Internet Use Policy (Updated 2023)
An Internet Use Policy has been established to ensure appropriate and effective use of this resource. The Library expects the use of all its electronic sources such as the Internet to be responsible, ethical and legal and consistent with the purpose for which those resources are provided. Our library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and follows the State Library of Iowa Chapter 7 Internet Use Policy.
The Library affirms the right of every individual to have access to constitutionally protected material as stated in the Library’s collection development policy. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff are responsible for the Internet use by their children. Internet access is provided in a public area shared by users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities.
- The Library reserves the right to ask users to discontinue the display of information and images which cause a disruption.
- Users should respect the privacy of other Internet users by not observing what sites others are accessing.
- Users will not misrepresent themselves as any other user; will not attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; will not seek unauthorized access to any computer system; and will not damage or alter software components of any network or database.
Users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state and federal laws. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the internet in the library. Users are expected to abide by the policies which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette.
Illegal activities subject to prosecution include:
- Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the library.
- Violation of computer system security of system configuration;
- Violation of the copyright laws of the United States;
- Iowa and Federal laws make it illegal to download or purvey child pornography, purvey pornography to children or to commit fraudulent acts using the internet. Use of the internet to view or access obscene material is prohibited.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Internet when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications.
- Safety and security of minors
Prevention of inappropriate network usage; Technology measures shall be used to prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful activities use of personal identification information.
- Prevention of access to inappropriate material
Technology protection measures; Blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene, to child pornography or to any material deemed harmful to minors; Technology protection measures may be disabled by library staff for adults or in the case of minors, minimized for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Violation of this computer use policy shall result in the loss of computer privileges and may lead to financial responsibility. Illegal activities will be prosecuted.
The Internet is available for any user who visits the library. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not accepted, but users are welcome to call ahead to check availability.
- Internet computers are available for use during the library’s normal business hours. Use must be completed 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing. The internet may be unavailable due to unforeseen problems with hardware, software or telecommunications.
- While respecting individual users’ right to privacy, library staff reserves the right to monitor use of Internet workstations to ensure compliance with this policy. Staff may ask users to remove themselves from library equipment if observed behavior is in conflict with this policy.
- Staff use of computers for research and maintenance may at times supersede users’ access.
- Library staff will answer basic questions about Internet use or help locate resources.
Staff reserves the right to waive the procedures contained in this document as circumstances warrant.
The Internet is a decentralized, global network. The Woodbury County Library will not be responsible for the availability and the accuracy of information found on the internet. The library cannot assure that data or files downloaded by users are virus-free. The Library is not responsible for damages to equipment or data on a user’s personal computer from the use of data downloaded from the library’s internet service. The use of internet and e-mail is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to proper authorities.