Cazenovia Public Library Internet Policy
I. Introduction
In keeping with our role as a source of
information,intellectual development, and enrichment for the community,
the CazenoviaPublic Library is pleased to provide access to the
Internet's World WideWeb. We think you will find the information
resources contained in theInternet both informative and stimulating.
The Internet is a relatively unregulated medium
onwhich any person, institution, or group in the world can place
informationin any format. It is a global entity which does not fall
under the governanceof any single agency, government, or organization.
The Internet offersaccess to many valuable local, national, and
international sources of information.There are few limits or checks on
the kind of information that is presentedby and accessible to Internet
users. Information found on the Internetmay or may not be accurate,
appropriate, factual, timely, or useful.
Internet sites can change content rapidly and
unpredictably.Consquently, in offering Internet access, it is
impractical, if not impossible,for the Library Staff to control access
to appropriate sites. Users arehereby notified that they are
responsible for the sites they reach. Asis the case with all other
library materials, any restriction of a child'saccess to the Internet
is the responsibility of the child's parent or legalguardian. The
Internet's 'user friendliness' and intrinsic flexibilityof access to a
wide range of well known and many lesser known informationresources
demands diligent and thoughtful parental guidance to ensure thattheir
child uses the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner. Usersagree
to supervise the use of the Internet by their minors. (Please see the Guidelines for Parents.)
II. Acceptable Use
Due to the Library's limited resources, access to
theLibrary's computer systems is restricted for reference, research,
and obtaininginformation from the Internet. Commercial activity is
prohibited. Gameplaying is allowed only on the Children's computer. The
Library reservesthe right to limit time spent on its computers and
terminals.
Prospective users of the Library's computer
system are asked to read and sign the Library's Internet Policy
and Rules of Computer Use.
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what
library resources are appropriate for their own children. Parents of
children under 12 are requested to accompany their child and to
supervise the child's use of the Library's computers.
III. Prohibited Activities
Prohibited activities related to using the
Internetinclude, but are not limited to:
- Copyright violations
- Harassment and/or stalking
- Libel
- Making any attempt to damage equipment or other property
- Illegal commerce
- Illegal or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
- "Hacking" or tampering with the host or remote computer systems
- Licensing violations
- Creating, transmitting, printing, or otherwise distributing:
pornographic,obscene, or sexually explicit materials; or racist or
sexist materials
The Cazenovia Public Library computer systems are
notavailable for users to operate business (profit or non-profit)
activities.
IV. Results of Misuse
Access to the Internet is provided through
expensiveand often vulnerable equipment. The cost of repairing or
replacing hardwareor software caused by misuse of the equipment or
programs is the responsibilityof the user. Use of the Cazenovia Public
Library computers or terminalscan be denied by the Librarian for due
cause. Such cause may include failureto comply with any of the
Cazenovia Public Library Policies (includingthose stated herein and in
the Library Rules of Computer Use),abusing
library computer property, and/or tampering with operating systems.
V. Privacy Issues
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a
securemedium and that third parties may be able to obtain information
displayedon its computers and/or printers as private information.
Nonetheless, tothe extent permitted by law, the Library reserves the
right to monitoraccess and disclose information stored or transmitted
via Library computers.