INTERNET POLICY
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Clinton Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community. It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet.
The Clinton Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population and Library patrons use it at their own risk.
All Internet resources accessible through the Library are provided equally to all library users. Patrons under 14 must be authorized in writing by parent or guardian. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents—and only parents—may restrict their children—and only their children—from access to Internet resources accessible through the Library. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
There will be no supervision of materials accessed on the Internet by Library Staff.
To be more specific:
*** The Clinton Public Library does not censor your access to materials or protect you from information you fined offensive. There is sexually explicit material as well as other information resources, which you may personally find controversial or inappropriate.
*** Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. You need to be a good information consumer, questioning the validity of the information you find.
For our Library staff, traveling the Internet is a new experience. Users shall assume full responsibility of learning to use equipment and resources. In all cases we will be glad to assist you in accessing the Internet and, as our experience grows, attempt to assist you. Regular library duties will take precedence over assisting with Internet Access.
Library staff cannot provide in-depth training concerning Internet computer jargon or personal computer use. We may, however, be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions.
Have fun exploring the Internet but please remember that many times you will find the specific information you need right here—in our books and periodicals.
Board Rev. 12/9/98, 2/03, 10/03, 4/04
Reviewed 9/02, 2/03, 10/03, 4/04
You will need a current valid library card. First time users will receive Internet Access information and Library Policy.
Employment Search does not require library card, however, patrons must register with staff for use. Reservations are not taken.
Patrons are required to sign in at the Desk before using the computer. Staff will help contact to the Internet if you are using the computer for the first time. No detailed instruction should be expected. Persons wishing to learn more must use available manuals and tutorials or attend an introductory course.
Patrons may use the computer 1 session per day up to 60 minutes per day. Sign in at the desk. Reservations to use the computers may be made in person or by phone one day in advance. Computers will be held for 10 minutes past reserved time and then be considered "open".
Guest privileges: Non-resident guests may use internet services up to 5 times before a subscription is required. Identification must be presented.
Children under 14 must use the internet with an adult or have an approval form on file. Gates computers may be logged on for "children's profile" and do not connect to the internet in this setting.
Arrangements may be made for research projects (such as genealogy, college or financial aid applications, resume writing , and job applications) requiring longer use of the internet and other applications. Patrons may be asked to surrender the workstation should demand warrant. The computers will be available during library hours , subject to periodic maintenance, staff and group use. PC use must be completed 30 minutes before closing.
Computer use should generally be limited to 2 persons per computer. The staff reserves the right to terminate a person's use of the computer if problems (such as excessive noise, abuse of equipment, inappropriate behavior, or hardware and software malfunctions) occur.
You may not use your own software programs on the computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers. Patrons may supply their own floppy disks. The library will sell them. Zip drive is available; you must supply your own disk. A charge for printing will be assessed. Only library supplies may be used.
You may not always be able to go to the places on the Internet you want to visit. There are many reasons, among them:
there are too many Internet visitors and the host computer has closed or limited access from the “outside world”;
the database or resource is licensed to a particular institution, in which case you would need to be affiliated with the institution in order to get access;
the host computer has changed its address or has closed down;
the Library’s Internet connection may be periodically and temporarily inoperable due to technical difficulties.
Users may not:
Use any library workstation for illegal or criminal purposes, including:
Violation of Iowa State law, which makes it illegal to download or purvey child pornography, purvey pornography to children or to commit fraudulent, acts using the Internet.
Violation of U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of . copyrighted materials.
Remembering the library is a public place internet users are asked not to send, receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene.
Use the Libraries workstations to gain unauthorized access to the library's or another organization's networks or computer systems.
Misuse of computer or Internet access will result in the loss of your computer privileges. The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the Library staff. Users are responsible for damage to equipment or to library materials and will be billed for full repair or replacement cost. Misuse of computers includes but is not limited to:
violation of computer system security
violation of software license agreement
violation of network usage policy
violation of another user’s privacy