INTERNET AND WIRELESS POLICY
Accessing the Internet
The Blairstown Public Library provides workstations for free public internet access. Use of the internet via the library’s wireless network is also bound by this policy. The library does not control specific information on the internet. Parents or guardians are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their minor children. We advise parents or guardians to supervise their children’s internet sessions at the library.
Using the Internet
Computer users can login directly at any available library public access computer. The library also offers free wireless internet access to patrons with wireless-enabled laptop computers or handheld devices. Trained library staff will assist with library equipment and resources, but may not be able to help with personal devices. The library does not accept liability for any patron’s personal equipment.
Computer Use
Staff Assistance
Library staff will assist with the library’s public access computers as long as time permits and service to other patrons will not be impeded.
Availability
The library’s internet computers may be unavailable or may be available for limited use due to library needs, maintenance, repair, or unforeseen problems.
Restrictions
The use of the internet in the library must be for legal and ethical purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to the following:
Enforcement
While respecting individual users’ right to privacy, the library staff reserves the right to monitor the use of computer workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Library staff has the authority to end any computer session and to instruct the user to cease further use of the library’s computers.
Consequences
Violations of the library’s internet and Wi-Fi policy may result in loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility on the users’ behalf. Illegal acts involving library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
Wireless internet access is provided free of charge by the Blairstown Public Library for patrons who have the required hardware and software needed for this service. By choosing to use this free wireless internet access, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy. In particular, you agree to use the library’s wireless network resources only for lawful and ethical purposes.
The following considerations are to made when using the Blairstown Public Library’s wireless internet access:
Disclaimer
The library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the availability, quality or content of the information on the internet. Users are encouraged to evaluate the validity of information accessed, either on their own or with the assistance of library staff.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: 05/08/2018
The Blairstown Public Library provides workstations for free public internet access. Use of the internet via the library’s wireless network is also bound by this policy. The library does not control specific information on the internet. Parents or guardians are responsible for the internet information selected and/or accessed by their minor children. We advise parents or guardians to supervise their children’s internet sessions at the library.
Using the Internet
Computer users can login directly at any available library public access computer. The library also offers free wireless internet access to patrons with wireless-enabled laptop computers or handheld devices. Trained library staff will assist with library equipment and resources, but may not be able to help with personal devices. The library does not accept liability for any patron’s personal equipment.
Computer Use
- All users of the library will have equal access to the library’s computer resources.
- Patrons who wish to use web-based applications must register and maintain their own accounts.
- Anything downloaded to the library’s computers will automatically be deleted at the end of each business day, including search histories.
- No more than two persons may use an internet computer at the same time.
Staff Assistance
Library staff will assist with the library’s public access computers as long as time permits and service to other patrons will not be impeded.
Availability
The library’s internet computers may be unavailable or may be available for limited use due to library needs, maintenance, repair, or unforeseen problems.
Restrictions
The use of the internet in the library must be for legal and ethical purposes. Examples of unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to the following:
- The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17 of the United States Code) governs the downloading and reproduction of copyrighted material. The person using the library’s computers is liable for any infringement. The library reserves the right to refuse a download or print job if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order would be in violation of copyright law.
- The Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA) is a piece of legislation that made major changes to address the digitally networked environment. The library will make every effort to comply with this piece of legislation and in turn expects patrons using the library’s internet or Wi-Fi access to comply as well.
- Users must also comply with all local, state, and federal laws while using the internet. Users found have violated any laws, including but not limited to those concerning privacy, obscenity, fraud or copyright, while using library facilities or equipment will have their internet privileges revoked.
- Receiving or displaying text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as indecent or obscene and that might be harmful to minors. Iowa Code, Chapter 728.2, “Dissemination and exhibition of obscene materials to minors” states: Any person, other than the parent or guardian of a minor who knowingly disseminates or exhibits obscene materials to a minor, including the exhibition of obscene material so that it can be observed by a minor [emphasis added] on or off the premises where it is displayed, is guilty of a public offense and shall upon conviction be guilty of a serious misdemeanor.
