Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Walkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library offers access to the Internet in keeping with its desire to meet the needs of the community. 

Walkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library has no control over resources on the Internet and is not responsible for the content of materials on the Internet. Patrons are responsible for the information they encounter. Parents or legal guardians of minor children are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet, and are encouraged to share their child’s computer experience.

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library has installed filtering software designed to prevent access to material that may be harmful to minors. However, filtering software may unintentionally block sites that have legitimate research value or fail to block objectionable content. Filtering software is not a substitute for parental involvement and oversight.

The following guidelines offer Walkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library’s definition of acceptable Internet use. Failure to abide by this agreement will result in suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

• • • • Patrons must sign-in to access the Internet via the library’s computers. Patrons using their own computer must comply with the same rules governing internet usage as those who use the public computers offered by the library.
      • Access to the Internet via the library’s resources (using the library’s computers or the library’s wireless Internet access) implies agreement with this policy.
      • Users must refrain from inappropriate Internet conduct. Examples of such are (but not limited to) as follows:
        • • • The use of the Internet to violate any local, state, or federal law.
            • The use of the Internet to send, receive, or display material that is sexually explicit or suggestive, obscene, subversive, offensive, or illegal.
            • Any use which damages or alters computer equipment, systems, or software, including downloading programs onto the computer without permission of library staff.

The privacy and/or safety of electronic transmissions cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, since patron computers are located in public areas of the library, what is displayed on the monitor may be seen by others. If a patron chooses to
bring in his/her own computer or software for use in the library, the library is not responsible for damage to that computer or software or for corruption of the data, including corruption caused by virus or spyware infection.

Library staff has sole authority for determining if patron behavior is inappropriate. Computer usage may be monitored.

Computer usage shall be limited to one hour. Certain exceptions may be allowed for patrons taking exams or classes online, doing required court work, etc. as allowed by staff.

Any information stored by a user on the library’s computers will be removed periodically.

Library staff has the authority to end an Internet session and/or revoke Internet use privileges if inappropriate behavior occurs.

Passed and Adopted by the Walkerton-Lincoln Township Board of Directors, this 10th day of June, 2014.