The DeRuyter Free Library provides public access to the Internet in keeping with its role as a source of information, intellectual development, and enrichment for the community. All users of library electronic resources are to act in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the policies of the library.

     The Internet is 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. THE LIBRARY HAS NO FILTERING SOFTWARE INSTALLED. The library supports the Freedom to Read and the Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace documents, which outline the rights of users, equity of access, and availability of resources and access.

     There are both financial and space limitations affecting the use of electronic resources at the library. Currently the library cannot provide terminals that offer total privacy for the user. Due to our limited resources, this Internet access is primarily for reference, research, and informational sources. Access is not provided for chat rooms, bulletin boards, sending or receiving e-mail, game playing, or purchasing items through the Internet. The Internet terminal may not be used for illegal or criminal purpose. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of computer accounts or access codes/ passwords, violation of the computers security system, violation of copyright or software licensing restrictions, transmission of child pornography, or the obstruction, disruption, or destruction of other people's work. Patrons also may not install or download software, violate another persons privacy, vandalize or abuse the hardware, or disrupt other library patrons around them while using the Internet.

     It is the library’s policy that children shall be supervised or restricted in their use of the Internet by their parents or legal guardians, not by the library staff. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for deciding which library materials including Internet sites are appropriate for their children. Children are, however, responsible for using library resources properly and abiding by the librarys rules for use.

     Staff cannot be expected to be experts on all aspects of Internet functions, nor can they have complete knowledge of all Internet sites and their content. However, if time allows, the staff will assist patrons as much as possible.

     Whenever other patrons are waiting to use electronic resources, patrons will limit their use to 30 minutes per session, and one session until all individuals waiting have been served. The library will establish reasonable use procedures from time to time, as demand and available resources require for equitable and orderly use. Printouts will be charged at the same rate as photocopies.

     This policy may be revised from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.

     Approved by the Board of Trustees of DeRuyter Free Library. October 18, 1999.