|
|
|
|
Printer friendly version |
Library Mission:
The Everett Public Library connects the community and all its members to
resources and services that inform, educate, and entertain. We provide open
access to lifelong learning. We embrace the future while preserving the past.
Policy:
The Internet is a unique information system – unregulated and unmanaged –
containing the best and worst of our civilization. As with other information
systems and sources, the library will attempt to assist citizens in becoming
intelligent users, and make intelligent choices.
Library Computers
The Library will utilize software and hardware designed to filter out Internet
content that is inappropriate for children and allow parents to choose from the
following choices for their children age 17 and under. (Choices will be coded in
the patron’s record, and will require the use of an Everett Public Library card
for Internet access. If parents do not indicate a choice, the default will be
filtered access.)
* Use only computers with filtered access to the Internet
* Use all computers including those with unfiltered access
* No Access to Internet computers
Adult patrons may choose from these same Internet access options, and an Everett
Public Library card is required to schedule time on an Internet computer. All
persons must use their own card; loaning a card to another person or using
another person’s card is prohibited.
Patrons may not save files to the hard drive. Although the library does not
provide electronic mail accounts, users may wish to check the free E-mail
services available nationally, such as Yahoo!Mail and Hotmail.
Patron Owned Computers
Patron owned portable computers are allowed in the library and wireless access
to the Internet may be available in some locations subject to available
bandwidth. All wireless connections pass through a single access port so
settings and restrictions apply to all users and are not adjustable on a per
user basis. To assure sufficient bandwidth for critical library processes we
will be restricting some high bandwidth categories.
Responsibilities of Users
1. Users should always be good citizens of the electronic community of the
Internet, abiding by the rules and procedures of the library as well as those of
remote systems accessed.
2. Copyright and licensing agreements should be respected.
3. Parents are responsible for the actions of their minor children. The library
cannot supervise children.
Unacceptable uses of Everett Public Library computer resources and services
include:
1. Use for any purpose that violates federal, state, or local laws, or library
policy
2. Interfering with or disrupting other computer users, services, or equipment.
3. Attempting to gain unauthorized entry to other computing, information, or
communications devices or resources.
4. Malicious, threatening, harassing or offensive behavior. Offensive behavior
may include public displays of sexually explicit materials on a computer screen
or in hard copy.
Disclaimer:
The Internet allows users to connect to networks of resources outside the
library. The Everett Public Library has neither control over these resources nor
does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. The Library
does not select or edit Internet content. Information on the Internet may be
reliable and current or it may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable at
times. Library patrons use the Internet at their own discretion. The Internet
contains some material that may be inappropriate for viewing or reading by
children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children's use of
the Internet; the Library staff is not in a position to provide this monitoring
and supervision. The Library's staff shall develop such rules and procedures as
are necessary to insure the fair and reasonable use of Internet resources.
The Library's staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but
cannot offer personal instruction. Formal instruction or information on Internet
may be offered by the Library at designated times. Information and resources on
the Internet enhance those already held in the library and often go beyond what
is locally available. However the library neither monitors nor controls access
to, or use of the Internet. Current books, periodicals, and videos about the
Internet are available in the Library's collection.
Exceptions:
The Library Director is authorized to make operational exceptions to this policy
that are deemed to be in the best interests of the Library.
|
|
