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Constantine Township Library

Internet Acceptable Use Policy Guidelines

Internet Acceptable Use Policy Guidelines

Constantine Township Library

The Constantine Township Library provides internet access so that residents can use the educational, informational, and cultural resources of the worldwide web.  Access is a privilege, not a right, and requires users to be civil, courteous, and abide by Federal, State and Local laws.  To that end the following Internet Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines along with Library Policy and Conduct Rules have been adopted by the Constantine Township Library Board.

Internet Offerings & Limitations

Sign-in:  Public workstations are provided on a first come first serve basis. Sign-in is required before using a public computer workstation or internet access for statistical purposes and to facilitate availability for waiting patrons.  Users are granted a 30 minute session with one additional 30 minute session, provided no one is on the waiting list. Exceptions may be made with prior arrangements for special projects which require more time at the discretion of the Director (or their designee). 

Minors (defined under 18 years of age):  Minors must have an Internet Parental Permission Form (Attachment 10) signed by a parent or legal guardian on file and children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during their sessions. This form is to be updated by the parent or legal guardian before the Library will allow unaccompanied internet use.  The Library maintains that parents or legal guardians of minors have the right and must assume responsibility for materials accessed by minor children including those items accessed from the internet.  Be sure this policy is reviewed by parent and child and is understood.

Internet Filtering:  Internet access at the Constantine Township Library is restricted through the use of filtering software.  The Children Internet Protection Act (CIPA Public Law 106-554) and Michigan Public Act 212 of 2000 (MCL 397.606) require that all internet accessible computers at the Library be restricted from viewing materials that are obscene or harmful to minors.

The Internet is a rich source of information with a wide variety of options, some of which may not be appropriate for children.  Filtering software does not guarantee a safe environment for children.  The Library maintains that it cannot substitute its judgment for that of parents. The Library maintains that parents or legal guardians of minors have the right and must assume the responsibility for monitoring materials accessed by minor children.

If internet user believes that a particular site is inappropriately blocked, they may request Library staff to unblock the site.  Staff will, within a reasonable time examine the site in question and make the determination according to the standards set forth by the CIPA and MCL 397.606.

Responsible Use: 

Privacy:  When using a Library computer, privacy cannot be guaranteed.  Users are cautioned that the Library’s internet accessible computers are located in public areas, which must be shared by Library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities.  Users are asked to consider this and to respect the sensibilities of others when accessing potentially offensive information and images.

Due to the open nature of the internet, all transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use, and therefore, should be considered public.  Users are advised not to disclose personal information, such as Social Security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, passwords or other personal information over the internet and to log off properly.

Under the USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56), federal authorities may obtain Library records.  This federal law further prohibits Library staff from informing you if federal agents have obtained records about you.

Printing:  Black and white or color printing is available for per sheet *fee.  Please use the “print preview” feature on the web browser prior to printing as patrons are responsible for payment of all items printed.   The Library is not responsible for the loss of data that may occur when printing.

Backup:  Information may not be saved to the computers hard drive.  Portable storage devices such as floppy diskettes and flash drives may be used for uploading, downloading, and storage of data.  Formatted diskettes are available for a *fee at the front desk.  The Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to patron data, files, or hardware.

Copyright:  U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by principles of fair use.  Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.  Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the users. The Constantine Township Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Unacceptable Uses of Library Computers and the Internet:  The following are unacceptable uses and constitute violations of this Policy:

Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors.  Computer use by minors that may compromise their safety and security when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications such as providing personal identification information about the minor or others.  This includes, but is not limited to, giving out passwords, home addresses and telephone numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, drivers license numbers, or other personal information, and arranging face to face meetings with a person(s) the minor has “met” only through the Internet without a parent’s or guardian’s permission.

Users may not view, transmit, download, receive or display text or graphics that are legally defined by state and federal laws as obscene, child pornography, or sexually explicit material harmful to minors.  Nor may they leave such materials on an unattended computer screen.

Users may not utilize the internet for hacking or place any material on the internet related to any illegal activity.  Users shall not gain unauthorized access to another person’s files, nor send harassing messages that could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others.  Users shall not attempt to damage or interfere with the Library computer system, software, security or operations nor those of any person or entity by malicious destruction or virus.  Actions that violate local, state or federal law will be prosecuted.  

Violations and Enforcement: Any person who violates this Internet Acceptable Use Policy & Guidelines may be denied Internet privileges by the Director (or their designee) upon notice to the person.  Violators will be informed via Notice of User Conduct Policy Violation (attachment 11) when privileges have been revoked.  In the case of minors, parents will also receive a copy via mail.  While the denial period is intended to be progressive, the Director may deny Internet privileges for a period of up to 1 year for any violation.

1st Violation: Verbal Warning or up to one day suspension from the computers and/or Library privileges.  A written report is required by staff.

2nd Violation: Up to 30 days suspension from the computer and/or Library privileges.  A written report is required by staff.

3rd Violation: Up to 60 days suspension from the computer and/or Library privileges.  A written report is required by staff.

4th Violation Up to 90 days suspension from the computer and/or Library privileges.  A written report is required by staff.

Before denying Internet privileges to any person the Director (or their designee) shall:

(1) Inform the person of the reason he or she is being denied Internet privileges including address of objectionable site or behavior if applicable and give that person a reasonable opportunity to state their response to the proposed denial. 

(2) Direct the patron to leave the internet site, leave the computer workstation or leave the Library immediately.

(3) Complete a Notice of Conduct Policy Violation (attachment 11) with copies to patron, Director and parent or legal guardian if violator is a minor.

(4) Inform the patron of their right to appeal the denial of Internet privileges to the Library Director.

Any person denied computer use privileges may appeal the denial to the Library Board of Trustees at their next scheduled meeting.  An appeal to the Library Board shall not stay the Director’s denial.  The Library Board of Trustees shall provide the person with an opportunity to be heard before deciding the appeal and may affirm, modify, or reverse the Director’s denial.  A violation of this policy also constitutes a violation of the Library User Conduct Policy and may result in enforcement action as provided in that Policy as well.

Disclaimer:   Access is a privilege, not a right and requires users to be civil, courteous, and abide by Federal, State and Local laws. This Internet Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines along with Library Policy and Conduct Rulesalso apply.  We reserve the right to end a patron’s session at any time.  The Library does not guarantee that its computer systems will meet the specific needs of any user, or be error-free and without interruption.  The Library does not guarantee all or any workstations will be available at any given time due to maintenance or staff needs. The Library does not accept responsibility for (a) loss or damage to downloaded data, files, or hardware, (b) accuracy of information, (c) content, (d) objectionable material found on the internet, (e) security of personal information.  The Library will not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages including loss of profits sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the systems.

*Fee & Charge Schedule:  Fees and charges are subject to review and change without notice.

Approved 6/1/98                   

Revised 12/05/2005 

Revised: 10/06/2009