Internet Access Policy

 

The Argyle Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources and services that meet the informational, recreational and educational needs of Argyle’s diverse community.  It is in this context that the Argyle Public Library offers access to the internet.

The Argyle Public Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.  Library patrons use it at their own risk.  At the same time, all internet resources available throughout the library are provided equally to all library users, many of whom are children. When the number of patrons exceed the availability of computers, use is limited to 30 minutes.

Therefore, it becomes necessary for every individual using the public internet service at the library to respect the sensibility of other library patrons and the family environment here.  There are sexually explicit materials and other information resources which some may find controversial or inappropriate.  Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s internet sessions. All those under the age of 16 who use these services at the library “on their own” must have a consent form on file signed by their parent or guardian.

Patrons with a library card can sign into library-owned computers, using the last four digits of their library card as identification.  Guest passes are also available and can be used 5 times before needing to acquire a card.

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS FOR PATRON-OWNED DEVICES

Wireless internet access is available throughout the library for patrons using their own devices.  The name of the wireless network is “library”.  No password is required.  The security of user information transmitted over the wireless network cannot be guaranteed.

 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTERNET USE BY MINORS

The library does not filter content on any of its computers.  Although the use of the internet within the library by minors is permitted and encouraged, the library cannot guarantee that minors’ internet use will be supervised.  Parents & guardians should discuss safe and appropriate internet use with their children.  Library staff members’ are happy to help parents find recommended guidelines to share with their children.

 

 

PROHIBITED CONTENT

The library does not filter internet content on any of its computers. However for the enjoyment of all library users, the display of certain content within the library is strictly prohibited.  This prohibition applies regardless of whether the content appears on library-owned computers or patron-owned devices. 

 

Prohibited content includes, but is not limited to:

·         Pornography

·         Nudity

·         Depictions of graphic violence towards humans and/or animals

·         Hate propaganda or speech

·         Any materials that may be disturbing to others in the considered opinion library staff

 

Users of both library-owned computers and patron owned devices will be warned if library staff observe prohibited content.  Users who fail to cease accessing prohibited content after staff warning or who do so on multiple occasions will face the loss of privileges as follows:

 

1^st violation Patron will be asked to leave the building for the day

2^nd violation Patron will be barred from entering the library for 7 days

3^rd violation Patron will be barred from entering the library for 1 year

 

 

I have read the above information and agree to follow the policy and guidelines explained above.

 

Patron Name & date____________________________________________________________

Parent signature required to be on file if patron is under 16)____________________________

 

 

 

                                                                               

                Approved by the Argyle Public Library Board of Directors on April 23, 2018