Library Policies
Users will be expected to follow rules governing the use of the library. Copies of all library policies are available upon request from library staff.
Internet Content
The library cannot control the information obtained from outside sources via the Internet. Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within a library. However:
- Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable, accurate or current.
- Particular information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable.
- Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library customers.
- Peoria Public Library urges library customers to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.
The Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library customer’s use of Internet information resources.
Library Customer’ Rights
Library customers have the right to equitable access to public computers.
Library customers have the right to privacy to the extent possible in the public setting, but users should be aware that the location of the computer workstations might enable an online session to be viewed easily by others.
Users should be aware that because security is technically difficult to achieve, there exists the possibility of electronic transactions and files becoming public. Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasion of the user’s privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user’s data or for any damage or injury arising from the invasion of the user’s privacy.
Internet Filtering
All Library computers are equipped with Internet filtering devices, which are designed and intended to block sites deemed to be inappropriate for general audiences. Adults (17 years old and older) may request that a certain site be unblocked, for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Granting such a request is ALWAYS up to the discretion of the Library staff and may be denied for any reason in order to comply with Library policy or otherwise.
Minors under the age of 17 years are not allowed to access a computer with unfiltered Internet access at any time. Minors under the age of 17 years old may NOT accompany an adult who is accessing a computer with unfiltered Internet access at any time.
All Internet filtering devices installed on Library computers have been purchased from a commercial vendor. The Library does not maintain that the installed filters effectively filter all or any inappropriate materials from access within the Library. The Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from access, whether voluntarily or involuntarily request, to inappropriate or offensive Internet sites within the Library, regardless of the age of the user or whether arising from the deficiency of the filter or its installation.
Children’s Access to Public Computers
The library recognizes that the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. Parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Library staff are unable to monitor children’s use. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use of public computers. A copy of A CHILD’S RULES FOR ONLINE SAFETY is posted and available upon request from Library staff.
Customer Assistance and Instruction
If customers have difficulty in using public computers, Library staff will refer them to sources of help.
A more experienced computer user should accompany persons who are not able to use the computer unaided.
Use of Equipment and Networks
Library customers are required to use the public computers within guidelines of the User Agreement. Examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Use of public computers in any way that violates Federal, State or Local law
- Harassment, libeling or slandering other users
- Destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users
- Use of public computers in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Library and network/database providers
- Unauthorized duplication of copyright protected material or violation of software license agreements
- Violation of system security
- Behaving in a manner that is disruptive to other users including, but not limited to overuse of computer equipment, which denies access to other users
Violations
Persons violating any aspect of this policy will be informed by staff that their computer use is terminated for the remainder of the day. Any questions regarding this procedure should be referred to the director or assistant director.
Since the library computers that the public can access the Internet are located in public areas that must be shared by library users of all ages and backgrounds, individuals are asked to consider this when accessing potentially indecent or harmful material and images. Although library staff cannot consistently and effectively monitor the public’s use of the Internet, the library reserves the right to ask individuals to discontinue the display of information and images which cause a disruption, and reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.
Library Procedures Relating to Computer Use
These procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:
- Users must present their picture I. D. and complete a registration and user agreement form prior to usage
- The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for users under 17
- After registration the customer’s library card will be marked or a computer use card will be issued. This card may be used only by the person named on the card and MUST be presented every time to use the public computers
- Users must sign in
- Use will be limited to a one hour session or less if others are waiting
- Computers will be shut down 15 minutes before closing
- Use of personal software applications, DVDs, and CDs on library computer equipment is NOT allowed
