Acceptable Use Policy

KDL Policy 4.6.1

It is the policy of the Kent District Library to provide access to information in whatever format it may exist. This includes on-line catalogs of other libraries, a variety of databases, and the Internet. The Library recognizes this is a dynamic environment with content that constantly changes.

The Kent District Library neither has control over resources offered through the Internet nor has complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. Information on the Internet may be reliable and current or may be inaccurate, out-of-date, or unavailable at times. Some content may be offensive. Library users access the Internet at their own discretion. The Internet is not governed by any entity so there are no limits or checks on the kind of information contained there. Only a user can decide on the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the content.

To comply with Public Act No. 212 of 2000, the Library uses a filtering program on its computers designed to restrict minors using the Internet from receiving obscene matter and sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. The filtering program restricts such access through the minor’s Library card. However, the Library recognizes that no filter is 100% effective. The Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their minor child’s reading, listening, and viewing of Library material, including the Internet. If a parent or guardian wishes to permit their minor child to access the Internet without such filtering, the parent or guardian must accompany the minor by being physically present at the computer terminal at all times. In addition, if a patron requests a specific site to be unblocked from the filtering program, the Branch Manager shall refer the request for review by administrative staff to determine whether it contains obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. If it does not, the administrative staff may authorize the system wide unblocking of the site. The patron will be informed of the decision in writing. The decision may be appealed in writing within 7 days to the Director whose decision shall be final.

To prevent exposure of the Library's computer system to a virus, users may not use their own software programs on the Library's computer network. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus. Kent District Library is not responsible for damage or loss that may occur from use of the Library’s computers.

A fee may be charged for material printed from KDL computers.

The Library's Internet computers may NOT be used for:

- Unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes
- Sending, receiving or displaying text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene/offensive
- Disrupting use of the Internet for others

In addition, a minor shall not use an adult's Library card for access to the Internet unless the minor is physically accompanied by a parent or guardian at the computer terminal at all times.

Violations of this Policy in the use of the Internet will result in loss of Internet and/or Library privileges pursuant to the procedure in the last paragraph of this Policy.

Use of an Internet computer is limited to 60 minutes of use per day. Computer use will end 5 minutes before the Library closes.

No more than two people at a time may use an Internet computer. Staff may restrict usage to one person at a time.

Individuals are responsible for their own choices. Parents and guardians are responsible for the choices of their own minor children. Parents are encouraged to read Child Safety on the Information Highway, a pamphlet that is available at all library service desks.

The Library is mindful of its commitment to the principles of freedom of access. Library users are free to access whatever Internet sites they wish (subject to the filtering program for minors described above). However, the Library respects the rights of others to not be inadvertently exposed to material or images they may reasonably find obscene/offensive. Therefore, the Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time.

Without wishing to censor access, staff members reserve the right to prohibit the display of material that would reasonably be considered inappropriate for viewing in a public area.

Sending any information, including credit card numbers, via the Internet is at the sole risk of the user. Kent District Library has no control over the security of this data.

Users violating this use Policy will first be asked to comply. For users who repeatedly violate the policy after previous warnings, the Library reserves the right to prohibit access or use of the Internet and/or Library by action of the branch manager. The user will be informed of the decision in writing. A branch manager's decision to take such action may be appealed within seven (7) days to the Director whose decision shall be final. Illegal acts will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Reviewed 4-11-07