Demmer Memorial Library

 

I.  Mission Statement for Internet Use

 

In response to advances in technology and the developing needs of our patrons, the Edward U. Demmer Memorial Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational and educational needs of the area.  It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet.

 

II. Acceptable Use

 

• Access to and use of the Internet in the Library is a privilege.  Unacceptable use of the Library’s electronic information resources, including the Internet, is prohibited and will result in loss of computer privileges.  Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Using the Internet for illegal purposes
• Disclosing, using or disseminating, personal identity information about minors
• Compromising the privacy of users
• Transmitting threatening, harassing or defamatory materials or messages
• Engaging in communications which are libelous or slanderous
• Committing fraud
• Violating copyright law or software licenses
• Developing computer programs which infiltrate a computer or computer system and/or damage or alter the software components of a local or remote computer or computer system
• Transmitting chain mail, broadcast letters or junk mail of any type
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the Library Internet computers
• Disrupting the intended use of the Library’s Internet computers
• Destroying the integrity of computer-based information in the Library’s Internet computers

 

All Internet resources accessible through the library are provided equally to all library patrons. The Demmer Memorial Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. 

 

 

III.  USE OF THE INTERNET BY MINOR CHILDREN

 

The Edward U. Demmer Memorial Library provides people of all ages with materials to meet their informational, educational and recreational needs.  

 

The Library affirms the right of parents to monitor their own minor (under the age of 18) children’s use of the Library’s electronic resources, including the Internet, use of electronic mail and chat rooms.  Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their own minor children’s use of the Library’s computers and for deciding whether material accessed by their minor children is appropriate or inappropriate.  Parents and/or guardians are responsible for ensuring their own minor children’s safety and security when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

 

Any person found to be disclosing, disseminating, or using personal identification information of a minor in an unauthorized manor will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. 

 

Parents and/or guardians, not the Demmer Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.  Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.

 

 

IV.ELECTRONIC MAIL (EMAIL)

 

The Edward U. Demmer Memorial Library does not provide email accounts to users; however, users with existing email accounts may access their accounts through the Library’s Internet terminals.  The Library does not accept responsibility for the privacy of possible cached (temporarily stored) messages left after such use.

V.  Copyright

 

Please be aware that material on the Internet and World Wide Web is copyrighted.  It is your responsibility to be aware of the display of any notices concerning the copyright of information on the Web and to respect the copyright laws of the United States.

VI. Misuse Penalties

 

Violators of the Demmer Library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy or Guidelines for Library Internet Use may lose library privileges.  Anyone discovered attempting to damage the Library’s equipment and/or software, attempting to change files or reset configurations, or otherwise violate this Internet Acceptable Use Policy, will immediately lose the right to use the Library’s electronic resources.  Violations of policies regarding acceptable use of electronic resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate matter.  Illegal acts involving the Library’s computer resources or equipment will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.  Users are responsible for any damage to hardware, software or furniture.  The Library reserves the right to take appropriate actions to ensure compliance with this policy.

 

OFFENSIVE AND DISRUPTIVE MATERIALS

 

The Library strives to balance the rights of patrons to access of all types of information resources with the rights of patrons and staff to work in a public setting free from disruptive sounds and visual materials.  The Library’s facilities and grounds are shared by a public and staff of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities.  Any action which may reasonably be considered disruptive, disturbing, or obscene is unacceptable.  Viewing or sending child pornography is a federal offense and is subject to criminal prosecution.

 

WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY

 

The Library does not control or monitor material available on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content, authority reliability, validity, currency or use.  The Library does not accept responsibility for retaining possibly cached (temporarily stored) information about sites visited on the Internet or World Wide Web.  The Board of Trustees of the Edward U. Demmer Memorial Library, the Library staff, and the Town of Three Lakes are not liable for any negative consequences that may occur as a result of using the Library’s Internet connection.   It is the responsibility of each user to determine that information accessed electronically is appropriate for that user.

 

 

 

 

Guidelines for Library Internet Use

 

1. Patrons wishing to access the Internet must sign the daily log book with first and last name, and acknowledge by initialing that they have reviewed the Internet Policy.  Any patrons found to have library fines totaling $3.00 or more will be asked to vacate the workstation immediately.  Patrons under the age of eighteen (18) will be issued an Internet Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines for Library Internet Use that must be signed by a parent and/or legal guardian in the presence of a staff member.
2. All access will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Reservations for special circumstances will be accepted at the discretion of the Librarian.  Access will be during normal library hours for a minimum of 30 minutes for all users.  Although there is no maximum time set for usage, the patron must vacate the computer within 10 minutes of being informed of another patron’s wish to use the computer, provided his/her 30 minute period has lapsed.
3. In order to minimize the spread of viruses to the Demmer Internet Computer and in the interest of preserving disk space, downloading of files from the Internet to the hard drive (c:) will not be allowed without prior consent of the librarian on duty.
4. Customer complaints will be handled according to existing Library policies
5. Internet access may not be available due to technical problems. 
6. The Demmer Memorial Library cannot be responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information found on the Internet.
7. Internet access will be denied to anyone breaching this policy.
8. Use of Library net books shall be at the discretion of the Librarian, and patrons under the age of eighteen (18) will be required to complete the Internet Acceptable Use Policy review and procedure described in item #1 above.  Net books will be for in-library use only.  Patrons must sign the net book log and supply their name and local phone number.  Usage will be subject to a maximum of 30 minutes if other patrons are waiting.  All Internet policies described above will apply to net book usage.

 

 

 

 

 

     
Approved : 
Demmer Memorial Library Board of Trustees
June 2000
Revised: July 2002
Revised: May 2004
Revised: April 2007

Revised:  June 2010

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