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Nellie Pederson Civic Library

Internet and Library Computer Policies

Rules governing use of library computers and the Internet.

Access

Nellie Pederson Civic Library provides free Internet and wireless Internet access to all card-holding patrons.  Our goal is to promote educational, reference, and recreational services for the children, youth, and adults in the city of Clifton and surrounding areas.  Because the Internet connects millions of computer users worldwide, it enables global connection to electronic mail, videos, discussion groups, individuals, databases, software and other information sources, such as libraries and museums. 

The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to materials available via the Internet.  Additionally, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents to participate in restricting and monitoring their children’s use of Library materials and resources.  Given existing state and federal guidelines and the physical placement of computers in the Nellie Pederson Civic Library, we believe that information and interaction available on the Internet at our location must be limited.  Our first priority is to protect the children and youth of Clifton from the growing number potentially dangerous web sites that have proliferated on the Internet. 

Sites that contain child pornography, obscenity, or content that is harmful to children shall not be accessed by our computer users.  The library has implemented a software product, Vision, that is used to monitor the images on all computers (individually or simultaneously) from a centrally located staff computer.   Vision enables library staff to observe web browsing content and identify patrons accessing material that is in violation of library policy.  

Terms and Conditions of Use

Privilege:  Use of Nellie Pederson Civic Library’s Internet access is a privilege, not a right.  Legal, ethical, and efficient use of the Internet is expected.  This includes content exchanged via the Internet, as well as respect for the library staff and other patrons.  Inappropriate computer use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.  The Library’s employees responsible for the operation of the computers will deem what is inappropriate use, and their decision is final.  Nellie Pederson Civic Library retains the right to withdraw access privileges of any patron at any time.

Risk:  Controlling all materials on the Internet is virtually impossible.  Sites accessible via the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or controversial.  With global access to computers and people, a risk exists that children, youth, or adults may access material that may not be of appropriate value.  

User Responsibility:  Internet users, like traditional library users, are responsible for their actions in accessing available resources.  Prospective users will be required to read the policies and procedures for the library’s computer and Internet usage and sign a Computer and Internet Use Agreement.  Youth under 16 years of age will be required to have parental or guardian permission to use library computers and access the Internet.  If permission is denied by a parent or guardian, it will be noted by a code on the youth’s Library/Internet card and computers will not be available to that person.

All patrons are required to present their library card each time they request the use of a computer.  The librarian will scan the card and check out the computer in the same way that a book is checked out.  When the patron’s allocated time is over, the computer will be checked in and placed back in circulation for others to use.  To accommodate visiting adults who do not have cards and wish to use a computer, the library will have a generic card that may be used for this purpose at the discretion of the librarian. 

These procedures allow the library to keep detailed records of computer usage by patron, date, and time.  Patrons or their parents/guardians are liable for any damages to computer hardware or software and for any illegal or unethical act performed through our system. 

Note:  If a patron loses a library card, it must be replaced.  Previous ownership of a card will not be sufficient for the privilege of using a computer.  While a patron’s first card is free of charge, there is a nominal fee for replacement cards to cover the cost of production.

Users may not attempt to alter computer or software configurations in a malicious manner.

Users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for the payment of fees for any fee-based service.

Users may not engage in activity that is harassing, defamatory, threatening, or invade the privacy of others; or receive and display material that is obscence as described by law or as determined a librarian. 

Computer and Internet Availability:  Use of a computer is limited to one-hour time increments, if other patrons are waiting for a computer.  Patrons sign up for a time slot on a first-come, first-served basis.   Only one registered user may be seated at a computer at any time.  At no time will computer users be allowed to have unattended children in the library. 

In special situations, at the discretion of the librarian, patrons may also reserve a time slot in advance by calling or visiting the library.  To claim a reservation, you must be present at the beginning of the time period.  If you are absent 10 minutes after your allocated time, you forfeit your right to the reservation.

Electronic Mail:  Access to electronic mail is available at the library.  Free e-mail accounts may be set up by the patron or with the assistance of a library staff member.

Printing:  Print copies may be made from any materials on the library’s computers.The charge for an 8½x11 page printed in black and white is 15 cents.  Color prints, 8½ x11, may be made from the Library Director’s computer for one dollar.  Printed pages are picked up and paid for at the circulation desk. 

Downloading to Personal Storage Devices:  Information may be downloaded to a user's personal diskette, CD/DVD, flash drive, or other storage device.  Data or pictures should always be downloaded to patrons' storage media and not to a library computer’s hard drive, as all additions to hard drives are automatically deleted before the following business day.

Violations of Policy:  Violations or misuse of the Internet or library computers will result in loss of computer access for a period of time at the discretion of the Library Director.  Violators will be expected to explain how the violation or misuse occurred.  This may be of particular importance in restoring the computers to their original state or to prevent such misuse in the future.  If violators do not/will not clarify the manner in which the offense occurred, access privileges may be denied for an entire year.  In addition, appropriate legal action may be taken.

Violations of Law:  Transmission of material in violation of any U.S. or state law is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material; threatening, harassing, or obscene material; material protected by trademark.

Attempts to break the law through the use of Nellie Pederson Civic Library’s computers may result in litigation against the offender by the proper authorities.  If such an event should occur, Nellie Pederson Civic Library will fully comply with the authorities to provide any information necessary for the litigation process.  The library is not responsible for any legal consequences of such actions. 

Commercial Use:  Use for commercial, income-generating, for-profit activities, product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.  Sending unsolicited mail (such as junk mail) or chain letters is also prohibited.