Internet Acceptable Use Policy
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Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Peoria Public Library System
Purpose: Peoria Public Library provides access to the Internet in support of the
Library’s role as Peoria’s leading public provider of information and life long learning.
The Internet is a global electronic network which is not regulated by any local, state, federal or international authority.
The Internet offers access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. But, because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it may also provide access to ideas, information, images and commentary that are beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selection criteria and collection development policies. Because of this access and because sites on the Internet change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect users from information and images which they might find offensive or disturbing.
Not all information available on the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to use critical judgment when evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from its connections to the Internet.
When using a Library computer, complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. Users are cautioned that the Library computers on which the public can access the Internet are located in public areas which must be shared by library users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider this and to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images. Use of library terminals for viewing or disseminating R and X rated images is not permitted.
Sign in logs and any other information that can be used to identify a user with specific date, files, or programs, or other electronic materials, are considered by Peoria Public Library to be confidential and shall not be shared with anyone other than the user. Such records shall not be available to any agency of local, state, or federal government except pursuant to such process, order, or subpoena as may be authorized under the authority of, and pursuant to, local, state, or federal law relating to criminal, civil, or administrative procedures or legislative investigative power.
Users are cautioned that because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files, and communication are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and therefore, should be considered public.
Child Safety on the Internet
Peoria Public Library supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their children's access to print, non-print, and electronic information. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing information and images. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet with their children in relation to family values and boundaries, and to monitor their children's use of the Internet. As a public institution open to use by minors, the library restricts access to certain materials as described in the Arizona Harmful to Minors Act, (ARS 13-3501, 13-3506, 13-3507, 13-3508). Violation of this law is a Class 6 felony.
To help parents, the Library has available print and online materials about the Internet, including Child Safety on the Information Highway and other information on the educational use of the Internet. Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.
User Responsibilities
All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all Library customers. However, use of the Internet must be compatible with the Mission of the Library. It is the responsibility of each user to be guided by the following principles:
- Respect for the privacy and sensibilities of other users
- Attention to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to
programs and data
- Consideration for the integrity of computing systems (for example, users must not intentionally develop programs to harass other users or to infiltrate a computer or computing system, or develop programs that may damage or alter the software components of this or other computing systems)
- Further examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Damaging or destroying equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or to other users.
- Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material.
- Violating software license agreements.
- Violating computer system or network integrity.
- Using the Internet for any illegal activity.
Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines
In addition to this specific policy, general guidelines for the use of all public-access computers govern the use of the Internet in the Library.
Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library's Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the Library's Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
Users will not be able to dial into the Library's Internet computers from remote sites. Users may not download data to any Library computer hard drive.
While Library staff are happy to assist users in accessing the Internet, each user is nevertheless responsible for his or her own search. Staff cannot provide in-depth personal training in the use of the Internet or of personal computers.
Peoria Public Library gratefully acknowledges those public libraries from which it received advice in developing this policy, and from which it adapted some of the language used in it. Gratitude is owed to Dallas Public Library, Seattle Public Library, and, in Arizona, Glendale Public Library and Scottsdale Public Library.