Internet: Acceptable Use And Safety Policy
The Monon Town and Township Public Library provides free Internet access to the public in support of its mission statement to serve the educational, informational, and recreational needs of people of all ages in the community.
Access entails responsibility. In order to use the library’s Internet computers, the user agrees to abide by the following agreements and statements. These apply to both adults and minors.
1. The library has the right to set and enforce rules and regulations concerning the use of the Internet computers.
2. Abusive conduct or violations of the conditions set forth in this document will result in loss of access to the Internet.
3. Users must refrain from inappropriate Internet conduct. Examples include but are not limited to:
Use of the Internet for unlawful of malicious activities
Misrepresentation of oneself
Sending chain letters
Using abusive or objectionable language in either public or private messages
Engaging in harassing behavior such as sending or posting slanderous, libelous, obscene, or threatening messages
The following uses of library-provided Internet access are not permitted:
To access, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material
To transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language
To violate any local, state, or federal statute
To vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization, including “hacking”
To access another individual’s or library’s files without permission
4. Users must respect all copyright laws and licensing agreements pertaining to software, files or other resources obtained via the Internet.
5. The library will not be responsible of the accuracy, nature, or quality of information available on the Internet. The library assumes no liability for use of credit cards by library patrons using the Internet.
6. Users will not store files on the library’s computers.
7. The library will not be responsible for any damages the users suffer, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service.
Use of the Internet by Children
It is the parent or guardian who sets family standards and values and, therefore, the library cannot usurp that right nor assume that responsibility. We strongly recommend that parents/guardians work with their children when they are using the Internet. The public library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.
All children under the age of 18 must have signed permission from their parent/guardian to use the library’s Internet computers.
All of the library’s computers are filtered. While most objectionable sites are blocked, parents/guardians need to be aware that no filtering software is 100 percent effective in blocking objectionable sites.
The following safety tips are recommended for children:
1. Don’t give out information about yourself like your last name, your phone number, where you live, or where you go to school – without asking your parents first.
2. If somebody says something to you, sends you something, or you see something that makes you uncomfortable, don’t look around or explore; get your parents instead – they know what to do.
3. Making plans to meet your Internet buddies in real life is usually a really bad idea – how people are in real life can be very different from how they are online. If you decide to do it anyway, have your Mom or Dad help make the plans and go with you.
4. Don’t open up e-mails, files, or Web pages that you get from people you don’t know or trust.
5. Don’t ever give out your password, except to responsible adults in your family.
6. Always follow your family’s rules for the Internet – they’re there to make sure you have fun and stay safe online.
7. Don’t ever do anything that could cost your family money unless your parents are there to help you do it.
In consideration for the privilege of using library provided access to the Internet, I hereby release and hold harmless Monon Town & Township Public Library from any and all claims of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, the library’s Internet computers.
Reviewed 6/6/2016