EVANSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
INTERNET USE POLICY
The Evansdale Public Library is providing access to the Internet as a means of enhancing the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library's service area. The Board of Trustees has established the Internet use policy to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource.
Access to the Internet is available to all patrons; however, this service may be restricted at any time for use not consistent with the guidelines. Parents or guardians of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the library's Internet service. All users must sign-in prior to beginning their session.
Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. Users are expected to abide by the policies below, which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The internet computers may only be used for legal purposes. Unacceptable uses of the service will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.
Users of the Internet should be aware of the following:
- Evansdale Public Library holds the position that only parents and legal guardians have the right – and the responsibility – to monitor and control their own minor children’s access to the internet and to information obtained from the internet.
- Evansdale Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the internet. Patrons entering personal information (credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.) do so at their own risk.
- Evansdale Public Library cannot guarantee the accuracy and/or authenticity of information discovered through this resource. Patrons who find information or subject matter that is erroneous, out-of-date, illegal, offensive, and/or controversial should contact the original producer or distributor of that work directly.
- Evansdale Public Library does not filter internet content. Library patrons will be responsible for what they are viewing. Patrons should be mindful that some content viewed on personal or library devices may be considered obscene or disturbing to other patrons and/or library staff. Patrons may be required to relocate to a different location.
- Evansdale Public Library complies with the United States Copyright Law, and all other federal, state and local laws relating to the use of the internet and other electronic media. Illegal activities, such as copyright infringement, theft, fraud, etc., are prohibited. Patrons that are found viewing content that is a violation of local, state, or federal laws will have their library privileges suspended and local authorities will be contacted.
Rules and Guidelines for Public Access Computer and Laptop Use:
- Public access computers and laptops are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Print copies can be made from the computers in black and white or color. Patrons shall pay for all copies sent to the printer.
- Evansdale Public Library utilizes software that clears all usernames, passwords, search histories, caches, cookies, saved documents, etc. at the end of each day of use. Patrons wishing to use the software immediately will be instructed to restart the computer. Patrons wishing to save their work should use portable media or upload to an online server. Evansdale Public Library is not responsible for work or information lost due to computer, network, or user error.
- Evansdale Public Library staff are able to assist patrons with public access computers and laptops as time and expertise allows. Patrons needing more in-depth assistance may request a Tech Expert appointment, subject to availability. Library staff will not be held liable for handling non-library equipment.
- Public access computers and laptops do not have antivirus or antimalware capabilities. Patrons using portable media (such as USB drives) on library computers do so at their own risk.
- Misuse of the computers such as physical abuse of hardware, accessing non-designated products and services, software tampering, etc. is not allowed. Loss of computer privileges and/or charges for damage inflicted on software or equipment are at the discretion of the library. If the patron is a minor, the parents or guardians will be held responsible.
Adopted October 2000
- Amended June 2002
- Amended September 2005
- Approved August 2006
- Approved November 2009
- Approved July 2010
- Approved April 2015
- Amended May 2017
- Approved February 2019
- Amended September 2019
- Amended April 2024