Internet Usage and Wireless Policies

Elsie Public District Library Internet Use Policy

Use of the Internet computers is your agreement with the terms and conditions of this policy. 

1. In accordance with Elsie Public District Library’s General objectives and Principles, the Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of the community. The Internet is a global collection of computer networks that connects thousands of computers all over the world. Internet access is available on selected public terminals for all users of the Elsie Public District Library. 

2. The Library offers pointers or links to a wide range of useful and interesting sites through its home page. Some internet sites may contain controversial or offensive material. The Library has no control over the information available on the Internet and, therefore, cannot be held responsible for its content, accuracy or currency. Patrons agree to hold Elsie Public District Library harmless and indemnify it against any and all claims or liabilities, directly or indirectly, relating to their use of the Internet computer. 

3. Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of it. The Library firmly believes that the valuable information available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that users may come across material that is inconsistent with the goals of the Library. However, the Library staff reserves the right to prohibit material that in their judgment is inappropriate for viewing in a public area. 

4. As with other Library materials, parents are responsible for their children's use of the Internet through the Library's connection. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children's Internet sessions. 

5. Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege. Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to, the following: 

o Violation of computer system integrity;

o Unauthorized tampering with computer hardware or software;

o Storage of data to anything other than a personal diskette;

o Violation of software license agreements or copyright laws;

o Violation of another user's privacy;

o Use of Internet computers for purposes other than Internet access.

Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. 

6. The Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits but cannot offer personal instruction. Staff is always available to help patrons locate books, periodicals and videos/DVDs about the Internet. Patron must present a valid EPL card, or if not on hand, a photo I.D. Patron must not have any fines, or any block on their EPL card.  Printing is available at a nominal cost per page. 

7. The Library does not directly provide electronic mail and prohibits access to news, discussion groups, instant messaging and chat rooms.  

8. Patrons may save files to their own diskettes or flash drives. The use of virus protection software is required. Patrons should notify the Library of any viruses they find. The Library is not responsible for damage to a patron's disk or flash drive or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from the patron's use of the Library's computers. The Library is also not responsible for the unavailability of resources on the Internet computers due to technical difficulties. 

9. A patron's use of the Internet computers is limited to sixty (60) minutes per person per day. Patrons needing the computer for longer than 60 minutes for research, filling out forms, writing papers, etc., but not game playing, may make arrangements with the staff for additional time. Due to space limitations, no more than two (2) patrons may use an Internet computer at one time.