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Public Internet Use

Policy and Procedure

The Meinders Community Library provides Internet access for research and educational purposes.

Scope of Internet Access

It is the goal of the Library to provide the greatest possible access to the internet within the limits of the available resources. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally, and culturally enriching.

Intellectual Freedom

A. Content
The Library recognizes the right of individuals to determine what is most appropriate for their needs. Users should be aware that information accessed via the Internet may be controversial, inaccurate, or dated. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to ideas, information, images, and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selected criteria, and collection developement policies. Because of this access and because sites on the Internet change often, rapidly, and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect users from the information and images which they might find offensive or disturbing.

B. Children's Use of the Internet
As with other library materials and service, parents or legal guardians are responsible for the information selected or accessed by children. Internet workstations specifically configured for use by children may limit or prevent access to specific Internet sites.

Internet Use

A. Library Rules
The same principles that guide the use of other library resources apply to the use of the Internet. The Library expects customers to use the Internet in a responsible manner respecting the rights of others and Library rules of behavior. Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and unacceptable use will result in suspension or cancellation of the privilege.

B. Unacceptable Use
1. Degrade or disrupt equipment or system performance.
2. Vandalize the data of any other user.
3. Gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
4. Invade the privacy of individuals.
5. Violate Federal, State, or local law regulations.
6. Use of sounds or visuals which might be disruptive to others.

Limitations

A. Additional Conditions of Use
Staff may place time, printing, and downloading limits depending on volume of use or other conditions.

B. Assistance/Training
Staff is available to introduce Internet access and to provide initial instruction on its use. To ensure the equitable delivery of all library services, the amount of time staff has available to provide Internet instruction is limited.

Liability

The Meinders Community Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, that users or anyone else may suffer through Library access to the Internet.

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

This Public Internet Use Policy is posted adjacent to computer workstations used by customers to access the Internet and other library databases. Users must sign an agreement prior to using the Internet indicating they understand and agree to abide by this policy.

Signing In/Out

Prior to use, read the Library Internet Policy and sign in at the desk.

Time Limits

Session lengths are 30 minutes, but may be extended as long as no one is waiting. Sessions include ALL activities such as viewing, printing, and saving. Please end your session on time.

Downloading

Downloading, installing, and saving additional programs to the hard drive are prohibited. Saving to a disk is allowed. Disks may be purchased from the library staff at the cost of $1.00/disk.

Printing

The cost for printing is 15 cents/page.

Library Board
Luella Stauffer
David Christensen
Tish Rops
Barbara Heyl
Kris Ploeger
William Sabol
Patt Johnson

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