Computer Use Policies

The Scandinavia Public Library has added free public access to a computer and the Internet as an informational, educational and recreational resource for the community.

The Internet, as an information resource, enables the library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection. It allows access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world. Millions of people use and contribute to the Internet and while much of the information on the Internet is worthy and useful, some of it is not. There is information on the Internet that may be personally offensive and controversial to the general public. The Scandinavia Public Library cannot monitor or be held accountable for material on the Internet. The determination of what is an acceptable age to begin using the Internet cannot be made by library staff. Library staff cannot control the information/material youth may find on the Internet. For these reasons, the supervision of children/youth using the Internet is the sole responsibility of parents/guardians.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE USE:

The Scandinavia Public Library expects that all use of electronic information resources such as the Internet will be responsible and ethical, consistent with the purpose for which these resources are provided. This includes:

  • Using resources for educational, information and recreational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
  • Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
  • Further respecting the privacy of others using public access work stations at Scandianvia Public Library by not interfering with their use.
  • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
  • Not sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed by Library staff as offensive to the public.
  • Not making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware.

DISCLAIMER:

The Scandinavia Public Library assumes no responsibility for the content of material on the Internet. It is not possible for the Library to control specific information that may be available. Subject to the above restrictions, it is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian or care- giver) to determine what is appropriate.

Just as libraries do not vouch for or 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. It is the responsibility of the user (or the parent or guardian) to determine what is appropriate.

Parents and legal guardians who are concerned about their children’s use of the Internet are expected to provide guidance to their children and monitor their use of this resource. Only they are in the position to define what material or information is consistent with their personal and family beliefs, and only they can apply these values for themselves and their children as they use the library’s resources. Children and young adults under the age of 18 may have computer use restricted by their parent or guardian. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information children and youth may locate on the Internet.

LIMITATIONS:

The Library staff may impose restrictions, 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 computer workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Staff may ask users to remove themselves from Library equipment if they observe any behavior that they judge to be in conflict with this policy. Misuse or abuse of Library computers or Internet access may result in suspension of Internet access, computer use, or Library privileges.

Approved by the Scandinavia Public Library Board on February 27, 1999