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Internet And Computer Use Policy
Introduction: The Hudson Area Joint Library provides library users with computers for document creation and for Internet access. Access to the Internet from the Hudson Area Joint Library is a privilege, not a right. Be considerate of others when viewing materials that may be considered offensive by other library users. The Hudson Area Joint Library Board is committed to providing a safe and comfortable working environment for all library users including library employees.
General Guidelines
1. Internet use is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Internet hourly sign-in sheets are located near each Internet computer. Only those signing in are guaranteed at least a 60-minute session. Those who do not sign-in may have their session ended at any time without warning.
2. Individuals/families may sign-up for 60-minute sessions renewable for an additional 60-minute if no one else is waiting to use a computer. No individual/family may sign-up for more than 2-hours per day.
3. Computer users may sign-up for a session in advance by telephone or in person. Reservations have priority over walk-in users. The computer will be held for only 10-minutes past the appointment time.
4. Groups are limited to no more than two users sharing a computer.
5. If it becomes necessary to leave a computer during your session, please inform a library employee.
6. The Internet is not a secure environment. Users handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk.
7. Although the library uses anti-virus software, this does not provide complete protection. Downloaded data and e-mail may contain computer viruses and computer users must be responsible for protecting their own data. The library is not responsible for damage to a user’s disk or USB Flash drive, or for any loss of data, or liability that may occur when using a library computer.
8. Your personal work on the computer should be saved on a floppy disk or USB Flash drive. The hard disk drive is erased regularly. You may purchase a floppy disk at the circulation desk.
9. Printing fees apply on a per page basis. Payment for printing charges is collected at the circulation desk.
10. If a library employee feels that the web site being viewed is disruptive or harassing to employees or users, the viewer will be asked to exit the site.
11. Library employees assume that children under 18 years of age who are unattended in the library have parental permission to use library resources and Internet resources. The Hudson Area Joint Library does not utilize any filtering software.
12. Library employees are available for basic assistance as time allows, but must also serve other library users. Because of the many different Internet applications available, library employees cannot provide technical support. Computer users who would like extra help or training are encouraged to look for educational classes elsewhere in the community.
User’s Responsibilities When Using Library Computers
The following activities are prohibited:
1. Violating federal, state, or local laws.
This includes, but is not limited to,
a. disregarding copyright laws or licensing agreements,
(1) U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution or copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles or “fair use.” All responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such violations.
b. sending unsolicited chain letters or broadcast messages,
c. assuming another’s identity,
d. sending threatening or harassing materials, and
e. viewing, printing, distributing, displaying, sending, or receiving images, text or graphics of obscene materials or material that violates laws relating to child pornography.
(1) Knowingly displaying obscene graphics or graphics that may be harmful to minors is not allowed under Wisconsin Statues 944.21 and 948.11.
2. Disregarding the rules of network etiquette and interfering with the use of the network. These rules include using appropriate language, respecting the privacy of other users, not sending hate mail and discriminatory remarks, and not disrupting the use of the network.
3. Invading privacy of individuals by accessing their data or by harming, modifying, or destroying their data.
4. Installing personal software on the computer.
5. Disseminating or displaying to minors materials that are harmful to minors.
6. Gaining unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communications devices or resources. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
7. Damaging, altering, or degrading computer equipment, peripherals, software, or configurations will result in the cancellation of library computer privileges and may result in criminal prosecution. If there is a problem with the computer, please notify a library employee.
Failure to Comply
Library employees will determine what constitutes inappropriate use of the Internet or violation of this policy. Failure to comply with the Internet And Computer Use Policy will result in a request from a library employee to discontinue the activity. Continued violations will result in a request to leave the library facility and may lead to revocation of library privileges including the right to visit the buildings and grounds for a period up to 6-months or permanently at the discretion of the Library Director. Repeat offenders or persons ordered from the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing.
Approved by Hudson Library board of Trustees, February 25, 2002
Revision approved on October 11, 2004.
The Hudson Area Joint Library will provide free Internet access points or “hot spots” for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library business hours. These access points will allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers when sitting within range of the access points.
Library staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via these connections, but are not responsible for any changes users make to their computer settings and cannot guarantee that a user’s hardware will work with the library’s wireless connection.
If a user has problems accessing the Internet over these connections, staff cannot assist in making changes to the user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on the user’s own computer. Users should refer to their owner’s manuals or other support services offered by their device manufacturer.
As with most public wireless “hot spots,” the library’s wireless connection is not secure. There can be non-trustworthy third parties between the user and anybody with whom the user communicates. Another wireless user could potentially intercept any information being sent or received. Wireless users should not transmit their credit card information, passwords and any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless “hot spot.”
The library will not be responsible for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices.
The library provides access only to Web-based email or through a user’s personal Internet provider.
Printers are not available via the wireless connection at this time. If users need to print, they should save their work to a portable storage device (e.g. floppy disk) or wait to print a document on a home printer. An alternative is to email files to themselves, then login to a wired library workstation and send documents to the public printer.
Use of these access points is governed by the Hudson Area Joint Library Internet and Computer Use Policy. All users are expected to use the library’s wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users should not violate federal, Wisconsin or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful materials, fraud, or downloading copyrighted material.
Any restriction or monitoring of a minor’s access to the library’s wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Under consideration by the Hudson Area Joint Library Board of Trustees
December 12, 2005
It is the policy of the Hudson Area Joint Library that any patron, regardless of age, who holds a valid Hudson Area Joint Library card, may borrow video and DVD materials.
R-Rated Video and DVD Material Loan Policy
The library will honor a parental request that their child (under 18 years of age) not be allowed to borrow R-rated video and DVD material(s) if
1. parent completes the Video and DVD Material Loan Form below, and
2. submits the completed form to a library employee.
Following submission of the Video and DVD Material Loan Form, a message will be added to the child’s record stating permission given by parent for the child to only checkout video and DVD material having a G, PG, PG-13 rating.
The Video and DVD Material Loan Form expires upon receipt of proof of the child’s 18th birthday. It shall not be the responsibility of the Library employee to verify any child’s age.
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Video and DVD Material Loan Policy Form
By filling out this form, a parent may request that his or her child under the age of 18 not be allowed to borrow R-rated video and DVD material(s) from the Hudson Area Joint Library.
I request that my child (first and last name) ______________________________ not be allowed to borrow video and DVD material(s) from the Hudson Area Joint Library that has been rated “R” by the Motion Picture Association of America. I understand that my child may still borrow “G, PG, PG-13” rated video and DVD material(s).
Unless withdrawn by me, this request expires upon receipt of proof of the child’s 18th birthday.
Parent’s Signature ____________________________ Date: ____________________
Approved by the Hudson Public Library Board of Trustees, February 25, 2002.
Revision approved on October 11, 2004.