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Internet Acceptable Use Policy

(effective 11/19/96, amended 6/19/00, 9/18/01; reviewed 9/16/02; amended 9/15/03, 9/20/04; amended 1/16/06, reviewed 9/18/06, 9/17/07, 9/15/08)
  1. Internet searching is a privilege that requires users to be civil, courteous, and lawful. This privilege may be suspended or revoked by the Delphi Public Library at any time for abusive or unlawful behavior. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, disrupting the computer system, posting illegal information, and using obscene, demeaning, or threatening language in public or, upon complaint, private messages. The library will be the sole arbiter of these cases when library equipment is involved.
  2. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Because the Internet changes each minute as new computers connect and existing computers add or delete information, it is technically impossible to prevent access to resources that may be inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, or potentially objectionable to some people. The library staff cannot monitor or control access to such material nor protect users from offensive material on the Internet.
  3. The library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet is a worldwide community with a highly diverse population, and it is the computer user's responsibility to use this resource wisely. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.
  4. Although computer users are free to access any Internet sites they wish, the library must be mindful and respectful of the rights of other patrons not to be inadvertently exposed to material and images generally considered inappropriate for public display. The library also must comply with federal law regarding exposure to certain explicit images and materials. A library staff member will direct computer users to remove inappropriate explicit images or text from the screen if, in the staff member's judgment, the image or text is displayed in such a way that other patrons are exposed to or cannot reasonably avoid viewing it in the course of carrying out their business in the library. The computer user will be directed to refrain from future viewing of such material in the library. Library computer workstations may not be used to view sexually explicit material that appeals solely to prurient interests. This restriction is in no way intended to limit viewing of images illustrating or text describing information intended for the education of users.
  5. To avoid disruption to other library users, computer users must wear headphones when listening to any sound files on the library computers, including music files, games, sound attachments to emails, web sites with background sounds, or any other audible files or sites. Conversation in the computer area must be kept to a minimal level to avoid disruption to other users.
  6. The library reserves the right to review the information stored in files that are intended for public access. Any information that is judged to be abusive, unlawful, or otherwise unacceptable by the library will be edited or removed at its sole discretion.
  7. The library provides access to the Internet and its information and services for the private use of its library patrons. Any commercial or unauthorized use of these resources, in any form, is expressly forbidden.
  8. The library provides resources for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. These resources are not intended, in any way, to refer to, or be applicable to, a specific person, case, or situation. Nor are they intended to replace independent professional advice or counseling.
  9. The library does not warrant that its computer system will meet the specific needs of any user, or be error-free and without interruption. The library will not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data or profits) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system.
  10. The library has established separate guidelines and procedures on various aspects of its operation, including commercial use, complaints and challenges, due process, and parental responsibilities. The Library Board regularly reviews these and will announce changes. Users, however, are responsible for checking, understanding, and following any published and online policies, guidelines, and procedures.
  11. Any person found in the judgment of staff to be engaged in any of the aforementioned unacceptable uses of library computers will be asked to stop such unacceptable use immediately. Computer privileges will be suspended, at a minimum, for the rest of the day. The staff will file an incident report. The library director may add further suspension and will provide formal notice of the suspension and a means of appeal. In the case of a minor who violates this Acceptable Use policy, the parent or guardian who signed the Parental Permission Slip will be notified.