Holland Patent Free Library

Internet Access Policy

draft 1/14/98

1. Statement of Purpose: Why the Library provides access to the Internet.

    The role of the Holland Patent Library is to serve the community of Holland Patent by providing materials and services for their recreational, informational, educational, cultural and civic needs. Our highest priorities are to serve as a popular materials center, as a community activities center, and to act as a door to learning for preschoolers. Of secondary importance are the roles of independent learning center, community information center, and reference library. It is not within our scope to provide significant support for formal education or reference, except that we serve as a repository for local history materials.

    The library provides access to the Internet in order to further serve the recreational, informational, educational, cultural and civic needs of the community. This access greatly expands the resources available to our patrons.

2. Disclaimer about the nature of information on the Internet.

    However, the library and its Board of Directors do not endorse or assume responsibility for any information found on the Internet. Unlike other resources purchased by the library which are chosen according to our collection development policy, the library cannot control the accuracy or the validity of the information, availability of links, or the presence of materials some may find offensive. The availability of networked information through library computers does not constitute endorsement of the content of that information. An information consumer needs to evaluate the validity of information found on the Internet, as with any the source.

3. Prohibition against engaging in illegal activities or accessing illegal materials.

    Illegal activities are prohibited at this workstation. It is the responsibility of the users to acquaint themselves with the law. The user is solely responsible for any illegal activity while using the Internet, and will, at least, result in loss of Internet privileges at the library.
 

4. Access Allowances and/or restrictions.

    At the Holland Patent Free Library anyone over 18 may have access to the Internet after signing an acceptable use agreement. Anyone under 18 may access the Internet only after he/she AND a parent or guardian have signed an acceptable use agreement.

    A patron may not access the Internet who has attempted to use it in an illegal or prohibited manner, who has repeatedly not adhered to the library's policies and procedures, or who in some manner has abused the privilege to use the equipment.

    Patrons may access the Internet only during regular library hours.

5. Statement of parental responsibility for children and children's' access.

    It is the library's policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what library materials and resources are appropriate for their minor children. Supervision or restriction of a child's access to the Internet, as with other library resources, is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Children also bear responsibility in using library resources properly. Their curiosity should be tempered by their judgment and upbringing.

6. Explanation of acceptable use.

    The Internet is available to serve the patrons' recreational, informational, educational, cultural and civic needs. It is not to be used to transact business, send e-mail, or visit chat rooms. Priority will be given to reference and research. Time limits may be applied if demand is present, at the discretion of the library staff.

7. Result of misuse, penalties.

    Illegal acts will result in cancellation of Internet privileges. Breaking library rules will result in suspension of Internet privileges for at least two weeks.

8. Privacy issues.

    Patrons should be aware that due to the size and configuration of the library, privacy for Internet research can not be ensured.

9. Filtering software: explanation of why the library is not using it.

    The library chooses not to use filtering software. This is not as effective as parental guidance and user discretion, and also raises First Amendment issues. We will, however, make available carious published lists of sites of interest to young people.

10. Explanation of staff help or support available.

    The library staff is available to help patrons get to the Internet and use the search engines. Staff time is limited, so they may not be able to give extensive help with particular searches. The library will offer Internet instruction programs periodically.