FLORA PUBLIC LIBRARY ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORK

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

ELECTRONIC NETWORKS AND THE LIBRARY’S MISSION

            Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), Flora Public Library is committed to networking which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.

            Flora Public Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:

·         access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state

·         access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet

·         access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LIBRARY POLICIES

            Flora Public Library’s Policy for Access to Electronic Information Network Acceptable Use Policy is part of the library’s overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies.  Copies of all library policies are available upon request from a library staff member.

“GLOBAL” VERSUS “LOCAL” RESOURCES

            Most resources available via the Internet and other electronic information networks are “global” resources rather than “local” resources.  Flora Public Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet.  Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library.  Library users must be aware that Flora Public Library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:

·         Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or may not be obtained from a reliable source.

·         Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.

·         Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date.

·         Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid, and particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable and this unavailability often occurs unpredictably.

·         Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons.

            Flora Public Library urges patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.  Library staff may be available to assist patrons in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain types of Internet information sources, but are unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet.

Flora Public Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library patron’s use of Internet information resources.

LIBRARY PATRON’S RIGHTS

·         Library patrons have the right to access and read all library service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.

LIBRARY ASSISTANCE AND INSTRUCTION

Flora Public Library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks as time and staff knowledge permits.  Formal or extensive instruction in particular aspects of electronic information network use are not available.

USE OF EQUIPMENT AND NETWORKS

           Flora Public Library requires that library patrons using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use.  The following activities are unacceptable:

·         behavior which expresses prejudice, harassment, or disdain for personal,

intellectual, racial, sexual, or other reasons

·         destruction of, damage to or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer

equipment software, or network security procedures

·         use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment agreements between Flora Public Library and network/database providers

·         unauthorized duplication of copy protected software or violation of software license agreements

·         violation of system security

·         behavior which violates Federal, State or Local laws

·         behavior that is disruptive to other users, including but not limited to overuse of computer equipment which serves to deny access to other users

·         behavior which interferes with or disrupts users, services, or equipment on any connected system or network.  Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising; propagation of computer “worms” or “viruses”; and using the network to make unauthorized entry to other computational, information, or communication devices or resources.

·         public vulgarity or obscenity

·         monetary transactions including sending or receiving credit card orders or bank account numbers

·         advertising or commercial transactions

·         usage of chat groups or forums

CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS

            Flora Public Library recognizes that the electronic information networks such as the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children.  Parents/guardians are required to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet.  Library staff are unable to monitor children’s use.  All users under 18 years of age are required to have an Internet Use Agreement signed by a parent or guardian at the library.  In addition, all users under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the Internet.  Parents/guardians must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the library’s connection.

LIBRARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO ELECTRONIC NETWORKS

            Flora Public Library has developed certain procedures to assist staff and patrons in the use of electronic information resources.  These procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

·         time limits for access to allow use of resources by the maximum of library patrons

·         minimal fees for each page printed

·         priority usage for reference question searches

for downloading including compliance with virus protection measures

·         diskettes for downloading or saving information may be purchased from the library staff

·         compliance with Flora Public Library’s Multimedia Workstation Rules and  Electronic Information Network Acceptable Use Policy

BREACH OF POLICY

Access to Internet and other electronic information networks is a privilege, not a right.  These privileges may be revoked for violation of any aspect of this policy.  Violations will result in legal action when necessary.

Penalties for Breach of Policy are as follows:

1)       After two warnings about violations of any aspect of this policy, the third violation will result in Internet privileges being suspended for two weeks.

2)       After a patron has had two suspensions, an additional violation will result in  Internet privileges being permanently cancelled.

II.                  COMPUTER PASS

Anyone who wishes to use the Gates computers, but does not wish to obtain a library card, may purchase a one-week Computer Pass.  A Computer Pass costs $2.00 and expires at closing time on the seventh day.  Passes may be purchased in multiples of up to four weeks.  This pass is for Gates/Internet workstation use only and does not include Circulation, Interlibrary Loan or other services which are contingent upon having a valid library card.

To obtain a Computer Pass, user must fill out a Computer Pass Application and Acceptable Use Agreement.  Requirements for Computer Pass Applications are as follows.

1)       Patron must fill out a Computer Pass Application that

includes, but is not limited to, name, address, phone number, driver’s license number and date of birth.  One form of identification must be presented to verify name and address.

2)       Patrons under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a

Computer Pass Application and an Acceptable Use Agreement.  Patrons under the age of 14 must have a parent or guardian present at all times while they use the Internet.  A juvenile patron that turns 14 no longer has to have a parent present to use the library’s Internet.  After turning 14, a juvenile will be allowed to use the Internet alone.  Any type of Internet usage restriction to the contrary will be between parent and juvenile.

3)       Patrons under the age of 14 do not have to have a parent or guardian

present to use the Juvenile Profile of the Gates computers.  They do have to have an Acceptable Use Agreement signed.