Upper Dublin Public Library
Internet and Computer Use Policy and Guidelines
Purpose
To fulfill our mission, the Upper Dublin Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. We make this service available as part of our mission to offer a wide range of information sources and services to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of Upper Dublin residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Internet Use Policy
This policy applies to everyone who uses the public access computers and wireless connections in Upper Dublin Public Library to access the Internet.
Responsibilities of Computer Users
Upper Dublin Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed over the Internet. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information. However, as with printed publications, not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. A good information consumer evaluates the validity of information found.
The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and information content; library patrons use it at their own risk. Upper Dublin Public Library, as required for compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, has installed content filtering software provided through MCLINC on all library workstations in order to protect against access to images harmful to minors. No filtering product is 100% effective and parents are urged to monitor their children’s activities. In addition the filtering software may block access to sites with legitimate value. Adults may request that the filters be disabled during their session. Such requests will be kept confidential. Upper Dublin Public Library does not restrict access to text materials and cannot protect computer users from information they may find offensive.
All Internet resources accessible through the Upper Dublin Public Library are provided equally to all computer users. Explicit sexual material, as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. §5903, may not be displayed on computers in the library. Upper Dublin Public Library reserves the right to terminate any computer session where such material is displayed.
Supervision or restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Upper Dublin Public Library does not have the right or the responsibility to act in loco parentis. Parents who believe their children cannot
responsibly use the library’s Internet access workstations or wireless networks are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use.
Upper Dublin Public Library complies with the Acceptable Use Policy of the MCLINC Internet Service Provider, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Any activity which does not comply with that policy is prohibited. The MCIU Acceptable Use Policy can be found at http://www.mciu.org/mciu23/CWP/view.asp?A=13&QUESTION_ID=400130
Computer users are warned that public access computers and wireless networks are not secured. The library cannot assure the confidentiality of credit card or other personal information transmitted through library computers. Minors will be warned verbally, in writing and/or through workstation signs not to disclose personal information to strangers in any form of electronic communication.
Computer users may not download software or games onto library computers.
Computer users may not use any library Internet workstation for any illegal or criminal purpose including but not limited to harassment, stalking, child pornography or scams. Computer users may not display materials that by community standards are obscene.
Copyright
U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use”. Computer users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including text, images, programs, data or files) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for and consequences of copyright infringement lies with the computer user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
Computer Use Policy
This policy applies to all users of the Upper Dublin Public Library public access computers. Rules governing the use of library workstations
- Use of any computer workstation is limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting. When signups are in effect please sign up for a workstation at the circulation desk.
- Computer users may use their own portable media (diskettes, CDs, USB devices) in library computers.
- No more than two people working together at any one workstation.
- Computer users may not obstruct other people’s work by tampering with any
library workstation.
- Computer users may not make any attempt to damage computer equipment or software, to alter software configurations, or to degrade system performance.
- Computer users may not use any library workstation or wireless network for any
illegal or criminal purpose.
- Computer users may not violate copyright laws or software licensing agreements in their use of library workstations or wireless network.
- Computer users may not engage in any activity which is deliberately or maliciously offensive, libelous or slanderous.
- Computer users may not install software on library workstations or copy software from a library workstation.
Termination or prohibition of Computer User Access
Violations of the Internet & Computer Use Policy and Guidelines may result in loss of access or library privileges. Unlawful activities will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner by the responsible law enforcement agencies, which will be notified of any such activities brought to the attention of library personnel. When library employees believe that a computer user has failed to comply with the Internet and Computer Use Policy and Guidelines, they are authorized to terminate any computer user’s access session or to prohibit a computer user from subsequent access sessions for up to two weeks from the date that the computer user was informed of the action. A computer user may be permanently barred from Internet access from the library by the library director. These decisions may be appealed to the Library Board. Requests for reinstatement of Internet privileges will be made to the Library Board.
Adopted by the Upper Dublin Public Library Board of Directors 10/8/2001, Rev. 3/2002, Rev. 2/21/2007
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