Computer Use Policy

Access

Staff and patrons who use networks or facilities not owned by the Library will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of those networks and facilities. (Those policies and procedures can usually be obtained from the network information center of the network in question.)

Use of Library computer resources must follow the guidelines of all of the networks traversed. Staff may use Library computer resources only for purposes related to their duties as employees, their official business with the Library, and other Library-sanctioned activities.

Free wireless access is available for all Library visitors with their own personal laptops and mobile devices. Use is governed by the Library’s Internet & Computer Use policy. Use of the Library’s wireless network is entirely at the risk of the user.

Confidentiality

In keeping with the Library’s general policies, information stored on computers is treated as confidential. The Library does not disclose information about an individual’s use of computer resources unless compelled to do so by local, state, or federal law, or approved by the Director or their designee. Viewing information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.

Information stored by a user on the Library’s public computers will be removed by operating system procedures and software tools at the conclusion of each user session. However, no guarantees can be made in this regard and patrons should exercise caution when exposing any private information.

Responsibilities of Users

Computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users should never be shared with others. Passwords should be changed frequently and users should take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor.

Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The Library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's data or devices or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user's privacy.

Legal Use

Computer resources are for legal purposes only. Examples of illegal use include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Harassment, libeling or slandering other users;
• violating copyright restrictions;
• conducting illicit transactions;
• using Library computer resources to break into other computer systems;
• attempting to alter or damage computer equipment, software configurations, or files belonging to the Library, other users, or external networks;
• disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications;
• unauthorized purchasing in the name of the library.

Suspicion of illegal activities will result in the suspension of a user’s privileges. Proof of wrongdoing will result in the termination of a user’s privileges.

In addition, abuse of the Library’s computer resources – including using another’s password or account, breaking into restricted areas of the system, accessing other users’ private files or using the Library’s computer resources to distribute malevolent software like computer viruses – is grounds for immediate suspension or termination of a user’s access privileges.

Ethical Use

Computer resources should be used in accordance with ethical standards of the Library. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:

• violation of computer system security;
• unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others;
• use of computers in ways that unnecessarily impede the computer activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or email exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, etc.);
• violation of software license agreements;
• violation of network usage policies and regulations;
• violation of another user's privacy.

Cooperative Responsibilities

Computer users can facilitate computing at the Library in many ways. The Library endorses the practice of cooperative computing. It includes:

• regular deletion of unneeded files from one's accounts on shared computers;
• refraining from overuse of connect time, information storage space, printing facilities or processing capacity;
• refraining from overuse of interactive network utilities;
• refraining from use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others;
• refraining from use of any computer resources in an irresponsible manner.

The library reserves the right to place reasonable limits on the use of its computer resources by the public.

Sanctions

Violators of the Internet and Computer Use Policy may lose library privileges. Staff will be subject to normal disciplinary procedures as well. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use of computer resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. For staff, this may include termination of employment. Illegal acts involving Library computer resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Display and Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Materials

Use of library computer resources to display or disseminate sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material (as defined per I.C. 35-49-2-1) in any Library building is prohibited.

Limitations of Liability

All patrons who wish to use the Library's computer equipment are required to sign and date the library’s Computer Use Form which includes a limitation of liability statement.

Computer Use by Children

The Library does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent). Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children's use of the internet through the Library's connection. Parents and children are encouraged to read Netsmartz Safety Tips and to explore the additional resources at Netsmartz, a resource for parents and children of all ages, created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.