PUBLIC COMPUTER POLICIES

Policy

It is the policy of the Flint Memorial Library to provide community access to as many information resources as possible. To further this objective, the library provides access to information on the Web or through the Internet via computers.

In accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Access to Electronic Information Services and Networks, the Flint Memorial Library does not control, limit, or monitor Internet or Web use.

Because the nature of the Web is constantly changing and has information intended for a wide variety of users and of varying trustworthiness, library computer users assume certain responsibilities:

• Parents or legal guardians are responsible for monitoring their minor children’s computer use. Because children using the Web without supervision may be exposed to inappropriate or disturbing content, parents are advised to discuss appropriate use of this resource with their children, and to establish family Internet use guidelines and boundaries for their children.


• Because the Internet as a whole is uncontrolled, individual users assume responsibility for evaluating the accuracy and authenticity of material found on the Web.


The library subscribes to several commercial electronic databases, designed to provide fast access to reliable published articles (some full-text) via indexes. One of the library’s trained professionals can assist you in effective research using these tools.

Library computers may not be used to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others, or to seek disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet. Library computers may not be used in a way that violates local, state, or federal law. The library reserves the right to ask users to refrain from displaying images which are inappropriate for public view.

Violation of any of these policies may result in suspension or loss of library privileges.

Procedures
1. Usage may be limited to 30 minutes.
2. Printing costs will be posted.
3. Personal software may not be installed on any computers.
4. Diskettes are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk.
5. Users are encouraged to save files often to disk. The library cannot be responsible for lost files.

Approved by the Board of Trustees 11/27/01; Revised 11/20/02; 8/20/03; 10/19/05