Computer / Internet Use Policy

Policy was developed and passed by the Land O' Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees on January 18, 2006.

Computer use

  1. Computers are setup for 45 minute sessions.  Computers may be used longer if no one is waiting.
  2. Patrons may not copy Computer Software covered under copyright laws.
  3. Printing is available.  Price list is located by both copiers.
  4. The library reserves the right to temporarily revoke computer privileges for infractions of our rules.

Internet Use Policy

  1. The Land O' Lakes Public Library is providing access to the Internet as a means to enhance the information and learning opportunities for the citizens of the library’s services area.  The Board of Trustees has established this Internet Use Policy to insure appropriate and effective use of this resource.
  2. 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 of minor children must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the library’s Internet service; prior to being granted access to the Internet, anyone under 18 years of age, along with a parent or guardian, must sign the Internet Use Agreement (Appendix D).  All users must sign-in using a software program prior to the beginning their session

Expectations

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.  Unacceptable uses of the services will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use privileges.

Warnings

  1. The Internet is a decentralized, unsupervised global network; the Land O' Lakes Public Library has no control over the content found there.  Because the computers are all in public view, we will not allow users to view pornographic material or any other websites deemed inappropriate by the staff.  These sites are NOT acceptable and you will be asked to refrain from these sites while at this library.  The library is not responsible for the availability or accuracy of information found on the Internet.
  2. The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free.  The library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer from the use of the library’s Internet service.
  3. The use of the Internet and e-mail is not guaranteed to be private.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.
  4. Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural and recreational needs.
  5. Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (e-mail) as long as they use a free e-mail service that will establish and maintain an account for them; the library is usable to manage e-mail accounts for any organization or individuals.
  6. Internet use is offered in forty-five (45) minute sessions per day, on a first-come, first served basis.  If there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user is allowed extra time.
  7. Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use it for illegal purposes.
  8. Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files.
  9. Users agree not to incur any costs for the library through their use on Internet service.
  10. Users shall not create and/or distribute computer viruses over the Internet.
  11. Users shall not deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs or parameters.

Guidelines

  1. Users may use the Internet for research and the acquisition of information to address their educational, vocational, cultural and recreational needs.
  2. Users may use the Internet for the receipt and transmission of electronic mail (e-mail) as long as they use a free e-mail service that will establish and maintain an account for them; the library is usable to manage e-mail accounts for any organization or individuals.
  3. Internet use is offered in forty-five (45) minute sessions per day, on a first-come, first served basis.  If there is no patron waiting for the service at the end of a session, the user is allowed extra time.
  4. Users will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws and regulations; they will not use it for illegal purposes.
  5. Users will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files.
  6. Users agree not to incur any costs for the library through their use on Internet service.
  7. Users shall not create and/or distribute computer viruses over the Internet.