Siuslaw Public Library District

Policy:  The Siuslaw Public Library District is committed to providing free and open access to informational, recreational, and cultural resources for library users of all ages.  The Siuslaw Public Library District makes information available in print, audiovisual and electronic formats including the Internet. 

Currently the Internet is an unregulated medium.  As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing, illegal, inaccurate or incomplete.  It is possible that users may access information which they find personally offensive or disturbing. Individual users must accept responsibility for determining the suitability of content for themselves or their children.  Parents may request that their children be blocked from the Internet computers.  Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. 

The library cannot provide full security and patrons are advised not to provide personal or credit card information via the Internet.  The library will not be held responsible for damages resulting from patrons providing such information. 

The Computer/Internet Policy includes the following: 

• The use of the Internet is a privilege and the library district, for many reasons, cannot guarantee that access to the Internet is always available.
• Patrons may not use any library computer in a manner that threatens to damage or does damage the computer.  Patrons are financially responsible for any damage resulting from misuse or abuse of computers, including changes made to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware.
• Patrons may not use the Internet for purposes which violate federal, state or local laws; to transmit or receive threatening, obscene, or harassing materials; to interfere with or disrupt users, service or equipment; or to make unauthorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.  Disruptions include distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms or viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
• The Library's Rules of Conduct and the Unattended Child Policy apply to the use of computers.  Failure to comply with the policies defined in this document may result in the revocation of computer and/or library privileges.

Exceptions to these policies and rules are at the discretion of the Library Director or a designated staff person. 

Consequences of violating Computer/Internet Policies or Rules of Use:

1.  Patron will be warned.

2.  Continued violations will result in loss of all computer privileges for a period of 24 hours.

3.  Repeat offenders will lose all computer privileges for a week. 

4.  Continued violations will result in loss of privileges for a minimum of a month.

Adopted by Board of Directors:  April 22, 1999

Revised by Board of Directors:  February 21, 2001

Revised by Board of Directors:  January 18, 2005