Purpose: The Library Board establishes this Internet Policy to ensure appropriate use of Internet Resources within the Library. This policy applies to patrons utilizing the Library's wireless network as well as the public computer workstations.
The Library provides free public access to the Internet as an informational, educational, and recreational resource.
The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home page. Users should carefully judge the authority and accuracy of the sites they visit.
Access, use, or dissemination of information via the Internet in the Library is the responsibility of the user. In the case of minors, it is a joint responsibility of the user and the parent or guardian. Because parents or guardians may feel that information available through the Internet is not suitable for viewing by children in their care, supervision is advised.
The Library expects that all use of electronic information resources such as the Internet will be responsible consistent with the purpose for which these resources are provided. This includes:
1. Using resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only: not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes. Viewing pornography and deliberately displaying obscene images are prohibited.
2. Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
3. Further respecting the privacy of others using public access stations at the Kraemer Library by not interfering with their use.
4. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software data.
5. Not making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware.
6. Not overusing system resources such as bandwidth.
The Kraemer Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Subject to the above restriction, it is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian or caregiver) to determine what is appropriate. It is not possible for the library staff to control specific information children and youth may locate on the Internet. Just as libraries do not vouch for nor endorse the viewpoints of written material in their collections, they do not do so for electronic information. Selection policies, which serve to govern a library's purchase of written materials, may not apply to material accessed electronically.
The Library staff may impose restriction, such as time limits, on the use of Library equipment. While respecting individual users' right to privacy, Library staff reserves the right to monitor use of Internet workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Staff may ask users to remove themselves from Library equipment if they observe any behavior which they judge to be in conflict with this policy. Misuse of Library computers or Internet access may result in suspension of Internet access and loss of Library privileges.
Because the Internet is not a secure medium, user should be aware that third parties might be able to obtain information regarding user's activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources except as required by law.
This policy will be reviewed and amended, if needed, on at least an annual basis.
Adopted: October 28, 2013