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 Cazenovia Public Library is pleased to provide access to the Internet's World Wide Web. We think you will find the information resources contained in the Internet both informative and stimulating.

The Internet is a relatively unregulated medium on which any person, institution, or group in the world can place information in any format. It is a global entity which does not fall under the governance of any single agency, government, or organization. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. There are few limits or checks on the kind of information that is presented by and accessible to Internet users. Information found on the Internet may 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 are hereby notified that they are responsible for the sites they reach. As is the case with all other library materials, any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child's parent or legal guardian. The Internet's 'user friendliness' and intrinsic flexibility of access to a wide range of well known and many lesser known information resources demands diligent and thoughtful parental guidance to ensure that their child uses the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner. Users agree 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 the Library's computer systems is restricted for reference, research, and obtaining information from the Internet. Commercial activity is prohibited. Game playing is allowed only on the Children's computer. The Library reserves the 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 Internet include, 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 not available for users to operate business (profit or non-profit) activities.

IV. Results of Misuse

Access to the Internet is provided through expensive and often vulnerable equipment. The cost of repairing or replacing hardware or software caused by misuse of the equipment or programs is the responsibility of the user. Use of the Cazenovia Public Library computers or terminals can be denied by the Librarian for due cause. Such cause may include failure to comply with any of the Cazenovia Public Library Policies (including those 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 secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information displayed on its computers and/or printers as private information. Nonetheless, to the extent permitted by law, the Library reserves the right to monitor access and disclose information stored or transmitted via Library computers.