REESEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

I.        Purpose

  • The purpose of the policy is to provide access to the broad range of information resources available through the Internet to persons of all ages at all levels of need.
  • The purpose of the policy is also to assure that technology resources are used in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purpose for which they are provided, and that the rules and regulations cited below are followed.

II.       Disclaimer

  • The Internet offers access to ideas, information and commentary from around the world that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching.  However, not all sources on the Internet are accurate, complete or up-to-date.  The library does not monitor, has no control over, and does not accept responsibility for material on the Internet.  The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.  The authority to determine what is illegal content rests with the courts as defined in Wisconsin and federal statutes.  If any patron believes that information obtained via library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information.
  • Users must use the Internet at their own risk, realizing that beyond the library’s home page and supporting documents, they may encounter material they find offensive.  The public library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of a parent).  Librarians cannot act in the place of parents in providing constant care and supervision of children as they explore the Internet.  The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with parents or guardians.

III.      Using Workstations

  • Patrons need a Library Card to use the Internet Computers.
  • Patrons may log on the computers directly with their Library Card number and PIN.
  • Computer use sessions are limited to 30 minutes.  If a patron needs to use a computer for more than 30 minutes, he may do so, unless another patron is waiting. Patrons may use a computer for a total of three ½ hour sessions or two 1 hour sessions on the computer reserved for business and academic needs. In the case of business or academic purposes a computer may be reserved for a longer period. Patrons may reserve a computer up to 24 hours in advance
  • Patrons may print from the computers.  Patrons are responsible for the cost of all printing from computers. The library reserves the right to adjust the per page rate of printing as necessary.
  • Use of user’s own portable devices is permitted on library-owned equipment.  However, no personal software may be installed or downloaded.  The library is not responsible for any lost data or damage to equipment or files.

IV.     Supervising Children’s Use

  • Children eight and under must use the Internet with an accompanying adult.
  • The library does not use filtering software.  Reeseville Public Library supports the right for each family to decide what is appropriate Internet use for their children.  Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility.

V.      Unacceptable Uses of Workstations

The library’s technology resources may be used only for legal purposes.  Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Transmitting threatening or harassing materials
  • Libeling, slandering or maliciously offending other users
  • Violating other users’ privacy
  • Violating copyright laws or software licensing agreements:

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of 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.  Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user; the library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.

  • Exposing children to harmful materials:  This policy presumes that children are always present on library property.

Sec. 948.11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, among other things, makes it a crime to expose children to pictures or images of nudity, sexually explicit conduct, or physical torture or brutality that appeal to the prurient, shameful or morbid interests of children, are patently offensive to prevailing adult standards regarding materials suitable for children, or lack serious literary, artistic, political, scientific or educational value for children.

  • Obstructing other people’s work by overuse of system resources
  • Hacking or attempting to crash, degrade performance of or gain unauthorized access to the library’s computer systems and networks
  • Gaining access to files, passwords, and data belonging to others
  • Modifying or damaging equipment, software or data belonging to the library or other users
  • Misrepresenting oneself as another user

VI.     Misuse of Workstations

A patron violating this policy will receive a first time warning, a second violation will result in a 30 day suspension from use of library computers, and a third violation will result in suspension for one year.

Amended by the Reeseville Public Library Board of Trustees on this __8th__ day of__June_____, 2010

Amended by the Reeseville Public Library Board of Trustees on this 14th day of January, 2014

Amended by the Reeseville Public Library Board of Trustees on this 21st day of February, 2019