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Computer and Internet Use Policies

Computer Use Policy | Internet Access Policy

COMPUTER USE POLICY

February 20, 2008

This Computer Use Policy is designed to provide all members of the public with fair, equitable access to computer services at all locations.

  1. Sign Up – Patrons may sign up for any available computer either at the computer or at a Computer Sign up Station. If all computers are busy, patrons may reserve the next available computer at the Computer Sign up Station.
  2. Library Cards –  A current, unexpired library card with less than $10 in outstanding fees or fines is required to sign up for or use a computer. Youth One Book Cards do not allow computer access.

    Library patrons must use their own library card to sign up for or reserve a computer. Patrons using another person's library card (with or without permission) will be suspended according to SER 103 Code of Conduct Guidelines. Library cards are used to verify the age of the individual for filtering purposes and to track an individual's daily computer time.

    In order to protect the owner's rights, cards that are used by persons other than the owner will be invalidated until the owner is able to show identification.
  3. People without Library Cards – People without library cards may use an Express Computer. At locations that do not have an Express Computer, staff members will sign patrons up and make reservations.
  4. Time Limits – The initial time limit may be either 30 or 60 minutes depending on the location. If no one is waiting, computer time may be extended up to a maximum of 180 minutes per day. The Library does not guarantee a specific amount of time for computer use.
  5. Express Computers – Some libraries have computers that are designated as Express Computers. These computers are available on a walk–up basis for people who want to use the Internet for a brief period of time. These computers have a time limit of 15 minutes and may not be reserved. Library cards are not needed for these computers. Use of Express Computers may be limited at peak times.
  6. Specific Use Computers – Some libraries have computers that are designated for specific purposes such as word processing or children's software. Time limits on these computers vary from location to location.
  7. Filtering – Some computers, those in children's areas for example, may be designated as always filtered. Other computers may be filtered or not depending on the age of the library cardholder. See SER 105 Internet Access Policy.
  8. Privacy – The Computer Sign up System tracks the amount of computer time that an individual uses during the day. It does not track the sites that a person visits. All reservation information is removed from the Computer Sign up System at the end of each day.
  9. Closing – Computers and printers shut down 10 minutes before the library closes.
  10. Library Use – Library staff may reserve computers for classes, staff training, or special programs.
  11. Headphones – Personal headphones are permitted but the volume must be kept low so as not to disturb others. Headphones may be purchased for $2.00.
  12. Multiple Users – Only one person may use a workstation except where parents or caregivers assist their child. Staff members, at their discretion, may approve or disapprove requests for multiple users.
  13. Printing – The printing charge is 10 cents per page. Patrons are responsible for using print preview to determine the number of pages in the file before printing. Patrons will be charged for all pages printed whether they take them or not. Patrons may not use their own paper.
  14. Saving Files and Documents – Patrons who wish a permanent record of their work need to save files and documents on their own floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. Library computers do not allow users to save documents or personal files to the hard drive. Floppy disks may be purchased for $.50; cd–rom disks for $1.00.
  15. Disclaimer – Patrons use library computer hardware and software at their own risk. The Library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user's disks, data, or electronic transactions of any type. The Library is not responsible for the loss of any floppy disk, cd–rom disk, or USB drive.
  16. Staff Assistance – While staff members are available to assist users with the equipment, staff members do not provide assistance in the use of software. Users who need training should attend the Library's free computer classes.
  17. Illegal and Unacceptable Uses – Patrons may use library computers only for legal uses. Examples of unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following:
    • Attempting to crash, degrade performance, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks.
    • Damaging equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users.
    • Using the Internet for malicious purposes such as intentionally propagating a virus.
    • Sending unsolicited advertising.
    • Operating an on-going business.
    • Attempting to gain or gaining access to another person's files or authorization codes.
    • Using another person's identification, bar code or pin number, with or without permission.
    • Using, disclosing, or disseminating personal identification information regarding minors without parental permission.
    • Displaying obscene material, child pornography, or sexual content that might be harmful to minors.
    • Harassing other users with messages, prints, or images.
    • Libeling, slandering, or maliciously offending other users.
    • Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements.
    • Violating federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.
  18. Exceptions – Staff members may make exceptions to this policy for unusual circumstances.
  19. Definitions
    1. Obscenity, as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code.
    2. Child Pornography, as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code.
    3. Harmful to Minors – The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
      1. taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
      2. depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
      3. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
    4. Sexual Act; Sexual Contact – The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
  21. Compliance – Failure to comply with this policy or with library staff directions may result in restriction or termination of the user's library privileges and may result in prosecution under local, state, or federal laws. Any person denied access to the Library or its services may appeal the denial to the Library Director. If the appeal is not resolved by the Director, it may be submitted in writing to the Library Board. The Library Board will provide the person with an opportunity to be heard before deciding the appeal.

INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

June 21, 2006

  1. Philosophy – In keeping with the library's mission of providing user–friendly technology linking its libraries and communities to the world, the Capital Area District Library makes the Internet available to the public in all of its libraries as an informational, educational and recreational resource.
  2. Internet Content – The Internet, as an information resource, enables libraries to provide information beyond the confines of their own collections. It allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe. Currently, however, the Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be out of date, inaccurate and offensive. The Capital Area District Library is not responsible for the content of information accessed or selected.The Library strives to maintain a computing environment that promotes access to a wide variety of electronic information in an array of formats; however, the Library makes no guarantee that all Internet content and services will function on its equipment. The Library may limit customer access to Internet functions, which it determines to be inconsistent with its mission and goals or consume more resources than the benefit derived in support of the mission and goals.
  3. Privacy – It is the policy of the Capital Area District Library to preserve the confidentiality of library usage records of its patrons in accordance with the Library Privacy Act as last amended. Unless ordered by a court after giving the library notice of the request and an opportunity to be heard on the request, a library or an employee or agent of a library shall not release or disclose a library record or portion of a library record to a person without the written consent of the person identified in that library record or that person's parent or legal guardian. See the Library's Privacy Policy. The Library makes no representations regarding the privacy of information sent over the Internet including e–mail, chat, or instant messenger. Those transmissions are not secure against interception and may be monitored by a third party.
  4. Technology Protection Measure – It is Capital Area District Library’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (47 USC § 254 and 20 USC § 9134) and the June 23, 2003 United States Supreme Court decision relating thereto, as well as provisions in the Michigan Library Privacy Act regarding restriction of Internet access to minors (MCL 397.606). CADL uses a technology protection measure (or “Internet filter”) to restrict access to Internet sites that contain adult content (nudity and graphical depictions of sexual activity). The filter is designed to not block sex education or health sites.PC Reservation software is used to restrict minors under the age of 18 to filtered Internet access only. The same software also allows adults to turn off filters without staff intervention. In some libraries, groups of computers that are primarily used by children have been designated as always filtered.
  5. Filtering Guidelines – CADL uses the requirements of CIPA and Michigan law to determine what the filter should block. CADL uses the least restrictive blocking categories provided by the filter vendor that by their definitions appear to include prohibited content. Content to be blocked includes obscenity as defined in 18 USC § 1460, child pornography as defined in 18 USC § 2256, and sexual content harmful to minors as defined in 47 USC § 254 and 20 USC § 9134. It is CADL’s intent not to block sites that address sexuality and the human body in an educational, historical, or medical context.
  6. Parental Guidance – Parents and guardians need to be aware that the filter is not totally effective and the Library cannot assure that a child will not purposefully or inadvertently access inappropriate materials. Although the Library blocks access to unmoderated chat web sites, it does not filter the content of email, chat rooms, or other forms of direct electronic communication and cannot therefore assure the safety and security of minors using these functions. The Library also cannot protect against their children's unauthorized access to computer resources, including “hacking,” and other unlawful online activities, nor can it protect against unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding their children if their children provide it while using the Internet.Parents need to be actively interested in and responsible for supervision of their children's use of the Internet and other electronic resources. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet and family values with their children.
  7. Complaints and Penalties – If a user feels that a web site is being blocked or allowed inappropriately by the filter, s/he may request that it be reviewed by library staff. A decision and any necessary action will be made by the Library Director or designee.Inappropriate use of library computers may result in the loss of library computer network privileges and suspension of library services.
  8. Definitions
    1. Obscenity, as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code.
    2. Child Pornography, as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code.
    3. Harmful to Minors – The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
      1. taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
      2. depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
      3. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
    4. Sexual Act; Sexual Contact – The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
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