MORRISON AND MARY WILEY LIBRARY PUBLIC ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS POLICY 

6/05/06

 

ELECTRONIC NETWORKS AND THE LIBRARY’S MISSION

 

Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need

to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network ILLINET), the Morrison and Mary Wiley Library is committed to networking, which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefits from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of the library building.

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic

information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:

 

1.        Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the

collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state.

 

2.        Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet.

 

3.        Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to

ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.

 

Internet electronic mail service is available to patrons in libraries that elect to

offer this service.  In many areas of Illinois, regional community information networks are operational and offer library patrons access to Internet electronic mail and related services. 

 

            The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library has Wifi available for patrons use.  The library is equipped with a wireless network which means that patrons may bring in their laptop computer and connect to the internet. 

 

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LIBRARY POLICIES

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library’s Policy for Access to Electronic

Information Networks is part of the Morrison and Mary Wiley Library’s overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies.  Copies of all Morrison and Mary Wiley Library policies are available upon request from a library staff member.

 

“GLOBAL” VERSUS “LOCAL” RESOURCES

 

Most resources available via the Internet and other electronic information

networks are “global” resources rather than “local” resources.  The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library does not and cannot control the information content available through global resources, such as information obtained from outside sources via the Internet.  Internet resources enhance and supplement resources that are available locally within the Morrison and Mary Wiley Library. Library users must be aware that the Morrison and Mary Wiley Library does not exercise control over information obtained via the Internet and must keep in mind the following points when evaluating information obtained via the Internet.


MORRISON AND MARY WILEY LIBRARY PUBLIC ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS POLICY (CONT.)

 

“GLOBAL” VERSUS “LOCAL” RESOURCES

 

1.        Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable and may or

may not be obtained from a reliable source.

 

2.        Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.

 

3.        Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current and up to date.

 

            4.    Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid and particular

information sites on the Internet may sometimes be unavailable.  This unavailability often occurs unpredictably.

 

5.    Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by

some library patrons.

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library urges library patrons to be informed consumers

and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.  Library staff may be available to assist patrons in making judgments about the reliability or currency of certain types of Internet information sources, but are unable to provide definitive analysis of particular sources due to the extremely large variety and volume of information available via the Internet.

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library is not responsible for damages, indirect or direct, arising from a library patron’s use of Internet information resources.

 

LIBRARY PATRONS’ RIGHTS

 

Library patrons have certain rights with respect to use of electronic information networks

such as the Internet.  The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library will work with other libraries in the Illinois Library and Information Network to preserve and protect these rights, subject to limitations imposed by licensing and payment agreements with database providers.

 

Library patrons have the right to confidentiality and privacy in the use of electronic

information networks to the extent possible given certain constraints, such as proximity of other patrons and staff in public access settings.

 

Library patrons have the right to equitable access to electronic information networks.

 

Library patrons have the right to access and read all Morrison and Mary Wiley Library

service policies and discuss questions with appropriate library staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORRISON AND MARY WILEY LIBRARY PUBLIC ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS POLICY (CONT.)

 

PATRON ASSISTANCE AND INSTRUCTION

 

The library’s staff may provide assistance to patrons in the use of electronic information networks, as time and staff knowledge permits.

 

USE OF EQUIPMENT AND NETWORKS

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library requires that library patrons using electronic

information networks, such as the Internet do so within the guidelines of acceptable use.  The following activities are unacceptable:

 

Use of electronic information networks for any purpose which results in the harassment

of other users,

 

Destruction of, damage to or unauthorized alteration of the Morrison and Mary Wiley

Library’s computer equipment software or network security procedures

 

Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates a federal or state law,

 

Use of electronic information networks in any way which violates licensing and payment

agreements between Morrison and Mary Wiley Library and network/database providers,

 

Unauthorized duplication of copy-protected software 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 serves to deny access to other users.

 

Viewing information or pictures which are unsuitable for children to view.

 

CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library supports the right of all library users to access

information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age.

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library recognizes that the electronic information

networks, such as 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 is unable to monitor children’s use.  Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety.  Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a permission form before they use the library computers.

 

 

 

 

MORRISON AND MARY WILEY LIBRARY PUBLIC ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS POLICY (CONT.)

 

LIBRARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO ELECTRONIC NETWORKS

 

The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library has developed certain procedures to assist staff and patrons in the use of electronic information resources.  These procedures include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

 

Priority usage for accessing the library’s online catalog,

 

Thirty minute time limits for access to allow use of resources by the maximum number of

library patrons,

 

A $.20 per black and white page and $.50 per color page for printouts using computer

equipment owned by the library,

           

            School reports may be printed for $.10 per page for black and white and $.25 per page for color, 

 

            Specific instructions for downloading including compliance with virus protection

measures,

 

Restrictions on the use of personal software on library computer equipment,

 

Patrons must sign a User Agreement Form before they can use the computers.

 

Children under the age of 18 must have a User’s Agreement Form signed by a parent or

guardian before they may use library computers.

 

BREACH OF POLICY

Violation of any aspect of this policy may result in the loss of use of library computer

privileges.


MORRISON AND MARY WILEY LIBRARY PUBLIC ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION NETWORKS USER AGREEMENT

 

Name (Please Print)

 

______________________                                                                           

Last                                                      First

 

User Agreement

 

1.       By printing my name on this User Agreement , I confirm that I have read the policies

concerning the use of the Morrison and Mary Wiley Library's Internet computers and agree to abide by the policies.

 

2.       I agree to pay any repair or replacement costs of equipment or software damaged by

myself or by minors for whom I am responsible.

 

3.       I understand that copyright laws restrict duplication of copyrighted software and I

will follow all copyright laws.

 

4.       I understand that if I fail to abide by the Morrison and May Wiley Library's Internet

policies, I will lose eligibility for use of this service.

 

5.       I understand and acknowledge that the Internet contains material of a controversial

nature including pornography, obscenity, inflammatory or dangerous material and that the Morrison and May Wiley Library has no control over the Internet and assumes no responsibility for the content, quality, accuracy, currency or appropriateness of any Internet resources.

 

 

 

            As the parent or guardian of                                                                              

I give permission for my child to use the Internet computers at the Morrison and Mary Wiley Library, with the understanding that I am responsible for monitoring my child's appropriate use of this service and that I am responsible for any damage that may occur.  I have read, understand and agree to the above statements.

 

Parent or Guardian Signature:                                                                                          

 

Date:                                                                 BIRTHDATE OF CHILD:  _________________________