Internet Policy

Access to Electronic Resources and the Library's Mission 

The Indianola Public Library is committed to providing free and equal access to informational, educational, and recreational resources for the entire community to promote life-long learning and enjoyment.  

Relationship to Other Library Policies

The Indianola Public Library's Computer Policy is part of the library's overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies. 

Rights and Responsibilities

The library expects the use of all its electronic sources to be responsible, ethical, legal, and consistent with the purpose for which those resources are provided.   The Indianola Public Library complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.  To this end:

  1. The library affirms the right of every individual to have access to constitutionally protected material as stated in the Collection Development Policy.
  2. Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet, including when the child is at the library without a parent, is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. 
  3. Internet access is provided in a public area shared by users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities.  Users should consider this when accessing potentially controversial information and images.
  4. The library reserves the right to ask users to discontinue the display of information and images which cause a disruption.
  5. Users will not misrepresent themselves to any other user; will not attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; will not seek unauthorized access to any computer system; and will not damage or alter software components of any network or device.
  6. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the internet when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
  7. Technology measures shall be used to prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful activities.
  8. Technology measures shall be used to prevent unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information.
  9. The library's Internet connection and wireless service may be used only for lawful purposes.  Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited.   This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material and threatening or obscene material. Internet users agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Indianola Public Library from any claims resulting from their use of the service, which damaged the user or another party.
  10. The library is not responsible for lost data and does not guarantee any supplied program.  Users will be held financially responsible for any damage or alteration to equipment or software.  Misuse of any equipment, or failure to follow any of the guidelines in this policy, including failure to abide by time limits, will result in loss of computer privileges.  
  11. Indianola Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet.
  12. Patron use of the Internet carries with it a responsibility to evaluate the quality of the information accessed.  The availability of information does not constitute endorsement of the content or accuracy by the Indianola Public Library.  
  13. Persons who violate these policies may have their library privileges suspended and may be prosecuted.

 

Access to Public Computers

  • The library’s public computers are available to any user who visits the library. Persons without a library card may login using a guest pass.
  • Stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not reserved in advance.  Length of use is limited to two 45-minute sessions per day, longer if no one else is waiting.  The number of persons per station is limited to two.  Fees will be charged for any pages printed from the Internet.  
  • The library cannot guarantee that this service will be available at any specific time or at any specific speed.
  • Files saved to the computer’s drives are erased at the end of each user’s session.

Access to the Library’s Wireless Connection

  • The library will not assume responsibility for any damage, theft, alterations, interference, or loss of any kind to a user’s equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the library’s facilities. All virus and security protection are the responsibility of the user.
  • The library cannot accept the liability of handling patron’s computers.  Patrons must understand how to configure their own computers to access the library’s wireless service.  

Staff Assistance

  • It is assumed that people using the Internet will have some knowledge of how it works. Library staff cannot provide in-depth software instruction or one-on-one training concerning Internet use but may be able to offer searching suggestions and answer general questions.   

Adopted 2/8/00; 12/10/02; Revised 2/10/04; 7/13/04; 10/07; 2/12; 11/17; 5/19; Revised 7/21