Internet Policy

Mission

The mission of the Tri-Valley Community Library is to provide all community members with opportunities for lifelong learning and the discovery of new ideas through recreational, educational, and informational services. The Library provides access to the Internet as one means of fulfilling its mission.

Internet Access

All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all users with the understanding that it is the individual user’s responsibility to demonstrate good judgment, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using the public library resources and facilities. Use of the Internet constitutes agreement to comply with this policy and rules of conduct.

The Internet is an unregulated medium. It provides access to information that may be inaccurate, illegal, or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The Library may suggest specific Internet sites that have potential interest to users, but the Library cannot control a user’s access to other Internet resources.

As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as people under the age of 18 years). Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s

internet use.

Internet computers may not be used by anyone for illegal activity, to access illegal materials, or to access materials that by local community standards would be inappropriate. Library staff is authorized to take prompt and appropriate actions to prohibit use by persons who fail to comply with the Internet Safety Policy as stated or implied herein.

Unacceptable Uses of Computers and Rules of Conduct

Among the uses that are considered unacceptable wand which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:

Uses that violate the law or encourage other to violate the law.

Transmitting offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic materials; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials.

Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property.

Engaging in defamation; uploading any harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.

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Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet.

Altering the Library’s computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.

Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Giving others private information about one’s self or others.

Uses that violate confidentiality of information.

Personally identifiable information about users may not be disclosed or used in any way, except to law enforcement authorities as provided in the law.

Response to Violations

Library staff will not monitor a user’s Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.

The Library reserves the right to terminate Internet use that disrupts Library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library’s policies.

Disclaimers

While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information’s accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.

The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library’s Internet service.

The Library, having approved this Internet Safety Policy in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, will have no liability for damages related to the operation of, or failure of, any filtering software, or for its circumvention by users.

Adopted 5/23/2005