The Library’s Mission Statement recognizes that information resources encompass a broad range of materials, including print, non-print and electronic media. The Library makes available to the public a variety of electronic information resources, including the Internet, online catalogs of other libraries, and other databases made available by the Access Michigan project. Free access is available within the Library.

Content
The Internet and the other electronic library resources offer access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. The Library will guide linkage to Internet sources, which are consistent with the Library ‘s mission and roles. However, the Internet is a cost, unregulated information network which enables access to ideas, information images and commentary that are beyond the confines of the Library’s mission and collection development policies. Access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably.

Users are cautioned that ideas, points of views and images can be found on the Internet which are controversial, divergent, inaccurate and/or inflammatory. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary, which may be found on the Internet

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either express or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet

User Responsibilities

Responsible, courteous use of the Internet system includes:

• Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library’s information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrains from activity that prevents others from also using it.

• Using the Library’s Internet resources for educational, informational, and recreational purpose only. Commercial transactions are not permitted.

• Respecting the intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.

• Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.

• Refraining from damaging or altering the setup of Library-owned equipment used to access the Internet.

• Refraining from damaging or altering software or data residing on the Internet.

• Refraining from the deliberate propagation of computer worms or viruses.

• Refraining from the transaction of threatening, harassing, explicit or abusive language and images. The language below will be printed on signage, adjacent to the Internet terminals:

• Refraining from saving/loading/installing files/programs/information to the hard drives of all public access workstations.



Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines
In addition to this policy, Library staff may establish guidelines to assure fair and equitable access to all Internet-related public access equipment. Such guidelines may include, but may not be limited to: sign-up sheets and time limitations. Illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

Violation of these regulations may result in the suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources

Child Safety on the Internet and computer use policy

A responsible adult over the age of eighteen must accompany children, below the fourth grade.

Parents and caregivers may determine that some electronic information is not appropriate for their children. Parents need to be actively interested in and responsible for supervision of their children’s online use of the Internet and other electronic sources. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children’s use of the Internet.