Knowledge Base: Library Policies

Category:                         Technology

Policy Number:               701

Title:                                Internet Access Policy

1. Internet access is a privilege. Failure to comply with the terms of this policy will result in the immediate loss or suspension of that privilege. If requested by staff, users must supply proof of age.
2. Minors under 16 years of age must complete an Internet Access Agreement (Appendix J), which must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and will be kept on file at the library.
3. Internet access is provided in ½ hour time slots. Additional time may be allowed at the discretion of the library staff on duty. Library terminals may be reserved from time to time for research, programming and/or exams.
4. Assistance from library staff in Internet use or research may be limited at given times.
5. Internet access is provided for informational purposes. Users are to refrain from displaying or sending information which may be reasonably deemed as obscene, illegal, discriminatory, defamatory, abusive, profane, commercial, or otherwise causing annoyance or inconvenience.
6. Users are responsible for any cost incurred as a result of their Internet activities.
7. Internet access is provided free of charge with the exception of printing costs. Users will be charged for every page they print. Refer to Library Board Bylaws for Fee Schedule
8. Users may not use the library’s email account in sending or receiving email. Users are welcome to apply for their own email address at no charge using a commercial service. Library staff may be available to assist with this.
9. Files created on public computers will not be private and will be deleted automatically at the end of each day. Any information sent or received on public computers cannot be guaranteed secure, users are advised to log out completely of any personal accounts accessed on public terminals.
10. If using personal storage devices such as disk or USB flash drives in the library computers, the user will be responsible for any damage it may cause to the library’s software or hardware.
11. The Bon Accord Public Library is not responsible for the loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from using the public Internet terminals. Nor is it responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information or programs obtained on the Internet, or the accidental or intentional accessing of objectionable material.
12. When printing or downloading material it is the user’s responsibility to ensure they are not violating copyright law and to compensate author where applicable. In most cases copyright law permits the making of a single copy for purposes of research or private study.