Internet Acceptable Use Policy

 Role of the Internet

 The Schiller Park Public Library offers access to the Internet in keeping with its mission to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of the community.  The Internet is a global electronic network that provides dynamic resources and facilitates communication.  The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national and international sources of information.  Through use of the Internet, library patrons will be able to find information not readily available elsewhere and will also be able to participate in the world-wide electronic community.  The Schiller Park Public Library endorses the ideal of providing information resources regardless of technology, format or method of delivery to all patrons equally and equitably.

  The use of the Library's Internet connection is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.  The Internet policies do not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users.  However, some specific examples are provided.  The failure of any user to follow these procedures may result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.  The signature (s) are required every Internet session and are legally binding and indicates the party who signed it has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.

 Accuracy of Information

 Information available on the Internet are from worldwide sources.  Therefore, the Schiller Park Public Library does not and can not control the content obtained from outside sources via the Internet.  Library users must keep the following points in mind when evaluating information obtained via the Internet:

1.  The information may not be current.

2. The information may not be accurate and /or from a reliable source.

3. Sites may sometimes be unavailable.  This unavailability is unpredictable and the Library has no control over it.

4. Certain information may be considered controversial by some users.

  The Schiller Park Public Library encourages Internet users to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.  Although Library staff may be able to assist patrons in locating certain Internet sources, the staff is unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources, due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet.  Patrons use the Internet at their own discretion and are responsible for the access points reached.

Staff Assistance

 Library staff are not equipped to provide individual computer or software instruction.  Staff assistance is limited to basic start-up procedures.  Printed and on-line documentation and instructions are available near points of services.  Numerous books and additional types of materials for Internet use are available.  It is the responsibility of the user, not the Library, to confirm she/he has adequate training for proper use of the equipment, as she/he will be held financially accountable for any damage to the Library's equipment or software. 

 Acceptable Use

 The Schiller Park Public Library requires that library patrons using the Internet, do so within the guidelines of acceptable behavior. Usage of the Internet is restricted to activities of information gathering only.  All behavior must be in compliance with the policies, rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees and the "Library's Rules of Conduct" which are posted in the Library.  The user is accountable for his/her actions and activities while on-line.  The Library has a registered domain name.  Use of our Internet workstations can be traced.

  Some examples of activities that are unacceptable

1. Using the network for any illegal activities including violation of copyright or other   contracts or transmitting material in violation of any United States or State regulation.

2. Using personal software.

3. Use of the Internet for any purpose which results in the harassment of other users.

4. Destruction of, damage to or unauthorized alteration of the Library's computer equipment, software or network security procedures.

5. Changing any of the Library's software configurations or saving anything on the Library's hard drive.

6. Unauthorized use an account owned by another user.

7. Publishing, or otherwise disseminating another person's identity, personal information,  account or password.

8. Gaining unauthorized access to resources, entities, or data.

9. Interfering with the work of others or causing congestion on the networks.

10. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

11. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing or displaying of defamatory, inaccurate,    abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive,  harassing or illegal material.

12. Adding personal hardware or equipment to library hardware (i.e. sound equipment)

 Registration

 Internet access is open to all:

1. Patrons with a current, valid Public Library card and/or identification card/driver's   license.

2. Only the person whose name appears on the front of the library card or government-issued identification card/driver's license may use the computer.

3. Every user must read the 'Agreement for Internet Use' and complete with a signature  on the sign in sheet prior to using the Internet.  These sheets will be kept on file.

4. Minors must have a parent or guardian's signature on the Internet User's Agreement and Parent's Permission Form prior to using the Internet the first time.  

5. The library card or  government-issued identification card/driver's license must be presented each time the Internet is used at the Library.  The Library  will hold the card during the Internet session.

 Reserving/Scheduling Internet Use

 Reserving and scheduling time on the Internet may be done in the following ways:

1. Use is available on a first come, first serve basis.

2. Time on the Internet terminal may be reserved in one hour units.  The terminals will be   closed fifteen (15) minutes and the last sign in thirty (30) minutes prior to the library  closing  every day.

3. Reservations are accepted in person only when all terminals are currently in use. Limited to the number of Internet terminals.

4. Use may extend past the reserved time, if there is no one waiting.  If a walk in patron   wishes to use the Internet terminal, the computer must be surrendered on ten (10) minutes notice.

5. Reservations will be held for ten (10) minutes after starting time.  After ten (10)  minutes, the reserved time will be forfeited entirely and given to anyone who is waiting.

6. If the Internet is not available for any reason during a reserved time, a reservation cannot be extended as to conflict with another person's reserved time.

