INTERNET POLICY

Integrating electronic resources from outside networks with the Library’s many other resources is a logical extension of the Sterling Public Library ability to carry out its mission and the public library concept of access to information.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sterling Public Library computers are located in public areas shared by library patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are asked to consider this when accessing the Internet. Computer users may not display, send, or receive materials which could be construed to constitute harassment of the library’s patrons or staff. Such material may include profanity and threatening, harassing or obscene material in text or graphic. (See US Code, Title 18, Part I, Chapter 110, Sec. 2252 and CRS 18-7-502)
Patrons of the Sterling Public Library’s Internet service must respect the legal protection provided by copyright and licensing or programs and data.
The Sterling Public Library will not be responsible for any personal information (e.g. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their personal laptop computers or wireless devices.
The Sterling Public Library does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of its Internet filters. Sterling Public Library Internet computers may not be used by anyone for illegal activity, to access illegal materials or to access materials that by local community standards would be considered obscene.
The library uses a reservation system that allows each patron 60 minutes of computing time or until 3PM then 30 minutes each day. The system will allow additional time on the PC the patron has reserved if no other patron has reserved a PC. Patrons accessing the Internet through the Library’s wireless technology are bound by the same provisions described in this policy.


CHILDREN’S USE OF THE INTERNET

As with all materials in the library, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent, guardian, or caregiver.
Parents/guardians are ultimately responsible for instructing their children about safe Internet use, including not giving out personal information online, what to do if they encounter an inappropriate site or information and how to locate and use safe sites. Sterling Public Library staff are available to direct parents/guardians and their children to resources and information about safe Internet use. Any restriction or monitoring of a minor’s access to the Sterling Public Library’s wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.




How safe is WiFi?


The Sterling Public Library will provide Internet access points (“hot spots”) for users with laptops or other portable wireless devices. The access points will allow users access to the Internet from their portable wireless devices while located within range of the access point. Reception and connection speed in each area is strong, but may vary according to the number of wireless devices in use at anyone time and distance from the access point. Access to an electrical outlet is available only in study rooms and the meeting rooms. Outlets are not available in shelving areas.
The Sterling Public Library assumes no responsibility and no liability for any loss or damage incurred by anyone using the library’s computing resources. This includes any loss or harm incurred by a patron from giving personal or financial information across the library’s network and the Internet.
Wireless users agree to abide by the Library’s Internet Policy while using the Library’s wireless network. The Library is not responsible for any personal information (e.g., credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking. All wireless access users are individually responsible for maintaining up-to-date virus protection on personal laptop computers or wireless devices.
Printing access in not available via the wireless connection. If you need to print, please save your work to a floppy disk or email files to yourself. You may then login to a wired library workstation and send jobs to the public printer.
Sterling Public Library staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via our wireless connection. If a user has problems accessing the Internet over this connection, staff will only verify that the library’s connection is operating normally. Staff will not perform troubleshooting on the patron’s own wireless device.
Sterling Public Library will provide free filtered Internet access points or “hot spots” for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library business hours.

INDEMNITY

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Sterling Public Library, their suppliers and licensors, officers, directors, employees, agents and affiliates from any claim, liability, loss, damage, cost, or expense (including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to tour use of the Service, any materials downloaded or uploaded through the Service, any actions taken by you in connection with your use of the Service, any violation of any third party’s rights or a violation of law or regulation, or any breach of this agreement. This Section will not be construed to limit or exclude any other claims or remedies that may assert under this Agreement or by law. You must accept this Agreement each time you use the service and it is your responsibility to review it for any changes each time.




Internet Use Agreement

I have read and understand the Responsibilities of Internet Users and will abide by them. I further understand that any violation of the Responsibilities is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. I also understand that the library has the right to monitor my use of the Internet for evidence of non-compliance with the terms of this agreement, should the library believe a violation has occurred. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may by revoked for up to 3 months and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
I recognize it is impossible for the Sterling Public Library to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold Sterling Public Library and/or library staff responsible for materials acquired on the Internet.


User’s name, printed:__________________________________________________

User’s address:________________________________________________________

User’s City & State:____________________________________________________

User’s phone number:__________________________________________________


User’s signature:______________________________________________________

Date:______________________________________

If you are under age 18, a parent or guardian must read and sign this agreement.

As parent or guardian of this user, I have read this agreement and the Responsibilities of Users. I recognize it is impossible for the Sterling Public Library to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold Sterling Public Library and or the Library staff responsible for materials acquired by my child on the Internet. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision of my child’s use of the Internet. I give permission to certify my child for the use of the Internet.

Parent or guardian’s name, printed: _____________________________________

Parent or guardian’s signature: _________________________________________

Date: ________________




___________ (Staff Initials)