Electronic Resources and Internet Access Policy (Pending RMPL Ratification)
Policy and Procedure on Public Access and Training on the Internet
A. Access.
1. Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Library (unless they have been suspended from the building).
2. The Library reserves the right to restrict Internet protocols and functions at the Library Director's discretion.
3. During some hours of the week, the Technology Center may be closed to general use for scheduled training sessions. A schedule will be posted at the media desk.
B. Content.
The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. It is a fluid environment with the content and format of information constantly changing. Some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. Each consumer must personally evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found. The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible to protect users from materials some individuals may find offensive.
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what Library resources are appropriate for their children. Some Internet sites may be considered inappropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them as to what is and is not appropriate for them to access. In accordance with state law, all Internet PCs accessible to minors in the Library have been equipped with filtering software.
WARNING: No filter is one hundred percent effective in blocking information that an individual may find offensive or inappropriate.
C. Public User’s Security.
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. Library staff, Library Board members, other City personnel, and members of City Council
are not responsible for any loss incurred by a user of the Library’s computer or telecommunications equipment. The RMPL will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or when necessary for the operation of the Library.
D. Access Procedure.
The following rules will govern use of the Internet workstations available in the Library:
1. Maximum access time to public PCs is set in the library’s procedure manual.
2. Headphones must be used if audio programming is accessed. Patron must provide own headphones.
3. All Library policies regarding customer behavior will be enforced in conjunction with use of the Internet workstations.
4. The Library and its staff are not responsible for any loss of data caused by viruses, power fluctuations, or misuse of the equipment. Library customers are not allowed to install any software or hardware on Library equipment. Library computers revert to default settings after use and should not be altered in any way by the user.
5. Printing charges are listed on In the City Council annual budget ordinance
6. Library-provided disks will be sold for a nominal cost. Electronic files may not be downloaded and stored on Library computers. Please be sure to bring your own storage devices as downloads will be deleted with the shutting-down of Library computers at the end of each business day.
7. Library staff may be able to give limited help with basic computer use and startup procedures, but staff cannot provide individual instruction or information on software. Because of Library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available. If customers have never used computers or have specific questions about the Internet, reference books and user guides and regular trainings are available.
8. Misuse or illegal use of the Library’s computer equipment may result in loss of computer use, Library use privileges, and/or legal action.
9. The Library staff reserves the right to check any patron’s Library record for fines and/or Internet access options.
10. Promoting obscene Internet content is prohibited within the Library. By simply showing another Library patron or Library staff member obscene Internet content, a customer could be cited and charged with a violation of
Rocky Mountain/Estes Municipal Code Section 9.20.020.
11. The Internet stations located by the Adult Services desk are designated “reference priority.” If a person is waiting for one of the stations for research or academic use, he/she will be given priority over all others. The use of chat, games, or viewing pornographic/suggestive material is not permitted on the research- allowed- only computers. Viewing constitutionally-protected Adult material with explicit content is only allowed on staff designated terminals.
12. Customers are not allowed to tamper with, access, or alter system file and/or software configuration.
13. The Internet stations located in Youth Services are only for use by minors under the age of 17.
E. Internet Safety for Minors.
1. In accordance with state law, filtering software has been installed by the Library on all Internet PCs accessible to minors. This software may be temporarily disabled on all PCs but for those located in Youth Services under the following circumstances:
a. For use by an adult upon the adult’s request.
b. For use by a minor for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, so long as the use is supervised by an administrator, supervisor, parent, guardian, or other person authorized by the Library to supervise such use.
c. For use by a minor where a parent or guardian has provided explicit written prior approval.
F. Wireless
As a service to its users the Rocky Mountain Public Library provides free wireless Internet access. The Library does not provide technical support for wireless users. The Library can not guarantee bandwidth, connectivity, or strength of signal. The wireless network is under continual change as we test new equipment and locations for access points.
This is a wide open network. The wireless network is not secure or filtered. Like many public wireless hot spots, information is not encrypted and is subject to electronic eavesdropping by others. Wireless users are responsible for providing for the security of their own equipment and electronic communications.
By using the wireless network you are agreeing to comply with this wireless use policy, as well as the Library's policies concerning use of the facility and standards of acceptable behavior.
The library exercises no control over and will not be held responsible for user-supplied equipment or Internet content that users choose to access or create using their own equipment.
A. Access.
1. Public access to the Internet is available to all users of the Library (unless they have been suspended from the building).
