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Internet Policy:

Lake Benton Public Library Internet And Computer Use Policy

Introduction: The Lake Benton Public Library provides library users with computers for document creation and for Internet access. Access to the Internet from the Lake Benton Public Library is a privilege, not a right. Be considerate of others when viewing materials that may be considered offensive by other library users. The Lake Benton Public 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 sign-in sheet is located on the librarian’s desk. Only those signing in are guaranteed at least a 30-minute session. Those who do not sign-in may have their session ended at any time without warning.

2. Computer users may only be on for an hour max per day.  There is absolutely no gaming or chatting allowed (that includes messenger). The computers are for e-mail or research only. You may not download any programs unless you have permission from the head librarian.

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 5-minutes past the appointment time.

4. If it becomes necessary to leave a computer during your session, please inform a library employee.

5. The Internet is not a secure environment. Users handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk.

6. 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 Board, Library Employees, and the City Of Lake Benton are not responsible for damage to a user’s disk or USB Flash drive, or for any loss of data, liability that may occur when using a library computer or your actions you or your children may take while using the internet and our computers.

7. Your personal work on the computer should be saved on a floppy disk or USB Flash drive. The hard disk drive is erased regularly.

8. Printing fees are $0.15 per page. Payment for printing charges is collected at the circulation desk.

9. 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.

10. Children under 18 years of age in the library must have parental permission to use library Internet resources. All copies of parental permission will be kept at the library. The Lake Benton Public Library does utilize filtering software but it does not always catch everything.

11. 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.

12.  Adults 18 years of age and older must sign the Internet and Computer Use Permission Slip in order to be able to use the computers and the internet. All copies of the Internet and Computer Use Permissions will be kept at the library.

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 Minnesota 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 building 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 Lake Benton Public Library Board of Trustees, May 2007.