Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet Procedures

The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library offers a link to the Internet because the Internet offers unprecedented access to information of all varieties. The Internet offers both local and global information. It can provide access to election results, news stories, and weather updates as well as job opportunities, statistical data, and other topics that can impact lives. The Internet expands the resources that the library can offer the community that otherwise may not be available. Bear in mind, the Internet is unregulated and does allow access to information that may be out-of-date, inaccurate, and offensive.

A. Users of the Public Access Internet computers agree to follow the Acceptable Use Policy of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. Access to newsgroups and chat groups are not supported on our computers.

B. The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library assumes no responsibility, direct or indirect, for damages arising from the uses of its connection to the Internet through these computers.

C. The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library cannot guarantee privacy of transactions on the Internet computers. The Staff of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library are subject to confidentiality laws; however, some information may remain on the terminals after use.

D. The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library has no control of the Internet nor of any resources found in it. The library assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, quality or currency of any Internet resource.

E. The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library does comply with the "Library Privacy Act" by providing filtered access for children in order to restrict them from viewing obscene materials or sexually explicit materials that might be harmful to minors*. Children under 18 years of age may only use unfiltered computers when a parent or a legal guardian accompanies them.

F. Because minor children may gain unfiltered access to the Internet by purposefully avoiding established library procedures, parent or legal guardian is responsible for monitoring Internet use by their children.

G. The computers may not be used for illegal or criminal purposes. Copyright and licensing restrictions shall be followed. Users shall not develop or use programs that would alter or damage the computer or systems network.

H. Patrons must be aware that images or text displayed on the Internet computers' screens may be inadvertently viewed by other patrons in the course of their normal business at the library. Because exposing unwilling patrons or staff to sexually explicit images or text can be interpreted as sexual harassment, the library reserves the right to ask patrons to clear the screen of such images or text. The librarian on duty will determine whether any images or text should be removed. Intentionally causing any library staff or patrons to view sexually explicit images or text will be considered sexual harassment and is a violation of the City of Midland's sexual harassment policy.

I. The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library may restrict a patron's use of the public access Internet terminals if the patron cannot abide by these guidelines.

J. The Acceptable Use Policy will be reviewed at least annually by library staff.

©2008 Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. A Service of the City of Midland