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The development of this statement of policy by the River Falls
Public Library is in recognition of the need for guiding rules or
principles which can be followed in deciding actions to be taken when
various problems are made known to it. The rules, regulations,
statements and procedures set forth in this policy are not final
answers to every or any given problem and must be studied and
interpreted in terms of the changing needs of the River Falls Public
Library service area. This policy will be in support of the American
Library Association document, " Access
to Electronic Information, Services and Networks: an Interpretation of
the Library Bill of Rights," adopted by the ALA
Council, January 24, 1996.
The Internet is an international network of public and private
computers which increases availability of resources and provides
access to information outside the scope of the regular library
collection. The public library does not guarantee the accuracy,
authenticity or currency of the information located by the user.
Electronic information is constantly changing and expanding. It is the
responsibility of the user to evaluate information found on the
Internet. Provision of access does not imply sponsorship or
endorsement.
The River Falls Public Library does not restrict Internet access or
protect users from encountering images or ideas that are controversial
or inappropriate. People
may not use library computers for illegal purposes, i.e. copyright
infringement, accessing pornography.
Please read Guidelines
below.
Parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for their
child’s use of the Internet. The library homepage [www.rfcity.org/library]
provides a link to the parents' guide, Child
Safety on the Information Highway.
River Falls Public Library assumes no responsibility for direct or
indirect results of access to the Internet through the library on both
the library owned computers and patron owned computers on the wireless
network.
Computer assistance
Library staff is available for basic assistance as time
allows, but must also serve other library customers. Library staff can
demonstrate the use of Netscape Navigator to access useful Internet
sites, but will not be familiar with every application. Because of the
many different Internet applications available, library staff cannot
provide technical support for the sites on the Internet. Computer
users who would like extra help or training are encouraged to look for
educational classes elsewhere in the community. If you are having
problems connecting to the Internet or other program, or with the
printer, ask for help at the reference desk.
The
library has written directions on how to connect to the library’s
wireless network. A
wireless network card is available for check-out at the Reference
Desk. A valid ID or
library card and/or $50 deposit, either cash or check, is required.
Please note that the Library cannot assist you with your
laptop, wireless network card, or configuration. The Library cannot
accept the liability of handling your equipment.
Printing charges
Printed pages are $.10 each. Color copies are $ .50 each.
You must pay for each
and every copy you print.
Liability
The Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to
users’ hardware, software, data or disks, nor for any personal
damage or injury whatsoever incurred as a result of using the
Library’s electronic resources or wireless network. This
includes, but is not limited to, damage or injury sustained from
invasions of the user’s privacy. Enter any credit card, personal, or
financial information at your own risk.
Guidelines
1. The following activities are prohibited
on both library owned computers and patron owned computers using the
library’s wireless network:
- Violating federal, state, or
local laws. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted
material or licensing agreements, sending unsolicited chain
letters or broadcast messages, assuming another’s identity, and
sending threatening or obscene materials.
- This is a public building with
users of all ages and sensibilities. Knowing display of obscene
graphics or graphics that may be harmful to minors is not allowed
under Wisconsin Statues 944.21
and 948.11.
The online version of this policy on the library homepage provides
links to the text of these statutes.
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U.S. copyright law (Title
17, U.S.Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction
or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by
the principles of fair use. Users may not copy or distribute
electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images,
programs, music files or data) without the explicit permission of
the copyright holder. All responsibility for any consequences of
copyright infringement lies with the user; the River Falls Public
Library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility
resulting from such violations.
- Disregarding the rules of
network etiquette, or interfering with use of the network by
others. These rules include using appropriate language, respecting
the privacy of other users, and keeping conversation to a minimum.
Hate mail, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors
are unacceptable.
- Invading privacy of
individuals by accessing their data or by harming, modifying, or
destroying their data.
- Using the Internet for
financial or commercial purposes.
- Damaging or disrupting
equipment, system performance, or data.
- Causing excessive congestion
of the network or interfering with use of others.
- Placing or altering files or
programs.
- Because of copyright laws and
potential damage from computer viruses, the Library prohibits the
use of personal software, or any other media supplied by the user,
on the Library’s computer equipment.
- Gaining unauthorized access to
resources.
- Downloading or uploading large amounts of
data or large files (more than 10MB), thus monopolizing bandwidth
on the library network.
2. Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be
subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.
3. The library does not provide access to gambling or fee-based
services.
4. Cell phone use is
restricted to the library lobby.
5. Keep any and all
conversation to a minimum while using the computer room.
If you are using headphones, keep volume at a level that is not
distracting to other computer users.
6. Save your work to a
floppy disk, CD-R/RW or zip disk, not the hard (C:) drive.
Please provide your own disk. If
necessary, a floppy disk can be obtained from the
reference desk.
7. Computer users are
not guaranteed more than one (1) hour of computer time per day. If there is a waiting list, and you have exceeded the one hour
time limit, you will be logged off of the computer.
8. Computer work
stations are designed for use by one person at a time.
9. Young children are
not to be left unattended while parents and caregivers use the
library’s electronic resources.
Library staff is not be responsible for the safety of unattended
children.
Consequences
Access to the Internet from the River Falls Public Library is
a privilege, not a right. Be
considerate of others when viewing material that may be considered
offensive by other library users. The River Falls Public Library Board
is committed to providing a safe working environment for all library
users, including staff and volunteer internet guides.
Library staff will determine what constitutes a
violation of these guidelines. The library staff will tell anyone
viewing inappropriate material to exit that site immediately.
A second offense will result in the immediate loss of
computer privileges for the rest of the day. Further violations will
be referred to the Library Director, and may include but are not
limited to a loss of privileges for up
to six (6) months, or permanently as the situation merits.
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