7. Users must stay at the Internet terminal while the computer is running.  Vacated terminals will be given to anyone who is waiting.

 Use of Equipment

1. A maximum of two patrons at a time may use an Internet terminal. No groups may   gather around the terminals.

2. Files must be saved or downloaded onto a  disk only, provided by the patron.

3. Information may be downloaded to a disk drive only.  Information will not be retrievable from the hard drive.

4. WARNING:  Although there is a virus scanner on our Internet terminal, this will not    offer complete protection from the chance of downloading a virus.  Data downloaded    from the Internet may contain a virus.

5.  When a session is completed, please click on the "X" (close) in the upper right corner of the page.

 Fees

1. There is no fee for Internet access.

2.  Information may be printed from the Internet terminals for $.10 per page for black ink  The charge to receive the paper is payable at the Circulation Desk.

3. A User is financially responsible for any damage she/he inflicts on Library hardware   and /or software.

 Security

 Library users have both the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy.  However, the Internet terminals are located in public areas and privacy cannot be guaranteed. Internet users should be advised, however, that because complete security is difficult to achieve, electronic transactions (including those involving a credit card) and files could become public.

 Always keep your account and password confidential.  If a user identifies a security problem while using the Internet, she/he must notify Library staff immediately.

 No Warranties

  The Schiller Park Public Library makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing.  The Library will not be responsible for any damages a patron may suffer.  This includes deliveries, missed deliveries or service interruptions caused by its negligence or your errors or omissions. The library's address may never be used by Internet Users for delivery of services. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the patron's own risk.  The Library specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

 Indemnification

 The user agrees to indemnify the Library for any losses, costs, or damages including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the Library relating, or arising out of any breach of the "Agreement for Internet Access".

Revoking of Privileges

 Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.  The Library Director and her/his designee will make all decisions regarding whether or not a patron has committed a violation, and may deny, revoke or suspend access at anytime.  The library's decision will comply with the "Library's Rules of Conduct" and will reflect the seriousness of the offense.  Violations will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner.  Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Intellectual Freedom

 The Library recognizes the inherent right of individuals to determine what is most appropriate for their needs.

 As with other Library materials, restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.  The Library encourages patrons to discuss with your child the appropriate and inappropriate types of information.  The parent/legal guardian is the one responsible for monitoring her/his child's use of the Internet - not the Library staff.

 The Internet terminals have filtering software installed.  However, because of the instability and inconsistency of the Internet  environment no filter can be 100% effective.

  An Adult user may request that an Internet session be unblocked by the filtering software for bona fide research or other lawful purpose only.

Schiller Park Public Library Internet User's Agreement 

(to be completed at the Library only)

1. I have read the Schiller Park Public Library's Acceptable Use Policy, and I understand that I may use the Internet at the Library to access information. 

2. I have read the Schiller Park Public Library's Acceptable Use Policy and I agree to comply with them.  I understand that Internet use is a privilege, not a right.  Privileges may be revoked for violations of the Internet policies and rules.

3. I understand that I need to have an Illinois Public Library card government-issued driver's license or identification card in good standing in order to use the Internet  workstations, and I need to register for every time slot and provide my library card each time I use an Internet terminal.

4. I understand that the Library is providing public Internet access as part of their spectrum of information services, and I agree to use it for educational and informational gathering purposes and with discrimination.

5. I understand that the Library cannot be responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that might be obtained over the Internet.  For many informational searches, print sources may still be the best. 

6. I understand that some information and /or sites on the Internet may be considered controversial or  offensive.

7. I understand that I am responsible for any applicable fees that may apply, including fees for damages.

User Signature  (If under the age of 18, a parent/legal guardian must also read and sign this agreement)

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature______________________________

Date:______________________

User Registration Information:

Print Name:__________________________________

Street Address:______________________________

City, Zip Code:______________________________

Library and Library Card #:__________________

Telephone #:_________________________________

Staff Signature: ____________________________      

 Schiller Park Public Library Internet User's Agreement

(to be completed at the Library only)

Parental Permission Form (Grade 6 through age 18)

  As the parent or legal guardian of _________________________________, who is a sixth grader or above, I have read the 'Internet User's Agreement' and 'Acceptable Use Policy'.  I recognize it is impossible for the Schiller Park Public Library to restrict access to controversial materials, and I will not hold the Library responsible for materials viewed or acquired on the Internet by my child.  Further, I accept the responsibility for supervising my child's use of the Internet.  I hereby give permission for my child to use the Internet and I certify the information contained on his/her form is correct.

 Print Parent or Legal Guardian Name  ____________________________________

 Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian Name _______________________________

 Date: ___________________________

Staff Signature: _______________________________