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| > About ELPL > Policies > Internet Access Policy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internet Access Policy | ||
| Purpose The East Lansing Public Library's mission is to actively provide easily accessible, new and traditional resources, services, and programs. Internet availability is included among these and enables the Library to expand greatly its information services beyond traditional collections. Internet Access Service 1. The East Lansing Public Library offers access to the Internet as an informational reference and resource tool. The use of the Internet for Usenet news groups, access to lists, or online discussion/chat is prohibited. The workstations may not be used for personal profit or commercial activities including the sale or purchase of goods and services, or fundraising. Interactive services that have an educational purpose (e.g. taking an exam online) are allowed. 2. Internet access is both restricted and not restricted. Under Michigan Public Act 212, minors age 17 and under must use a terminal "restricted from receiving obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors" unless "accompanied by their parent or guardian." Adults, age 18 and over, select for themselves either restricted or not restricted access. 3. There may be times when the user may not be able to access a given site on the Internet or the Internet connection is disrupted or slow due to circumstances beyond the control of the Library. 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. Users must: 1. use the Internet workstation in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of others, and taking care with use of the equipment. The user may not change the Internet settings or damage/change the setup of either the hardware or the software of Library computers. Personal software may not be loaded or used on library computers. Attempts to circumvent or breach work station, network, or host security within the Library or at other Internet sites, or to otherwise compromise the operation of or access to these systems or resources will result in denial of Internet privileges. 2. respect intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet and the World Wide Web. It is the user's responsibility to be aware of the display of any copyright notices and to obey the copyright laws of the United States. 3. 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 seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet. 4. use the Library Internet connection and work stations in a lawful manner. Work stations cannot be used for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose prohibited under any applicable federal, Michigan or local law. If it comes to the attention of the East Lansing Public Library that the Internet is being used for illegal or criminal activity of any kind, the Library will report to and cooperate with law enforcement officials in any manner authorized by state or federal statute. 5. refrain from the display of obscene matter or sexually explicit matter on screens and/or printers. Such display will be construed as sexual harassment, and in the case of a minor, a violation of Michigan law and will result in revoking Internet privileges. The East Lansing Public Library, and the City of East Lansing, are committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment. 6. not use Library Internet access for news groups, access to lists, online discussion/chat, personal profit or commercial activities, including the sale of goods and services, or fund raising. The Library Internet is intended for information gathering only. 7. be adults 18 years of age or older to access electronic mail. Minors, 17 years of age or younger, may only access electronic mail if they are "accompanied by their parent or guardian" in accordance with Public Act 212 that "require(s) enforcement of a policy that restricts access to minors" . . . "from receiving obscene matter or sexually explicit matter". 8. follow Library procedures in downloading data from the Internet. Warning: downloaded data may contain computer viruses. Every user is responsible for maintaining virus-checking software on his or her home computer. The East Lansing Public Library is not responsible for damage to any user's disk or computer, or any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from use of Library computers. 9. respect the policy that computers in the Children's Room are intended for use by children age 13 and under. Internet access will be denied to anyone who does not comply with this use policy. Adopted by the East Lansing Public Library Board of Trustees September 20, 2000 |
 East Lansing Public Library | 950 Abbott Road | East Lansing, Michigan 48823 USA | 517-351-2420  A
service of the city of East Lansing |
