Internet Use Policy

The Fremont Area District Library is pleased to provide access to information beyond the confines of the local library collection via an NCATS Internet connection.

Advantages and Limitations of Internet Use:

Advantages:

·         The Internet is an international network of connected computers enabling tens of millions of people to communicate with each other and access to vast amounts of information from around the world.

·         The Internet is a cost-effective way of providing up-to-date information as one access point allows patrons to be connected with millions of information sources.

·         Patron Internet access relieves library staff of conducting lengthy literature searches (patrons may conduct search themselves)  allowing them time to help more patrons.

·         Patron Internet access will allow individual patrons to conduct on-line literature searches with confidentiality.

·         Information accessed via Internet is instantly available (example: election results, CNN WebSite, health resources, support groups)

Limitations:

·         Only the people who write the information can attest to its accuracy.  The Library cannot restrict the free speech rights of the authors, and therefore cannot assure the reliability of the information.

·         Because of how computer information is stored, retrieved and displayed, the Library cannot guarantee the user privacy in Internet use.

·         Some users may believe that some Internet information, particularly the graphic information, is offensive.

·         Although a user may not intend for other users or their children to view material, which is inappropriate for minors, the Library cannot assure that inadvertent display of that information will not occur.

Procedure for Use:

Each patron who wishes to use the Library’s Internet access stations(s) must first read and sign a copy of the Library’s Internet Policy, to be filed with the Director (or designee).  The Library staff does not filter Internet access.  The Internet contains controversial materials and the library cannot protect the public from it.  Parents and guardians of minors requesting unfiltered use by minors must assume responsibility by being physically present the entire time the minor is accessing the Internet.  If the parent/guardian leaves the minor unattended while using an unfiltered workstation, the staff will terminate the session.

Patrons under age 18 will be required to have a parent or legal  physically present if they desire to use an unfiltered workstation. Parents/guardians will be required to provide valid identification and provide written certification that they are legally responsible for the respective minor(s).

 Because of limited Library resources the Library will offer access to the Internet on a first-come-first-served basis, using a sign-up process allocating 30-minute periods.  The Director will post the following information at each Internet access site:

NOTICE TO PATRONS

·         If you wish to use the Internet station you must first sign the sheet at the Reference Desk to reserve a time.

·         If this is your first time use of the Internet at this Library, you must read the Internet Policy statement (available from the Reference Librarian) and sign the Fremont Area District Library Public Internet Access Authorization Form.  If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must provide the Reference Librarian with valid identification,  sign the Fremont Area District Library Public Internet Access Authorization Form provided by the Reference Librarian, and remain physically present for you to have unfiltered access.   Persons 17 years of age and under will have only filtered Internet access without the signature and presence of a parent/legal guardian.

·         You may sign up to use the Internet station for periods of only 30 minutes at a time.

·         Use of the Internet stations is available on a first-come-first served basis, as shown on the sign-up sheets at the Reference Desk.

·         Library staff provides limited assistance for basic start-up procedures.  Several circulating books on Web searching are available.  Patrons may also see a Reference Librarian to sign up for instruction on Web searching.

Prohibited Use:

The Fremont Area District Library offers access to the Internet for purposes, which fulfill its general mission “to provide quality library service enhancing community learning, growth and enjoyment.”  Patrons will be expected to use the Internet access stations only to retrieve information for research and entertainment purposes which are permitted by law and which do not interfere with the use of library facilities by other patrons of the Library.  The Library will not offer interactive Internet use.  The Director shall post the following list of prohibited uses at each Internet station.  The Director, or her designee, is hereby authorized to end a user’s Internet session at any time following a warning, if the user violates the rules developed under this Policy.   Patrons who violate these rules may lose Internet privileges and be required to leave the building.  The Fremont Area District Library staff will contact the Fremont Police Department if deemed necessary.

           Prohibited uses include:

·         No use of chat rooms

·         No display of obscene, abusive, malicious or threatening materials to others

·         No use of personal software

·         No downloading except on floppy disk purchased from the library at the Reference Desk

·         No copying, downloading or otherwise reproducing copyrighted materials.

·         No use of the Internet for any illegal activity (examples of illegal activity includes, but are not limited to libeling others, unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials, transmission of obscenity and/or unprotected sexually explicit materials).

·         No vandalizing, degrading or disrupting the equipment, software, system performance or data of other users.

·         Patrons must respect the rights of others when accessing the Internet.  The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.

 Approved 9/12/00

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Website updated August 13, 2007. 

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to email us at fadl@fremontlibrary.net.

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Fremont Area District Library, 104 E. Main Street, Fremont, MI 49412
Voice:  231-924-3480  Fax:  231-924-2355
fadl@fremontlibrary.net

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