IC 36-12-1-12, the board of a public library shall
adopt a policy concerning the appropriate use of the Internet by
library patrons. Users may not utilize workstations, laptops or any mobile computing device to:
•
Access, upload, download, display, or distribute pornographic,
obscene, or sexually explicit language. Display of obscene materials in
a public place is a Class D Felony in Indiana. Indiana Code is
available in digital form at the Reference Desk or may be viewed on the
internet at: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/.
• Vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual
• Access another individual’s materials, information, or files without permission
•
Violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of
another individual or organization without permission
• Conduct unlawful or malicious activities such as hacking
• Disrupt other users
• Access sexually explicit material
• Misrepresent oneself / LPL
•
Violate copyright laws to copy software - any person who copies
software programs will have library privileges revoked. Misuse of
services or equipment for the purpose of copying software is a
violation of copyright laws.
• The following
uses of the public computers or Internet are prohibited as they do not
fall within our guidelines:
o Commercial or For-Profit Purposes
o Product Advertising
o Political Lobbying
Section B: General Guidelines of Usage
• Computer and Internet users fall into three categories:
o
Residents need to use their LPL Evergreen library card to access
the computer. They also need a login password which can be
provided by any circulation desk.
o Regular visitors
who are not residents (and therefore do not qualify for an LPL Evergreen library card) can be issued a special computer usage card.
o Occasional or one-time visitors
who are not residents can get a guest login from any Circulation Desks.
•
Non-resident users will be asked to show identification before
receiving a computer usage card or guest login.
•
Patrons will be required to accept the conditions of this policy
each time they log-in. Further guidelines and helpful tips for Internet
use will also be provided via the log-in screen.
• Patrons needing additional computer assistance can use the 2nd floor
computer lab and receive help during hours when the lab is open and
staffed.
•
Computers will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
No reserves will be permitted but if all computers are in use, users
can be placed on a waiting list.
•
Researchers using computers in the Heritage Center are allowed up to
three hours of computer use. Computer time can be extended at the
Computer Lab staff’s discretion. If more computer time is needed,
laptops which do not currently have a time limit may be checked out
from the Computer Lab.
• The computer
workstations will close 10 minutes prior to the library closing.
Laptops must be returned 30 minutes before closing.
•
Wireless users are also expected to comply with this policy. The
Library is not liable for any damage done to a patron’s personal
computer while using the Library’s wireless network.
•
Filtering software is being used on all Library computers. Such
software is not entirely effective in blocking access to questionable
material. It is also important to remember that what constitutes
“questionable material” can vary from individual to individual.
•
The Library does not offer e-mail accounts. Patrons may obtain an
email account through a free email service. Staff can assist in helping
patrons find such a service.
• There is a
printer located behind the Circulation Desk. Computer copies are $.10
per page. Patrons are responsible for payment before staff will
initiate printing. The staff on duty will assist you in paying
for and retrieving your copies.
• To ensure
that documents aren't lost, patrons are encouraged to bring their own
storage devices (discs, thumb drives, etc.). The Library does not
provide such devices.
Section C: For Those Users Under 18
The Library
offers Internet access to assist in establishing educational and
informational objectives. The Children's Department offers computers
for the use of children aged 13 and younger. Good behavior is
expected online as well as in other areas of the Library. Access
by minors to inappropriate matter (see Section A.) is prohibited.
Parental
consent to access the Internet is required for patrons aged 18 and
younger. By allowing their children Internet access, parents are
accepting the terms of this policy.Even though the
Children’s computers are filtered, parents or guardians of minors are
ultimately responsible for setting and conveying standards for children
concerning Internet usage. Parents should be aware that some material
accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal,
sexually explicit, defamatory, inaccurate, and objectionable. It is
possible to purchase goods and services via the Internet and as a
guardian or parent you are responsible for those financial obligations.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the following websites for more information concerning online safety:
• www.netsmartz.org – Site maintained by The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. • www.getnetwise.org • www.safekids.com
The Library Board reserves the right to revise this Internet Access Policy at any given time.
.