INTERNET POLICY AND GUIDELINES

The Flat River Community Library has no control over the content found on the Internet or information contained in any materials made available by the library, and therefore, cannot be held responsible for its currency or accuracy. Neither the Flat River Community Library nor its officers, directors or employees shall be liable for any damages (direct or consequential), including lost profits, for any information obtained or provided in the library. The validity of information gleaned from Internet sources must be questioned in the same manner as information obtained from print materials.

The library staff does not closely supervise Internet access. The Internet contains controversial material, and the library cannot protect the public from it. Parents and guardians of minors must assume responsibility for their use and are encouraged to monitor their use, to help them understand the risks involved in using e-mail and chat rooms, and to emphasize the importance of not disclosing personal information to strangers.

TERMS OF USE

In order to use the Internet, patrons must first read the Internet Policy at the reference desk. All work stations are filtered. Any adult, 18 years or older, may request that the filter be turned off. Filters will not be turned off for patrons under the age of 18. However, Michigan State law prohibits the use of any site that may have material deemed harmful to minors, even by adult users, if the site of the computer may be overlooked by minors which is the situation of all Flat River Community Library computers. Anyone found to be violating this law will have their session stopped and be asked to leave the computers. Repeated violations will result in the loss of Internet privileges. Please be aware that filters are not foolproof and only reduces the possibility of access to offensive material.

A library card is required to use the library internet computers. Out of town guests may obtain a temporary computer use card from the reference desk staff by presenting picture ID.

If you have $10.00 or more in fines or overdue materials on your card, you will not be allowed to use the library internet computers until the amount owed is cleared.

Using another person’s card to access the internet will result in a 6 week ban. Having the permission of that cardholder does not allow you more time on the computer. Patrons are allowed one hour per day maximum.

Patrons must be considerate of each other. Profane, obscene or injurious language, text or graphics that are purposely directed at another person or purposely displayed for view will not be tolerated. The session will be ended immediately.

Use of the Internet is limited to one person per computer, with the exception of a parent supervising his or her own child.

Commercial use is not allowed.

E-mail accounts are available only on the Internet sites that offer them. Staff are not able to set up e-mail accounts for patrons.

The cost of printing from the Internet is 25 cents per page. Patrons are responsible for paying for each page printed. Instructions are located near the Internet computers. Copies may be retrieved from the circulation desk. Before pressing “print”, ask for help if you are unsure of what you might have to pay for and do not press “print” more than one time unless you wish to pay for multiple copies.

Patrons who do not abide by the rules as stated are subject to loss of Internet privileges.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies, distribution of electronic material, and other reproductions of copyrighted material. The library disclaims any responsibility for copyright infringement on the part of the user.

Adopted 11-13-02
Amended 1-4-04
Amended 9/12/06