INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE: POLICY & GUIDELINES

PURPOSE

The Minocqua Public Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet. It is within this context that the Library offers access to the Internet, both through public computers and free public Wi-Fi.

Responsibilities of Users

The Minocqua Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.

Parents and/or guardians, not the Minocqua Public Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.

 INTERNET USERS

ADULTS

Internet resources available in the library are provided to all adult patrons except those whose prior Internet use has resulted in revocation of privileges.

 CHILDREN

Minors, under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian to use the Internet. The parent or guardian must show identification and sign the permission form in the presence of a library staff member.

Users under the age of 18 temporarily residing at area camps may use the Internet provided the camp director agrees to complete signed permission forms accepting responsibility for each minor in lieu of a parent or guardian.

Illegal and Unacceptable Uses

The library computers may only be used for legal purposes. Examples of unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following:

  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed by library staff as offensive to the public.
  • Harassment of other users or violation of their privacy.
  • Libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users.
  • Violation of copyright laws or program licensing agreements.
  • Attempting to crash, degrade performance or gain unauthorized access to the Library’s or to other computer systems and networks.
  • Damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the Library or other users.
  • Obstruction of other people’s work by overuse of system resources.

 

The authority to determine what is illegal rests with the courts as defined in Wisconsin and federal statutes.   Wisconsin Statute s. 944.21 or as harmful to children under Wisconsin Statute s. 948.11.

Violations may result in the loss of Internet and/or library privileges. Illegal use of the computers also may be subject to prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities.

Copyright

US Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution or copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

All responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

Scheduling and Use of Internet Computers

  1. All access will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations for special circumstances will be accepted at the discretion of the Library staff.
  2. The Library’s public computers are scheduled in 30-minute sessions which may be reserved in person on the day of use. The user must sign in with their name, for each Internet session. Library staff reserves the right to limit computer sessions.
  3. Library staff may be able to offer basic searching suggestions, but an experienced Internet-trained staff member may always not be available. When assisting patrons with Internet resources, staff will not enter personal information for patrons.
  4. Users should refrain from the use of Internet sounds and visuals which may disrupt the ability of other library patrons to use the library and its resources.
  5. Charges for printing will be determined by Library staff and posted.

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Minocqua Public Library’s wireless access is provided through Badgernet.   Library staff cannot guarantee that individuals will be able to make a connection.

Wireless access at the Minocqua Public Library is unfiltered. By choosing this free service, the patron has accepted and must follow the library’s Internet Acceptable Use policy. (The entire policy is printed above.) The library reserves the right to end an individual’s wireless session when an individual’s computer use creates an atmosphere inappropriate for a public library setting

The Minocqua Public Library’s wireless is not secure. Virus, security, and privacy protection are the responsibility of the wireless user. It is the patron’s responsibility to protect their information from risks associated with using the Internet.

Wireless access is always available. Wireless users may not access library printers.

Approved November, 2020