COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY
Adopted February, 2023

I. General Statements Regarding Internet.

  1. Internet Access. The Suttons Bay Bingham District Library provides access to a broad range of information resources, including those available through the Internet.  Access to the Internet enables the Library to expand its information services significantly.  This policy applies to both the Library-owned computers and wireless access available at the Library.
  2. Validity of Information. The Internet offers access to a wealth of information and Internet sites including useful ideas, information and opinions from around the world.  However, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete or legal.  Internet users will need to evaluate for themselves the validity of the information found.
  3. Library Does Not Endorse Information on Internet. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it also enables access to information, ideas and commentary beyond the confines of the Library’s mission, selection criteria, and collection development policies.  The provision of access or a library website does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary that may be found on the Internet.
  4. View Internet at Own Risk. The Internet may contain information that is controversial, sexually explicit or offensive.  Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view and images can be found on the Internet that are controversial, divergent and/or inflammatory.  Because of this and the fact that access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably, the Library cannot protect individuals from information and images which they might find offensive, disturbing or inaccurate. Library patrons use the Internet at their own risk.  Parents or guardians of minor children are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet through the Library’s connection as stated more fully below.
  5. No Liability. The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet.  Patrons shall use Library computer hardware and software at their own risk.  The Library is not responsible for equipment malfunction, loss of data, any damages to the user’s disks, data, or electronic transactions of any type.  The Library is not responsible for the loss of any portable media.

II. Nature of the Public Library Setting.

  1. Respect Others. Because Library Users of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities are using the computers, Library patrons are asked to be sensitive to other’s values and beliefs when accessing potentially controversial information and images.
  2. Use with Caution of Risks. Users are cautioned that, because security in an electronic environment such as the Internet cannot be guaranteed, all transactions, files and communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and use.

III.       Procedure for Use.

A. Reservation/Time Limits.

  1. If a User wishes to use the Internet station he or she must sign in with their library card or a guest pass.
  2. The User may sign in to use the Internet station for a two hour time period. Use of the Internet stations is available on a first come, first served basis.  If no one is waiting, the User may use the terminal for additional two hour time period.
  3. A person wishing to reserve an Internet station or be placed on a waiting list for the next available Internet station may do so at the circulation desk. Reservations and wait lists are created on a first come, first served basis.

B. Availability. The public computers are only available for use by Users if they are not being used for Library purposes, such as classes, staff training or special programs.  The Library reserves the right to have first priority of use for Library uses, sponsored events or co-sponsored events.  Library patrons should be aware that one computer is limited to only the online public access catalog and is clearly marked.  The online public access catalog computer is available on a first come, first served basis.

C. Closing. All computers and printers are shut down when the Library closes.

D. Reimbursement for Printing. The User shall reimburse the Library twenty cents ($.20) a page for black and white printing and fifty cents ($.50) a page for color printing.  The User shall be responsible for all printing costs, so Users are encouraged to use “print preview” so that they are aware of the number of copies.

E. Staff Assistance. Staff may assist Library Users in getting started on the Internet. However, the Library cannot guarantee that Internet-trained staff will be available to assist users at all times the Library is open. Because of the many different applications available on the Internet, staff may not be able to provide specialized or technical knowledge about a particular application.  Users who need training on Library software or digital collections should request an appointment.  

IV. Internet Use by Minors – Patrons Under 18 Years of Age

  1. Responsibility of Parents and Legal Guardians. As with other materials in the Library’s collection, it is the Library’s policy that parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding which Library resources are appropriate for their children. The Library urges parents and guardians to discuss Internet use with their children and to monitor their use of this educational tool. Parents are responsible for the minor child’s use of email.
  2. Access for Patrons Under 18 years of Age. Michigan law, 1978 PA 33 and the Library Privacy Act, prohibits minors from accessing obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. The Library receives E-rate funding and is subject to the Children’s Internet Protection Act. To comply with these laws, the Library uses technology protection measures to block or filter Internet access to pictures that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors. Adults may request unfiltered Internet access.

V. Acceptable Use.

All users of the Library’s Internet connection and workstations are expected to use this resource in a responsible and courteous manner, and to follow all rules and procedures as established in this Policy. 

