Northwestern Regional Library
Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

Please Read This Document Carefully Before Accepting The Disclaimer

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information that exists beyond its own physical collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from all areas of the world. However, an unregulated and unrestrained medium changes daily.

As such, users must exercise good judgment and critical thinking as an information consumer in determining the quality and validity of information. The information found on the internet may be misleading, unreliable, or false. Users should also be aware that some material found on the internet might be disturbing, offensive, or illegal. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the materials obtained on the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content.

It is the policy of the Northwestern Regional Library that children are entitled to a safe environment on the internet. It is a violation of policy for any Internet user to use electronic or other means to threaten or harm or otherwise violate the safety of a minor. It is a violation for any person who makes unauthorized disclosure of, use of or dissemination of a minor's personal information by means of the Internet, e-mail or any other electronic technology. It is a violation for any Internet user to access the Internet or other computer systems without authorization, which includes but is not limited to "hacking".

Under the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, (CIPA), filtering software is installed on all Internet-enabled computers provided by the library for the use of all patrons and staff. This filtering software is designed to protect against visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or is deemed harmful to minors.

At the request of adult patrons, (17 years old and up), filters will be disabled. Patrons must ask for filters to be disabled by a staff member.

When used responsibly and appropriately, the Internet has the potential to provide an unlimited number of educational opportunities. The primary purpose in providing such access is to make available a resource tool that expands the capacity of the library and the information it provides. We are pleased to offer our patrons access to the Internet.

Internet Rules of Use

In order to uphold the policies of the Northwestern Regional Library, and to maintain optimum service for all library users, the following guidelines have been created.

• Time on each Internet workstation is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If someone is waiting, the use is limited to 30 minutes. Daily time limitation will be set by individual libraries.
• Users may print for a fee.
• Users may download files only on a formatted disk that has been purchased at the library or scanned with virus software. Due to time constraints and the possibility of introducing a virus to the library computer, downloading will be allowed at the discretion of the library staff.
• To assure guidance in children’s use of the Internet, children 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized teacher.
• Individuals ages 12 through 16 require the written permission of a parent, guardian, or legal caregiver. Individuals 17 and older are required to have acknowledged an Internet Disclaimer.
• The library reserves the right to require all prospective users to attend an orientation session as condition for access to the library Internet station(s). The library staff will provide orientation as required or requested. Users must arrange these sessions in advance. Orientation will include training in the use of software and hardware and guidelines for the responsible care of Library equipment. (This is a basic orientation; we do not have the staff or time to teach Computer Fundamentals. Users must have basic computer knowledge.)
• No more than two (2) people can be at the Internet station(s) at one time.
• The use of e-mail is limited to free Internet providers, i.e. Hotmail or Yahoo.
  

The following actions are NOT ALLOWED at any time:

a. The reception, transmission, or display of sexually explicit images or messages, or any transmission or use of communications containing ethnic slurs, racial epithets, or any other material that may be construed as harassment or disparagement or others based on their race, national origin, or sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or religious or political beliefs.

b. Adding, deleting, or modifying files to the computer or network.

c. Violating copyright laws or software license restrictions.

d. Downloading or loading shareware or personal software programs to a library computer.

e. Use of “chat lines/room” or similar interactive messaging system.

Failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in immediate loss of Internet privileges for three (3) years, which shall be noted on the patron’s automated library record. After three (3) years, an individual may apply to the Executive Director of the Northwestern Regional Library for reinstatement of privileges.

An individual may appeal immediately to the Branch Librarian to discuss the specific internet use issue. If the patron is still unsatisfied with a decision terminating internet use, an appeal may be made in person to the Director of the Northwestern Regional Library. If still unresolved, a final appeal may be made to the full Northwestern Regional Library Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Revised and Adopted by the Northwestern Regional Library Board, June 20,2002
Revised 04/21/05
Revised 10/16/03
Revised 06/17/04

Internet Disclaimer

The internet is a global entity with no control of users and contents. Therefore, available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The library does not monitor information accessed through the Internet. Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk. There are information resources, which are inappropriate to a library setting. Since the library is a public place, library staff has the authority to end an Internet session that does not conform to the library's Internet Acceptable Use Guidelines.

The Northwestern Regional Library assumes no responsibility for use of the Internet by children. It is the responsibility of the user (or parent, guardian, or caregiver) to determine what is appropriate. Parents of minor children (under the age of 17) must assume responsibility for their children's use of computers, computer resources, and the Internet at the library. Parents or guardians who wish to limit or restrict the access of their children should personally oversee their use of library computers.

The Northwestern Regional Library does not guarantee that the system will function error-free or uninterrupted, or that it will meet any specific requirements of the user. In addition, the library does not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained through the Internet. Information gained throughout this source is the responsibility of each originator/producer; users should be aware that not all sources of the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information.

WARNING: Although virus detection software is installed on the library's computers, it will not completely protect disks from the chance of getting a virus. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus! The library advises patrons to use virus detection software on their personal computers.

The Northwestern Regional Library is not responsible for the loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library's computers.

All Internet users must accept an Internet Disclaimer before each Internet use.

I have read and understand the Library’s Internet policies and rules, and I accept the terms of use, I waive my right to any claim against the Northwestern Regional Library and/or its employees arising from the use of the Internet. I agree to refrain from displaying material on a terminal when so requested by a Library staff member. I understand that a violation of any of the regulations will result in loss of Internet usage privileges.

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