Public Internet Use Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to affirm the library's role in providing public access to the Internet and to clarify patron responsibilities associated with Internet use in the library.

Internet use in the library means using the library's network to access the Internet either on library workstations or through a wireless connection.

Principles

Public access to the Internet is integral to Perry Cook Memorial Library's mission to nourish minds, transform lives, and build community together.

Public access to the Internet allows patrons to:

• Access online resources and services
• Communicate and engage with others
• Create content
• Complete transactions with public, nonprofit, and private entities

Perry Cook Public Library provides public access to the Internet in accordance with state and federal laws and the policies of Perry Cook Memorial and the Perry Cook Memorial Public Library Board.

Scope of Access

Public access to the Internet is available via library workstations and wireless access. Filtering software is used to filter out proxy sites, and sites that pose a security risk to the network. Perry Cook Memorial Public Library is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

 Library workstations support a variety of software programs that expand a workstation's capabilities and increase a patron's ability to utilize the Internet. The library may establish time limitations to ensure fair and equitable access to library workstations.

The Perry Cook Memorial Public Library Board and its employees assume no responsibility for damages of any type arising from patron use of the Internet through the library's network.

Patron Responsibilities:

Patrons acknowledge that the content on the Internet is not managed or governed by any entity and therefore they may encounter materials that are inaccurate or that they consider offensive.

Patrons recognize that their use of the Internet is conducted in a public place shared by many. Patrons are subject to the Library Code of Conduct.

Patrons acknowledge that the library cannot protect the privacy of data that is transmitted to third parties via the Internet.

Patrons shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws including but not limited to:

• Library patrons may not use the library's Internet access to view, print, distribute, display, send or receive images, or graphics, of material that violates laws relating to child pornography
• Library patrons may not knowingly exhibit or display any material which is harmful to minors in its content or material that is obscene in any place of public accommodation where minors are or may be present and where minors are able to view the material
• Library patrons must adhere to all copyright laws and may not copy or distribute materials (e.g. with the use of file sharing software) without the permission of the owner. Patrons who do so may be subject to criminal and civil liability.

Failure to follow this policy may result in eviction from the library, and may include a trespass order or arrest. Violation of state and federal laws will be referred to the proper authorities for legal action.

Parent and Guardian Responsibilities:

Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring Internet access for their children who are minors. Any additional restrictions placed on a child's access to the Internet on the library's network are the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

Approved:  Perry Cook Public Library Board of Trustees, December 12, 2017