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 in order to promote life-long learning and enjoyment. Providing access to electronic resources is an integral part of the Library's commitment to adapt our services based on changing technology and the needs of patrons. Computers at the library provide access to the online catalog, the Internet, Microsoft Office programs, and a variety of reference databases. Wireless access to the Internet is also available.
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.
Disclaimer for Users of the Internet at the Library
Users should be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The library denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained. The library urges patrons to be informed consumers and carefully evaluate information obtained via the Internet.
Internet users should be aware that viewing of certain materials in the public library may be considered improper in time, place or manner. They must respect the rights of other library patrons to not be inadvertently exposed to material and images, which could be considered offensive. The Library reserves the right to end an Internet session at any time if it is creating a disturbance.
Unlawful use of the Internet is prohibited. Patrons who engage in unlawful use (including, but not limited to, Iowa Code Chapter 728 and U.S. Code Title 17) of the Internet will have Library privileges suspended and may be prosecuted.
Patron Assistance and Instruction
It is assumed that people using the Internet will have some knowledge of how it works. It is not considered the duty of library staff to educate and/or train patrons in the use of the Internet. If time and expertise permit, library staff will attempt to help patrons requiring assistance.
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. The library's home page has links to sites that will help you get started on your Internet search.
The library cannot accept the liability of handling patron’s computers. Patrons must understand how to configure their own computers in order to access the library’s wireless service. A document offering connection guidelines is available at the Circulation Desk.
Internet Functions Supported
Library Internet workstations provide access to the World Wide Web using a graphical browser. The library does not provide e-mail accounts, Internet Relay Chat or Telnet. Patrons who wish to use web-based e-mail or Internet chat are expected to make responsible use of these services (see Rules Governing Public Use of the Computers) and must register and maintain their own accounts without assistance from staff. File transfer protocol is not supported.
Supervising Children’s Internet Use
Material is available on the Internet that parents may feel is inappropriate for their children. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet. Parents or guardians, not the library or its staff are responsible for the information accessed by children. Parents and children are encouraged to read the information provided at http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm
Rules Governing Use of Public Computers
Patrons using the Internet must be considered a “patron in good standing”, with fines and fees under $5.00
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. Library staff is available to assist patrons in selecting the best mix of information resources to meet their needs.
Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Unlawful use of the Internet is prohibited. Patrons who engage in unlawful use (including, but not limited to, Iowa Code Chapter 728 and U.S. Code Title 17) of the Internet will have Library privileges suspended and may be prosecuted.
Indianola Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet.
The Library provides computers for use in accessing the Internet. Patrons using the Internet stations must leave their library card or other current identification at the desk while using the computers. 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.
Patrons may not download software from the Internet, load their own software or Library-owned circulating CD-ROM software, or save documents to the hard drive. Patrons wanting to save data should bring a disk or purchase a blank disk at the Circulation Desk.
All printing must be completed before the library closes.
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.
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. The library cannot accept liability for any risk taken by patrons who choose to connect their own device to the library’s wireless service.
Persons who violate these policies may have their Library privileges suspended and may be prosecuted.
Wireless Internet Access
The Indianola Public Library provides wireless access to the Internet for users with appropriately equipped computers.
Patrons using this service must follow all guidelines in the Internet Use Policy, including being a “patron in good standing.”
Library staff members will not assist customers with their computer or their configuration. Library staff will not accept the liability of handling non-library equipment.
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 is the responsibility of the user.
The library cannot guarantee that this service will be available at any specific time or at any specific speed, nor can the library accept reservations for wireless access.
The connection shall not be used for illegal or time consuming commercial purposes.
Printers are not available through the wireless or direct plug-in access. Users who must print will need to save to a floppy and use a public workstation.
The following policy is posted on all Library Internet stations:
To fulfill its mission as a resource center, the Indianola Public Library provides access to a broad range of information sources, including those available through the Internet.
Patrons using the Internet must be considered a “patron in good standing”, with fines and fees under $5.00
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. Library staff is available to assist patrons in selecting the best mix of information resources to meet their needs.
Restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Unlawful use of the Internet is prohibited. Patrons who engage in unlawful use (including, but not limited to, Iowa Code Chapter 728 and U.S. Code Title 17) of the Internet will have Library privileges suspended and may be prosecuted.
Indianola Public Library cannot guarantee confidentiality over the Internet.
Adopted 2/8/00; 12/10/02
Revised 2/10/04; 7/13/04