2. The Library reserves the right to restrict Internet protocols and functions at the Library Director's discretion.
3. During some hours of the week, the Technology Center may be closed to general use for scheduled training sessions. A schedule will be posted at the media desk.
B. Content.
The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. It is a fluid environment with the content and format of information constantly changing. Some information on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. Each consumer must personally evaluate the validity and appropriateness of information found. The Internet is a series of communication linkages leading to a highly diverse array of information content. Library patrons use it at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible to protect users from materials some individuals may find offensive.
Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what Library resources are appropriate for their children. Some Internet sites may be considered inappropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them as to what is and is not appropriate for them to access. In accordance with state law, all Internet PCs accessible to minors in the Library have been equipped with filtering software.
WARNING: No filter is one hundred percent effective in blocking information that an individual may find offensive or inappropriate.
C. Public User’s Security.
Users should be aware that the Internet is not a secure medium and that third parties may be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. Library staff, Library Board members, other City personnel, and members of City Council
are not responsible for any loss incurred by a user of the Library’s computer or telecommunications equipment. The RMPL will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except as required by law or when necessary for the operation of the Library.
D. Access Procedure.
The following rules will govern use of the Internet workstations available in the Library:
1. Maximum access time to public PCs is set in the library’s procedure manual.
2. Headphones must be used if audio programming is accessed. Patron must provide own headphones.
3. All Library policies regarding customer behavior will be enforced in conjunction with use of the Internet workstations.
4. The Library and its staff are not responsible for any loss of data caused by viruses, power fluctuations, or misuse of the equipment. Library customers are not allowed to install any software or hardware on Library equipment. Library computers revert to default settings after use and should not be altered in any way by the user.
5. Printing charges are listed on In the City Council annual budget ordinance
6. Library-provided disks will be sold for a nominal cost. Electronic files may not be downloaded and stored on Library computers. Please be sure to bring your own storage devices as downloads will be deleted with the shutting-down of Library computers at the end of each business day.
7. Library staff may be able to give limited help with basic computer use and startup procedures, but staff cannot provide individual instruction or information on software. Because of Library scheduling, Internet-trained staff may not always be available. If customers have never used computers or have specific questions about the Internet, reference books and user guides and regular trainings are available.
8. Misuse or illegal use of the Library’s computer equipment may result in loss of computer use, Library use privileges, and/or legal action.
9. The Library staff reserves the right to check any patron’s Library record for fines and/or Internet access options.
10. Promoting obscene Internet content is prohibited within the Library. By simply showing another Library patron or Library staff member obscene Internet content, a customer could be cited and charged with a violation of
Rocky Mountain/Estes Municipal Code Section 9.20.020.
11. The Internet stations located by the Adult Services desk are designated “reference priority.” If a person is waiting for one of the stations for research or academic use, he/she will be given priority over all others. The use of chat, games, or viewing pornographic/suggestive material is not permitted on the research- allowed- only computers. Viewing constitutionally-protected Adult material with explicit content is only allowed on staff designated terminals.
12. Customers are not allowed to tamper with, access, or alter system file and/or software configuration.
13. The Internet stations located in Youth Services are only for use by minors under the age of 17.
E. Internet Safety for Minors.
1. In accordance with state law, filtering software has been installed by the Library on all Internet PCs accessible to minors. This software may be temporarily disabled on all PCs but for those located in Youth Services under the following circumstances:
a. For use by an adult upon the adult’s request.
b. For use by a minor for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, so long as the use is supervised by an administrator, supervisor, parent, guardian, or other person authorized by the Library to supervise such use.
c. For use by a minor where a parent or guardian has provided explicit written prior approval.
F. Wireless
As a service to its users the Rocky Mountain Public Library provides free wireless Internet access. The Library does not provide technical support for wireless users. The Library can not guarantee bandwidth, connectivity, or strength of signal. The wireless network is under continual change as we test new equipment and locations for access points.
This is a wide open network. The wireless network is not secure or filtered. Like many public wireless hot spots, information is not encrypted and is subject to electronic eavesdropping by others. Wireless users are responsible for providing for the security of their own equipment and electronic communications.
By using the wireless network you are agreeing to comply with this wireless use policy, as well as the Library's policies concerning use of the facility and standards of acceptable behavior.
The library exercises no control over and will not be held responsible for user-supplied equipment or Internet content that users choose to access or create using their own equipment.