Internet

INTERNET POLICIES

The Library makes every effort to provide free and equitable access to informational and recreational reading in all formats.

The Internet provides access to a vast range and variety of resources but these resources can not be considered uniformly accurate, current, complete or age-appropriate and some material so accessed may be offensive to some patrons. The Library has no control over the material available on this rapidly changing medium and, therefore, assumes no responsibility for content accessed or damages arising, directly or indirectly, through use of its connections to the Internet.

Parents and guardians are reminded that the supervision of a child’s use of a Library computer, including Internet access, is their responsibility.

Library computers may not be used to:
access sites or transmit materials which violate any Canadian federal or provincial law or Town directive (including, but not limited to, defamatory, discriminatory or obscene materials);
send fraudulent, harassing or obscene e-mails;
or display overt sexual images.

Patrons must respect licenses, insure the legality of sites accessed, assess for themselves the accuracy of information retrieved, respect the security and privacy of others and abide by the procedures outlined below.

Staff are available to assist with searches and troubleshoot computer problems as time and other Library duties permit.

INTERNET PROCEDURES

The Library’s Procedures are designed to permit equal access to a computer and the Internet to all patrons through guidelines that all staff will administer fairly.

Access is limited to one hour per day. At the discretion of staff, exceptions may be made for project or assignment research if arranged in advance, or if a patron requires extra time due to a disability.

Attempts to alter the operating systems, to void security measures in place for the protection of all users or to modify any aspect of the system for personal benefit is prohibited and patrons identified as doing such will be denied access to the Library’s computers for a period to be decided upon by Library staff.

Reservations may be made up to seven days in advance by using the booking computer reserved for that purpose or by phone. Reservations will be automatically deleted 10 minutes past the appointed time and the computer made available to others. Another reservation may be made if one is missed but for only 50 minutes.

A Midland Public Library borrower’s card, available free to residents who provide ID with a current address, is required to make a reservation. A variety of temporary cards may be issued to non-residents upon presentation of a government issued piece of ID. For non-residents seeking a single session, a day pass is available. For those visiting longer there is a 7 day guest pass. An IA (Internet Access) card may be issued to non-residents for a 6 month period for a one time fee $2.00. Any of the above cards will be replaced, if lost, at a cost of $2.00.

There will be a maximum of two people on a computer at a time.

All computers are shut off 15 minutes prior to the Library’s closing. Printing costs are $0.20 for B & W and $1.00 for colour.

Earphones are available for borrowing but staff will ask for a piece of ID to hold until they are returned, or patrons may bring their own.

These Policies and Procedures have been reviewed and approved by the Midland Public Library Board to guide staff in the equitable treatment of patrons, to ensure that the equipment is well maintained and to promote the security of all. Failure to abide by these procedures may result in the suspension of Internet access privileges and/or Library privileges.

Approved June 2008

For a copy of our policies and procedures please download them by clicking the link below.