  1. Lawful Use. The Library Internet connection and workstations shall be used in a lawful manner.  The Library’s Internet and workstations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose prohibited under any applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, accessing material that can be classified as obscene or child pornography.
  2. Intellectual Property. Users must respect intellectual property rights and obey the copyright laws of the United States and all other intellectual property rights.  Responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user.  The Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility resulting from such use.
  3. Use Must Not be Harmful to Minors. Michigan law prohibits users from allowing minors access to sexually explicit materials harmful to minors. Internet Users shall also not permit any minor to view sexually explicit material or any other material deemed harmful to minors.
  4. Compliance with Code of Behavior. The same rules apply to the use of the Internet as with the use of any other Library materials.  The Library has adopted a Patron Behavior Policy.  All Internet Users must comply with the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy, which shall be posted in the Library.
  5. Privacy; Unauthorized Access. Users must respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another User; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; and by not hacking or seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
  6. Time Limit. No patron may use the Library’s Internet access in violation of this Policy.  Failure to leave a computer terminal upon the expiration of the allotted time is a violation of this Policy.
  7. Saving Files and Documents. Patrons who wish to have a permanent record of their work need to save files and documents on their own portable media.  Library computers do not allow Users to permanently save documents or personal files to the hard drive.
  8. Personal Software Prohibited. The Users shall refrain from use of personal software, the attachment of equipment to the Library’s computers or networks or the modification of any operating system or network configuration.  The User shall also refrain from downloading/uploading files to/from the Library’s computers.
  9. System Modifications. Users are not permitted to change the security setup, operating systems, the network configuration or any other configuration of any Library computer workstation without authorization.
  10. Damage. The User shall be responsible for repayment of any costs to the Library for damage to the computer terminals or system.
  11. Terminal Use. Only two (2) people may use an Internet station. Both individuals must be seated. Upon request, Library staff members may approve and allow additional Users at a workstation.
  12. Personal Information; Unauthorized Release. No patron, including minors, may engage in the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information of any person, including minors.

VI. Violations

The Library Director or designee may restrict access to Library facilities with immediate dismissal of the patron from the premises, by suspending the patron’s access to Library property for a set period of time, or by denying access to specific services and/or programs pursuant to this Policy.  When necessary, the police may be called to intervene.

  1. Incident Reports. Library staff shall record in writing in the form of an Incident Report any violation of this Policy that resulted in a patron asked to leave or a suspension of Library privileges or the police being called.  By the end of the day on which the incident occurred, an Incident Report shall be written and forwarded to the Library Director for logging and review.  The report should include physical descriptions in addition to the name of the patron.  A copy of the suspension of privileges letter should be attached, if applicable.

  2. Violation of the Policy – Suspension of Privileges. Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, (see Section C below), the Library shall handle violations as follows:
    1. Initial Violation: Library patrons observed violating this Policy will be asked to cease the violation with a verbal request.  If the patron does not comply with the request, he or she will again be asked to cease the violation and warned that failure to do so will result in being asked to leave the building for the day. If the patron does not comply with the second request, he or she will be asked to leave the building for the day. If he or she refuses, the police may be called.
    2. Subsequent Violations: The Library Director or authorized designee may further limit or suspend the patron’s Library privileges if infractions continue.  Such limitation or revocation shall be in writing specifying the nature of the violation.  Subsequent violations of the same rule shall result in additional suspensions of increasing length or a police trespass order.

  3. Violations that Affect Safety and Security. Violations involving verbal abuse, violence, threatening behaviors, sexual harassment, vandalism, drug sale or use or attempted illegal drug sale or use, intoxication, theft or attempted theft, physical harassment, sexual misconduct or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of staff and/or patrons shall be handled as follows:
    1.     Initial Violation: The police will be called immediately.  If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue.  Violations of this nature will result in an immediate minimum two-week suspension of Library privileges in order to give the Library sufficient time to investigate the incident.  After the investigation is completed, the Library Director or his/her designee may add additional time to the initial limitation or suspension period.
    2.     Subsequent Violations: The police will be called immediately.  If the conduct constitutes a violation of local, state, or federal law, arrest or criminal prosecution may ensue.  The Library Director or the Library Director’s authorized designee, may further limit or suspend the patron’s Library privileges in escalating responses, which will be documented in writing.  Subsequent violations of the same rule will result in additional suspensions of increasing length or a police trespass order.

  4. Reinstatement. The patron whose privileges have been limited or suspended shall attend a meeting with the Library Director or authorized designee to review the Library Patron Behavior Policy before their privileges may be reinstated.  The Library Director may impose conditions for the reinstatement.

VII.     Right of Appeal.

Patrons may appeal (1) a decision to limit or suspend privileges or (2) the conditions placed on reinstatement by sending a written appeal to the Library Board within ten (10) business days of the date of the decision.  The appeal should be sent to the President of the Library Board.  The decision of the Library Board is final.