Internet Policy

The Dixon Homestead Library is pleased to provide Internet access to its patrons as part of its effort to meet the educational, cultural, recreational, and business needs of the community.

The Dixon Homestead Library upholds the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. As stated in that document all users are to be provided with equal access to all Library resources.

The Internet is a worldwide computer network with a highly diverse user population. It offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information. However, the Internet is an unregulated medium and the content and images found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, biased or offensive. The Library does not endorse the content or information found via the Internet nor does it vouch for the accuracy, authenticity, or timeliness of information accessed via the Internet.

Patrons should be aware that security in electronic environments cannot be guaranteed and therefore transactions, files, and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized use and should be considered public. The Library will not be responsible for direct, indirect, or consequential damages related to the use of information found throughout the Library’s Internet service.

The internet is available on a first come first served basis. The Library reserves the right to establish procedures for implementing time limits and/or sign-ups. The Library reserves the right to end Internet sessions at any time.

Patrons utilizing the Internet to play games, send emails, or use chat rooms or social networking sites may be asked by the Library Staff to end their session if another patron needs to conduct research and no other computers are available. The search for materials and information takes precedence over all other activities.

The regulation of access to the Internet by minors is the responsibility of their parents or guardians. The Library affirms this right and responsibility. Parents should be warned that as no filtering software has been installed on any Library computer unsupervised children may see things that the parent finds objectionable. Children should be accompanied by a parent/caregiver or provided with guidelines for Internet use. The Library and the Library Staff cannot be responsible for screening what is acceptable to children.

As with all Library resources, the Internet is to be used respectfully and appropriately. Patrons are prohibited from modifying any computer settings even for temporary use. The use of the Internet on Library computers to conduct commercial or business enterprises is not permitted. Sending threatening, harassing or offensive messages or images via the Internet or deliberately transmitting computer viruses is a crime. Patrons who engage in such activities will be reported to the proper authorities. Failure to comply with these policies may result in the suspension of Library privileges.

The Library’s computers are located in a public space and can be viewed by patrons of all ages and sensibilities. Although constant monitoring is not possible the Library Staff is watchful and observant of the screens. The Library Staff reserves the right to request that a patron exit a website if they see or are advised by another patron, material judged to be inappropriate. Patrons who fail to abide by this policy are subject to suspension of their Library privileges. Individuals who become argumentative or refuse to log-off when asked to do so by Library Staff will have their Library privileges suspended.

The Library is confident that individuals will use sound judgment as to what is acceptable to fellow community members and will conduct themselves in a responsible and legal manner when using the Internet.

Downloading information to a disc or flash drive is permitted but not onto the computer hard drive. Users must adhere to the copyright laws and licensing agreements when downloading material found on the Internet.

Printing is sent to the Library’s net printer and is $.10 per page.

The Library reserves the right to modify policies as necessary to ensure the fair and reasonable use of the Internet.

Policy Approved by the Board of Trustees 12/17/2008.
This policy may be modified at any time.