ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION, SERVICES AND NETWORKS

Users should not be restricted or denied access for expressing or receiving constitutionally protected speech. Users’ access should not be changed without due process, including, but not limited to, formal notice and a means of appeal.

Although electronic systems may include distinct property rights and security concerns, such elements may not be employed as a subterfuge to deny users’ access to information. Users have the right to be free of unreasonable limitations or conditions set by libraries, librarians, system administrators, vendors, network service providers, or others. Contracts, agreements, and licenses entered into by libraries on behalf of their users should not violate this right.

Users have both the right of confidentiality and the right of privacy. The library should uphold these rights by policy, procedure, and practice. Users should be advised, however, that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic transactions and files could become public.

The rights of users who are minors shall in no way be abridged.

The Library's computer system provides the opportunity to integrate electronic resources from information around the world with the Library's other resources.

Currently, the Internet is an unregulated medium. As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.

In providing the Internet as an information resource, the Seaside Public Library's goal is to enhance its existing collection in size and depth and as a public access agency give opportunity to any citizen who wishes to participate in navigating the Internet.

Individual users must accept responsibility for determining content in the event the Library is unable to determine suitability.

The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to:

1. have access to constitutionally protected material
2. have the responsibility to monitor their children's use of Library materials

Just as the Library does not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of written material in its collection, it does not do so for electronic information.

INTERNET USE GUIDELINES

LIBRARY RESPONSIBILITES

The library and its staff will:

1. Make users aware of our Internet Use Guidelines
2. Use reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with Internet Use Guidelines and procedures
3. Make workstations available to all members of the public regardless of age
4. Provide staff assistance to library Internet users whenever time and knowledge permit
5. Take appropriate measures to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of Internet users

Library limitations

The Library provides computer workstations with full Internet access. Decisions on the number placement and type of computer workstations are based on consideration of demand, floor space, staff capacity and budgetary constraints.

The library cannot control availability of information links that often change rapidly.

The Seaside Library assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of its connection to the Internet.

The Seaside Library is not responsible for any expenses incurred or the potential repercussions of a third party obtaining personal /banking/credit card information that has been entered on any library computer terminal.

PATRON RESPONSIBILITES

Each user is responsible for the selection of sites and should be aware that other library users may be exposed to what is displayed.

Rules governing use:

1. Users must sign in at front desk
2. Computer use is limited to one hour per day
3. Patrons who have reserved computer time in advance may not begin prior to their reserved times
4. Drop-in users may use an available computer, but must vacate the station to the individual with assigned reservations
5. Users with reservations must contact the library in advance if they are unable to make their appointment

Unallowable uses

Patrons may not:

1. View, print display, send or receive images, text or graphics of obscene materials or material that violates laws relating to child pornography
2. Disseminate, exhibit, or display to minors materials that are harmful to minors
3. Use an Internet workstation to transmit threatening or harassing material
4. Engage in any activity that is deliberately offensive or creates an intimidating or hostile environment
5. Violate copyright or software licensing agreements
6. Gain unauthorized access to any computing, information or communications devices or resources
7. Damage, alter or degrade computer equipment, peripherals, software or configurations
8. Install software applications

Computers will be turned off fifteen minutes prior to closing.

Liabilities

Seaside Public Library assumes no responsibility for any damage, direct or indirect, that users or anyone else may suffer through the library’s access to the Internet. All public Internet users at Seaside Public Library agree to hold the Library harmless from any claims, losses, damages, and obligations related to:

1. Infringement of U.S. Copyright Law governing the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance and public display of copyrighted material
2. The use and/or accuracy of information obtained from the library’s electronic information system
3. Damage to non-library software or hardware resulting from viruses downloaded via the Library’s Internet services

Failure to comply

Failure to comply with the Internet Use Guidelines will result in a request to discontinue to the activity. In the event that the activity is not discontinued, future Internet use may be denied and the patron may be asked to leave the library facility. Persons asked to leave the premises who do not comply may be subject to arrest.