INTERNET AND COMPUTER USE POLICY

Lake Agassiz Regional Library provides computer use to library customers through its branch libraries and Library LINK Sites. Access is intended to ensure equitable access to information and on-line resources for residents of the seven-county region that would otherwise not be available through the Library’s collections.

Library computers with Internet access will be filtered to meet the requirements of the federal Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Adults 17 years or older may request unfiltered access.

• Library computers may be used only for legal purposes and may NOT be used to:
  
  • Display or print graphics that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.
  
  • Violate copyright laws or database license agreements, or engage in other illegal activity.
  
  • Engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating, disruptive, or hostile environment.
  
  • Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
  
  • Establish or maintain a business for commercial gain.
  
  • Harass, invade the privacy of, or vandalize the data of any other individual(s).
  
  • Degrade, alter, or disrupt equipment or system performance.
  
  • Download, save or install software to the hard drive.
  
  • Gamble.

Each local library sets sign-up procedures and time limits for those occasions when others are waiting. Please see a staff person for details.

• User Responsibilities
  • Adhere to the library’s Internet and Computer Use Policy.
  
  • Respect the rights and diverse values of other library customers.
  
  • Refrain from viewing sites that are inappropriate in a public setting.
  
  • Follow local branch procedures for computer sign-up and time limits.
  
  • Pay for all pages printed.
  
  • Provide personal storage devices (disks are available for purchase).

Sanctions
Violations of the library’s policy or failure to adhere to local procedures may result in the loss of Internet, computer and/or library privileges.
Illegal use of library computers may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Intellectual Freedom
The Lake Agassiz Regional Library recognizes the right of individuals to determine what information is most appropriate for their needs. Library staff is available to assist in locating information, but it is the user’s responsibility to evaluate and make the final decision regarding that information.

Internet Disclaimer Statement
The Internet is an unregulated global electronic network. Information available over the Internet may be controversial, inaccurate, misleading, or offensive as well as culturally stimulating, educational, or professionally and personally useful. Other than the filtering required by CIPA, LARL does not control access to material found on the Internet, nor protect users from finding materials that may be considered controversial or offensive. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information found on the Internet and is not responsible for its content.

Library Liability
Library customers use the library’s computer hardware, software, and documentation at their own risk. Lake Agassiz Regional Library is not responsible for providing detailed instruction on computer use, equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damage to a user’s disks, data, etc., or electronic transactions of any type which are related to the public use of library computer resources.

Adopted by the Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board of Trustees, November 1998; Aug. 19, 2004; Sept. 15, 2005