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Internet and Computer Usage Policies

Addison Township Public Library

Internet Safety Policy

The Addison Township Public Library (hereafter known as the Library) provides access to the Internet through computers in the Library and through both wired and wireless Internet accessible to patrons who bring their own devices. All patrons will have access to ideas and information through the Library’s connection to the Internet. 

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, 

  • The Library monitors and controls the information obtained from the Internet through Open DNS Enterprise
  • The Library cannot be held responsible for the contents of the Internet
  • The Library does not endorse the content of any material obtained from the Internet
  • The information available through the Internet changes rapidly and unpredictably
  • Patrons use the Internet at their own discretion
  • The Internet and its resources may contain controversial or inappropriate material

It is the policy of the Library to:

  1. Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
  2. Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
  3. Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
  4. Comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Parents and guardians of minor children, not Library, are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library connection.

  1. Acceptable Use

Users of the Library workstations must adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the loss of the right to use these stations:

  • Lawful Use: It is illegal to use Library’s Internet connection and workstations for any purpose which violates Federal, State or Local laws.
  • Intellectual Property: Users must respect intellectual property rights and obey the copyright laws of the United States and all other intellectual property rights. Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
  • Harmful to Minors: Internet users shall not permit any minor to view sexually explicit

material or any other material deemed harmful to minors as defined by section 4 of

1978 PA 33, MCL 722.674 by individuals under 18 years of age.

  • Code of Conduct: The same rules apply to the use of the Internet connection and

computer work stations as with the use of Library materials (see Code of Conduct

Policy). All patrons must comply with the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, which

is posted in the Library.

  • Privacy: Patrons must respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as

another patron; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data

belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via

the Internet.

  • Time Limit: The Library has a limited number of terminals. Patrons must relinquish

the computer terminal immediately following the expiration of any posted time limit

unless no one is waiting. There is a half-hour time limit if someone is waiting.

  • Reimbursement: The patron is responsible for payment of all printing charges: black & white copies are $.10 and color $.25.
  • Tampering: Tampering with Library equipment is prohibited, this includes powering down or re-booting computer equipment.
  • Staff Assistance: Staff may assist patrons in getting started on the Internet. However, the Library cannot guarantee that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist patrons at all times the Library is open. Because of the many different applications available on the Internet, staff may not be able to provide specialized or technical knowledge about a particular application. Library staff cannot accept the liability of handling non-library equipment.
  • Violation of Computer Use and Internet Policy: A violation of this policy may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of some or all of the patron’s Library privileges.
  • Library Not Liable: Individuals using personal devices at the Library shall hold the Library harmless from any loss, damage, liability cost and/or expense that may arise during use at the Library facility.  The Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of its computer, terminal connections or access to Internet services.
  1. Filtering

The Library uses Open DNS Enterprise as the filtering system on our computers. This option provides minimal filtering while remaining compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act .

  1. Minors and the Internet

Parents/guardians must accompany children under the age of ten at all times when they are using the Internet.

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Library staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Library or designated representatives.

Adoption

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of The Addison Township Public Library at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on November 17, 2015.

Su Hatfield, President ____________________

Mary Frost, Vice President ____________________

James Baldiga, Treasurer ____________________

Joel King, Secretary ____________________

Jennie Eller, Trustee ____________________

Marilyn Szost, Trustee ____________________

Reviewed and revised June 30, 2016