Elk Horn Public Library
Internet Policies
RESPONSIBILITY OF USERS
SUPERVISING CHILDREN’S USE
As with all library materials, parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of the Internet. Library staff cannot control the databases that children may select on the Internet. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop acceptable rules for Internet use. Parents and children are also encouraged to read Child Safety on the Informational Highway. This online publication can be found at https://www.safekids.com/child-safety-on-the-information-highway/.
CHOOSING AND EVALUATING SOURCES
The Internet provides easy access to a massive body of information. The information and resources available on the Internet expand the Library’s information beyond traditional collections. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed over the Internet and is not responsible for its content. Users are responsible for determining that the information they access is acceptable, reliable, and suitable for their needs.
The library provides free access to the Internet as part of its mission. Illegal use of the internet is prohibited. It is illegal to use the library's computers to access, view, print, distribute, display, send or receive images or graphics of material that violates laws relating to child pornography. Misuse of the computers will result in a loss of privileges.
GUIDELINES FOR USE OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS
Use of the computer will be on a first come, first serve basis. Although there is a no time limit as a condition of use, users agree that if someone is waiting they will make the computer available within 20 minutes of being informed by Library staff that another person is waiting.
Patrons may not use their personal software on Library computers. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. The Library is not responsible for damage to any user’s disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage or liability that any occur from patron use of the library’s computers.
Downloading of files may be done on flash drive only. Downloading to the hard drive is prohibited. Patrons must supply their own flash drive.
Articles may be printed at $.10 per page.
Library staff will be glad to assist patrons in using the Internet. Because of the many applications available over the Internet, the staff may not be familiar with specific programs patrons wish to use. In these cases, the patron is responsible for learning how to use the program.
Wireless Internet service is available in the library. Access information is available from the librarian.
COPYRIGHT
Materials obtained or copied from the Internet may be subjected to copyright laws, which govern the making of reproductions of copyrighted works. A work protected by copyright may not be copied without permission unless the proposed use falls within the definition of “Fair Use”. Violation of the copyright law may subject the patron to an action for damages and/or injunction.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
The Elk Horn Public Library may utilize social networking sites to further its mission to connect library users and community residents to the world of ideas. The library's participation in a social networking service does not constitute endorsement of the content or views expressed by the participants, including staff. The Library is not liable or responsible for content posted by any participant in a Library sponsored social networking service or for any event or interaction that takes place through any social networking service.
Comments posted to the library's social networking sites will be monitored and inappropriate content will be removed as soon as possible and without prior notice. The Library reserves the right to remove inappropriate content. The Library disclaims any and all responsibility and liability for any materials deemed inappropriate for posting which cannot be removed in an expeditious and otherwise timely manner.
Adopted By Board of Trustees:
January 2003
Reviewed by Board of Trustees:
January 2006
February 2009
February 2013
January 2016
January 2020