North Bend Public Library
110 East 13th Street
North Bend, Nebraska 68649
August 13, 2014 – August 13, 2015
Internet/Computer Acceptable Use Policy & Disclaimer
Acceptable Use Standards for Internet and NBPL Computers
All electronic traffic originating from the North Bend Public Library connection shall be in accordance with these Acceptable Use Standards. Failure to abide by these standards may result in the loss of Internet, computer, and Library privileges.
Cooperative Use
North Bend Public Library has installed a PC Management system that governs the use of computers in the Library. PC users must facilitate the fair use of the library’s limited resources by observing time limits on PC use and surrendering use of the terminal when allotted time has elapsed. NBPL reserves the right to terminate a PC session that disrupts library services or that involves user behavior that violates the library’s policies. Tampering with or defeating time limits will result in the loss of some or all library privileges.
Acceptable Use
Use of the Library’s computers shall be guided by the following principles:
1. Respect for the privacy of others.
2. Adherence to the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.
3. Consideration for the security and functioning of computers, computer networks, and systems.
4. Adherence to NBPL policies governing the security and functioning of computers, computer networks, and systems.
Unacceptable Use
It is not acceptable to use the North Bend Public Library computers for:
1. Any purposes which violate U.S., state, or local laws.
2. Transmitting threatening, obscene or harassing materials, including the use of profanity or offensive language.
3. Intentional or unintentional disruption of network users, services or equipment, harm to other computer systems, including excessive bandwidth utilization.
4. Distribution of unsolicited advertising.
5. Tampering with computer or network security.
6. Making unauthorized entry into any systems accessible via Library computers.
7. Representing oneself as another person.
8. Developing and/or propagating programs that harass other users or cause harm to other computer systems. (e.g. computer “viruses” and “worms.”)
9. Copying, file sharing, downloading or distributing commercial software or other material (e.g. music) in violation of federal or international copyright laws.
10. Accessing or loading pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material.
11. Deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment, programs, parameters, or change in any way the computer system, settings, desktop or equipment.
12. Other uses deemed inappropriate at the discretion of NBPL management.
Illegal acts involving the NBPL’s computers may be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
Internet Safety Policy
In addition to the useful and educational information available on the Internet, a great deal of content exists that is not appropriate for children. Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. Monitoring your child’s use of the Internet is not the busy library staff’s responsibility.
North Bend Public Library enforces a policy of Internet safety that includes measures to block or filter Internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions. NBPL’s technology protection measure is a specific system that blocks or filters specific Internet sites. It protects against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
Filtering software is not foolproof. It diminishes the likelihood that searchers will inadvertently retrieve text or images that some may find offensive but does not eliminate that possibility. Filters sometimes block access to sites that users would consider both inoffensive and useful.
North Bend Public Library staff and the designated PC management company, reserve the right to check all workstations of suspicious/inappropriate activity. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, no one under the age of 18 is permitted to access computer sites, chat rooms or e-mail that contain obscene or sexually explicit material harmful to minors.
Disclaimer
NBPL provides access to the Internet as a service of convenience to the public. The Internet and its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from varied points of view. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users may encounter material that could be considered inappropriate.
Parents of minor children assume responsibility for their children’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection. Parents and children are encouraged to read Netsmartz (http://www.netsmartz.org/) Safety Tips and to explore the additional resources at Netsmartz, a resource for parents and children of all ages.
North Bend Public 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. Conducting business or personal transactions such as credit card purchases, stock trades, bank transactions, etc, or accessing systems where such personal or business data are stored is not recommended. The Library’s computing environment does not maintain sufficient safeguards to protect such activities.
Users of Library computing resources should be aware of the possibility of contamination by computer viruses and Trojans. Viruses may also spread to other computers including the user’s own personal or business computers via email, or via media – CDROM or USB Flash Drives( on the library laptops and ADA computer). Users are therefore warned that it is not possible to provide a 100% virus free environment and that the user accepts such risks while using the Library’s computing resources.
Wireless Access Internet Policy
Free filtered wireless Internet access is available at the Library. Customers are cautioned that security
for personal data and wireless devices rests solely with the owner of the wireless connection device, not the library.
•· The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of customers’ equipment or for any damage that might occur to customers’ computer configurations or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless access.
•· Library staff can offer basic assistance in getting started with the wireless network; staff members are not trained to assist with troubleshooting problems with customers’ personal devices.
•· Library power outlets may not always be available. The Library does not guarantee that customers will be always able to make a wireless connection.
•· Customers wishing to print material from the Internet are directed to use the Library’s public workstations.
Users of the Wireless connection will still be expected to adhere to the Internet/Computer Use Policy and Agreement of the library, which applies to use of the Internet regardless of means of access. This is posted at the front desk and near the computer station. Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library’s Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Any illegal activity involving the Library’s Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.