Internet Safety Policy
Library's Internet use plan, rules, and procedures.
Mission
To provide the community of Gustavus-Glacier Bay with a broad choice in library materials and information using both traditional media and new technology to enable full access to information for all citizens regardless of age, education, ethnicity, economic status, or geographical disadvantage.
Technology Vision
We envision becoming the educational and informational hub of the Icy Strait region. By using current technology and continuing to form local partnerships we can establish our position as a regional information center. This exchange will not only give our patrons access to information but will provide the world community valuable knowledge and expertise from our area. The library will continue to provide a variety of library programs, training sessions, and Internet access so that all patrons can take full advantage of these many educational opportunities.
Materials and Internet Use Policy
[Approved by Gustavus Public Library Board, April 24, 2000.]
The Gustavus Public Library offers free access to their collections and to the world- wide web for all community residents without regard to race, citizenship, age, educational level, economic status, or any other qualification or condition. The choice of library materials, including use of technology, is an individual matter. Responsibility for restriction of access for children rests with their guardians and not with the library. While the library recognizes the power of visual images as compared to print, it also supports intellectual freedom in relation to all print and non-print media.
Illegal or abusive use of library materials may result in having library privileges revoked.
Internet Access
The Internet, a worldwide network of computer networks is an essential medium for obtaining and transmitting information of all types. Therefore, public access to the Internet is germane to the Library's mission.
However, the Internet is an unregulated medium. It also provides access to information that is inaccurate, illegal or that some may find offensive or disturbing. The Library will identify on its web site specific Internet sites that have potential interest for Library users. But the Library cannot control a user's access to other Internet resources.
Responsibilities of Library Staff and Users
Library staff will not monitor a user's Internet use, except for length of use in order to ensure equal opportunity of access for everyone. The user, or the parent of a minor, is responsible for his or her Internet session at all times.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the Library's policies.
As with all Library resources, the Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians, NOT Library staff, to determine and monitor their minor children's use of the Internet. (Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 17 years.) Parents are responsible for their minor children's use of the Library's resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library's Internet access are requested to monitor their children's Internet use.
Disclaimers
While the Library endeavors to provide access to information of the highest quality, the Library specifically disclaims any warrant as to the information's accuracy, timeliness, authoritativeness, usefulness or fitness for a particular purpose.
The Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of information accessed through the Library's Internet service.
Since software and information downloaded from any sources, including the Internet, may contain computer viruses, users are advised to utilize virus checking software on their home computers. The Library is not responsible for damage to users' disks or computers or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of the Library's computers.
Unacceptable Uses of Computers
Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:
- Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Transmitting of offensive or harassing messages; offering for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by law; viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; downloading or transmitting confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, users should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.
- Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. Engaging in defamation (harming another's reputation by lies); uploading a worm, virus, "Trojan horse," "time bomb" or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participating in "hacking" activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.
- Uses that jeopardize the security of access of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. Disclosing or sharing the user's password with others; impersonating another user; using one's own software programs on the library's computers; altering the Library's computer settings; damaging or modifying computer equipment or software.
- Uses that compromise the safety and security of minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications: Minors under age 17: Giving others private information about one's self or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers; arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone one has "met" on the computer network or Internet without a parent's permission.
- Uses that Violate Confidentiality of Information: The Alaska Statute Sec. 09.25.140 Confidentiality of Library Records prohibits unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal information regarding Library users, including minors. Personally identifiable information about users may not be disclosed or used in any way, except to law enforcement authorities as provided in the law. Users should be aware, however, that due to the technical difficulties involved in providing absolute security, transactions and files might become public.
Procedures
The Library board and staff will develop such rules and procedures as are necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of Internet access.
Response to Violations
The user's access to the Library's computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. A user violates this policy by his or her own action or by failing to report any violations by other users that come to the attention of the user. Further, a user violates this policy if he or she permits another to use his or her account or password to access the computer network and Internet. Failure to comply with this policy and its procedures will result in the forfeiture of the user's right to access these computers.
[Approved by Gustavus Public Library Board, March 26, 2002}