- Destruction of or damage to library equipment, software, or data.
- Violation of a library computer’s system security and/or system configuration.
- Use of sounds that are disturbing to others. Earbuds or headphones must be used if the computer’s or hand held device’s speakers are turned on.
Enforcement
While respecting individual users’ right to privacy, the library staff reserves the right to monitor the use of computer workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Library staff has the authority to end any computer session and to instruct the user to cease further use of the library’s computers.
Consequences
Violations of the library’s internet and Wi-Fi policy may result in loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility on the users’ behalf. Illegal acts involving library computers may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.
Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
Wireless internet access is provided free of charge by the Blairstown Public Library for patrons who have the required hardware and software needed for this service. By choosing to use this free wireless internet access, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy. In particular, you agree to use the library’s wireless network resources only for lawful and ethical purposes.
The following considerations are to made when using the Blairstown Public Library’s wireless internet access:
- Wi-Fi access is a service provided as a free public service on an “as is” basis with no guarantee of service.
- Users are responsible for setting up their equipment to access the library’s Wi-Fi network. The library is not able to provide technical assistance. If you need assistance, contact the manufacturer of your laptop or software. The library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s settings.
- It is recommended that all Wi-Fi users should have up-to-date antivirus software installed on their computers.
- As with most public Wi-Fi networks, the library’s wireless network is not secure. Any information transmitted (including credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information) could potentially be intercepted by another computer user.
- By using this connection, users acknowledge that security errors and hacking are an inherent risk associated with any wireless service. For that reason, users expressly agree that they knowingly assume such risk, and further agree to hold the library harmless from any claim or loss arising out of, or related to any such instance of hacking or other unauthorized use or access into the user’s computer.
- The library accepts no responsibility for any software downloaded and/or installed, email opened, or sites accessed while users are on the wireless internet connection. Any damage done to the user’s equipment or self from viruses, identity theft, spyware, plug-ins, or other internet-borne programs is the sole responsibility of the user and the user indemnifies and holds harmless the library from any such damages.
- Unauthorized downloading of copyrighted material(s) is strictly forbidden and will result in suspension or revocation of library privileges and may result in a formal notification to the appropriate local law enforcement authorities.
- The library assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of equipment; users must keep their equipment with them at all times while in the library.
Disclaimer
The library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the availability, quality or content of the information on the internet. Users are encouraged to evaluate the validity of information accessed, either on their own or with the assistance of library staff.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees: 05/08/2018
Rights of Users and Equity of Access
The internet is a vast computer network linking millions of computers around the world. Electronic information flows across boundaries and barriers despite attempts by individuals, governments, and private entities to channel or control it.
Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. These rights extend to minors as well as adults. Libraries and librarians exist to facilitate the exercise of these rights by selecting, producing, providing access to, identifying, retrieving, organizing, providing instruction in the use of, and preserving recorded expression regardless of the format or technology.
Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their children. The library does not act in place of or in absence of the parent and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.
Users have both the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy. Users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public. The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the users' data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of users' privacy.
The library cannot control or monitor information accessed through the internet and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of the content.
Users also have a right to information, training and assistance necessary to operate hardware and software provided by the library when possible.
Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. These rights extend to minors as well as adults. Libraries and librarians exist to facilitate the exercise of these rights by selecting, producing, providing access to, identifying, retrieving, organizing, providing instruction in the use of, and preserving recorded expression regardless of the format or technology.
Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children's use of electronic resources should provide guidance to their children. The library does not act in place of or in absence of the parent and is not responsible for enforcing any restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor's use of this resource.
Users have both the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy. Users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public. The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the users' data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of users' privacy.
The library cannot control or monitor information accessed through the internet and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of the content.
Users also have a right to information, training and assistance necessary to operate hardware and software provided by the library when possible.