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Public access to the Internet is
available to all users of the Warren Public Library on patron access
computers. The Library makes the Internet available to the public as
an informational, educational and recreational resource in support of
its role as this community's information and lifelong learning center,
just as it has in the provision of books, magazines, music CDs,
talking books and other media. Consistent with our mission and the
professional principles of public librarianship, this Internet Use
Policy affirms the safeguarding of First
Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, equity of access,
confidentiality of information about users and their use of all
library resources including electronic, and individual responsibility.
Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation
for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the right to
freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. Such
rights extend to minors as well as adults. Libraries facilitate the
exercise of these rights by providing access to, identifying,
retrieving, organizing, providing instruction in the use of, and
preserving recorded expression regardless of format or technology. The
Library affirms the following principles and user rights as delineated
in the American Library Association's
Library Bill of Rights in Cyberspace:
 Electronic
information, services, and networks provided by libraries should be
readily, equally, and equitably accessible to all library users.
Libraries
and librarians should not deny or limit access to information
available via electronic resources because of its controversial
content or because of personal beliefs or fear of confrontation.
Information
retrieved or utilized electronically should be considered
constitutionally protected unless determined otherwise by a court
with appropriate jurisdiction.
Responsibility
for, and any restriction of, a child’s use of the Internet rest
solely with his or her parents or legal guardians.
The Library assumes no responsibility
for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to
the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or
implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information
available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the
Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to be
good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information
accessed via the Internet.
Users are cautioned that ideas, points
of view and images can be found on the Internet which are
controversial, divergent and/or inflammatory. The provision of access
does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the
content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which
may be found on the Internet.
The Internet offers access to a wealth
of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally
enriching. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated
information network, it also enables access to ideas, information,
images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection,
mission, selection criteria and collection development policies.
Because of this and the fact that access points on the Internet can
and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot
protect individuals from information and images which they might find
offensive or disturbing.
Since the Library computers on which
the public can access the Internet are located in public areas which
must be shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds and
sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing
potentially controversial information and images. Library staff can
not consistently and effectively monitor the public's use of the
Internet. Yet the Library reserves the right to ask individuals to
discontinue the display of information and images which cause a
disruption.
Users are cautioned that, because
security in an electronic environment such as the Internet can not be
guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable
to unauthorized access and use and, therefore, should be considered
public.
Children's
Rules for Online Safety
Parents or guardians are responsible
for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their
children. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to
inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are
encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family
values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their
children's use of the Internet.
User Responsibilities
All users of the Internet are expected
to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous manner,
consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow
all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for
its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library.
Responsible, courteous use of the Internet includes:
Recognizing
that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources,
must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of
others and refrains from activity that prevents others from using
it.
Using
the Library's Internet resources for educational, informational and
recreational purposes only.
Refraining
from displaying, viewing or downloading graphics or content that is
obscene.
Refraining
from using the Library's Internet resources to conduct a business or
commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the
distribution of advertising.
Refraining
from illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
Respecting
intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of
copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data
residing on the Internet.
Respecting
the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another
user; 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.
Refraining
from damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used to access
the Internet at the Library.
Refraining
from altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.
Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms and
viruses.
Refraining
from the transmission of threatening, harassing or abusive language
and images.
Compliance with Library Policy and
Guidelines
In addition to this specific policy,
general guidelines for the use of all public-access computers govern
the use of the Library's Internet in the Library. Violation of the
policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library's Internet
resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use
these resources. Illegal activity involving the Library's Internet
resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate
authorities.
Staff Assistance
Staff will assist library users in
getting started on the Internet. However, the Library cannot guarantee
that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist users at all
times the Library is open. Regrettably, staff is not able to offer
extensive explanations about the Internet or personal computer use or
provide in-depth training. Time permitting, staff will try to answer
specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for
effective searching. Staff can also provide information about Internet
books and manuals.
E-Mail
The Library is not able to provide
e-mail accounts to library users at this time.
PA 212
Internet access is available on
filtered and non-filtered computers. Filtered computers are
identified. Those computers that are not filtered are placed in
highly visible areas and are monitored by the staff. This method
of restricting access is in compliance with PA 212. Violators of
this policy will be asked to discontinue an objectionable display as
referred to in PA 212. If individuals refuse to discontinue the
display, they will be asked to leave. If they do not leave, the
police will be called. Continued violations can result in the
loss of Internet privileges, and/or banning from the library.
Adopted by:
The Library Commission - June 18, 1996
Revised September 28, 2000
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