Internet Policy

CITY OF LEWISVILLE
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SECTION: CITY FACILITIES
TOPIC: LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET POLICY
REFERENCE: 4.1.20

PURPOSE

A. The Lewisville Public Library offers access to the Internet and the World Wide Web as part of the Library's reference service. The Library is not a full services Internet provider. Services which will not be available include newsgroups, chat, Telnet, FTP (file transfer protocol), and personal electronic mail accounts.

B. The Internet provides access to a wealth of information that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching, well beyond the means of the local collection. As an unregulated medium, it also permits patrons to access some material that may be controversial, erroneous, or illegal. The provision of this services by the Lewisville Library does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of such information. Parents are encouraged to work closely with their children in selecting material that is consistent with personal and family values. Parents of minor children are responsible for supervising their children's use of the Library's Internet resources.

C. While the Lewisville Library utilizes commercial filtering software, it is not possible for the Library to control or monitor its content on a regular basis. Filter software does not guarantee that patrons are protected from accessing information they personally deem undesirable or disturbing. However, as with any print, visual, or auditory communication or document, it is the patron that is ultimately responsible for making a choice as to whether a sources is appropriate or suitable for his or her purpose. D. The Library takes precautions to protect its system and equipment from viruses. However, patrons should be aware of the potential for the transmission of viruses. When available, downloading from these machines or the Internet is done at your own risk. The City of Lewisville is not liable for any computer viruses that may be transmitted to patron's computers.

POLICY

A. Legal, Ethical, and Responsible Use:

1. Library equipment may only be used for lawful purposes by patrons and staff. By using Lewisville Library equipment, patrons accept the agreement to abide by the following list of acceptable behaviors:

a. Users of electronic resources will respect the needs and sensibilities of other patrons to conduct research in calm surroundings without interference from others.

b. Users of electronic resources will not bring food or beverages into the Library. These items can result in severe damage to equipment if spilled or dropped.

c. Users are obligated to abide by state and federal laws regarding the transmission of obscene, threatening, or harassing materials and messages, and, are obligated to observe the legal protections provided by copyright and license law, and computer abuse law.

d. Users will assume full responsibility for the payment of fees for access to any fee-based service.

e. Users will not cause damage to equipment, software, or databases through abusive or destructive behavior.

f. Children accompanying Users are to be supervised and monitored to prevent them from playing with the equipment or otherwise causing damage.

g. Parents, not Library staff, are responsible for monitoring their children's use of the Internet.

2. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Harassment or stalking of others.

b. Libeling or slandering of others.

c. Violation or attempted violation of computer system security.

d. Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others.

e. Engaging in activity that wastes technology resources such as bandwidth, file space, and printers.

f. Violation of software license agreements.

g. Violation of all federal and state laws regarding the display of explicit sexual materials.

PROCEDURES

A. User Guidelines:

1. Internet stations located in the Children's and Teen sections of the Library are filtered. Internet stations located in the Adult section allow both a filtered or non-filtered search.

2. Patrons age 18 and older may use internet stations designated for adult use. Patrons must provide proof of age with an official state identification card prior to accessing Internet stations designated for adult use.

3. Designated Internet stations are located where they can be monitored by staff for assistance and security. Use of the stations is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a 30-minute time limit per session.

4. Individual assistance on using the Internet connection is available upon request at the Reference Desk. Staff is available to answer brief questions and offer some suggestions on where to search for information. However, Library staff is not available to provide in-depth training in the use of the Internet.

B. Monitoring and Sanctions:

1. Use of the Library's equipment is monitored by Library staff. Library staff reserves the right to interrupt activity or block access to sites that interfere with the performance of the computer system, conflict with authorized use of resources and equipment, or violate local, state, or federal law.

2. Failure to use the Library's equipment appropriately and responsively may result in revocation of Library use privileges.

3. Internet filter overrides by Library staff are not allowed.