Computer Use Policy

Newman Regional Library District provides computers for public use. These computers are connected to the Internet and filtered to be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Each workstation is installed with standard office software, as well as other media-creation tools. User privacy and lab computers are protected by software that “freezes” the lab computers in a default state that is restored upon each reboot. Any changes made to the system or files created will be deleted upon reboot.

Rebooting is the responsibility of the individual user.

Newman Regional Library District staff may answer questions and provide other assistance using the lab computers but are not allowed to use the computers for the patron.

Intellectual Freedom and the Right to Privacy

The same standards of intellectual freedom, privacy and confidentiality endorsed by the Newman Regional Library District for traditional resources and services also apply to electronic media, including usage of the Internet.

The library seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of its patrons and their individual right to privacy. However, Internet users must be sensitive to the fact that the computer is in a public area and, therefore, images on the screen are subject to view by a wide audience.

Information Disclaimer

The Internet offers nearly unlimited access to information; however, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current or legal. Newman Regional Library District does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of information obtained throughout the Internet.

The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Some resources and destinations contain material that some patrons will find personally offensive or inappropriate. While the lab computers feature a content filter, no such filter can be considered perfect and the risk of exposure to content offensive to the user is always present.

Indemnification

Internet resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The library cannot protect patrons from information that might be considered offensive. It remains the responsibility of the user or the user’s parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate. Patrons shall comply with all age restrictions governing access to sites.

In no event shall the Newman Regional Library District have any liability for lost profits or for any direct or indirect special, punitive, or consequential damages, or any liability to any third party, even if the library is advised of the possibility of such damages, arising from use of its connection to the Internet.

Use of the Internet by children

As with all library materials, parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the children’s use of the Internet. Library Staff cannot control the information that children may select on the Internet. The library, its staff or trustees cannot assume the responsibility to set individual standards and values.

Parental/Custodial consent signed at the library, in the librarian or trustee’s presence is required for patrons under the age of 18.

We strongly recommend that parents/guardians accompany their children when they are accessing the Internet. Children under the age of 13 require the presence of a parent/ guardian to use the library’s Internet.

Procedures for Use

Patrons with a valid Newman Regional Library District card have priority when it comes to public access computer use.

Lab computers are available to the public. Persons with a valid library card from any Illinois public library will be asked to check out a computer with that card. All other persons will be checked out as a guest.

Educational use of the computer/Internet access takes priority over other uses. For example, a patron playing a computer game will be asked to allow a patron researching a school project to take precedence.

There will be a 30-minute limit on computer use unless no other patrons are waiting to use the computer. If you have exceeded your 30 minutes and another patron comes in wishing to use the computer, they will be given priority.

Patrons may not install or play their own software. Computer software licensed to the Newman Regional Library District may not be not be copied or checked out. The library is not responsible for patron’s personal media or files that are lost or damaged while using the computer.

Misuse of the electronic resources of the library, or of Internet access shall result in the loss of computer privileges for the patron. The library reserves the right to limit, refuse and/or ban any patron from using the library computer and Internet access.

This Internet Access Policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the Internet access policy is to insure the best use of and access to the Internet for the greatest number of our patrons. This policy is subject to change.