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Internet Access Policy

  1. The Oshkosh Public Library, in order to fulfill its mission, provides Internet access for the public to use electronic information resources. Patrons can choose to use the computers provided by the library or to use their own equipment (laptops, palm devices, etc.). If using their own equipment, they will still be expected to comply with provisions of the Internet Access policy from which they are not specifically exempted.

  2. The Oshkosh Public Library provides links to Internet sites selected by the staff on the basis of examination, recommendation or published reviews. These sites appeared to provide reliable information at the time of selection and to meet the selection criteria for the library's electronic collection. However, documents published electronically can be quickly changed and the links to further sites can easily be made by the authors. Therefore, the user of the Internet should apply his or her own critical judgment to the information accessed. The Oshkosh Public Library is not responsible for the information users find through the Internet workstations.
  3. The Oshkosh Public Library will provide access to search software (Google, Yahoo, Alta Vista, etc.) in order to allow individuals to take the fullest advantage of the global resources available through the Internet. The user of the Internet should be aware that he or she might encounter material that is inaccurate, controversial, offensive, or unsuitable for viewing by minors.
  4. The Oshkosh Public Library will offer the choice of filtered or unfiltered access to all users at designated Public Internet Access workstations. Internet workstations in the Children's Room will be filtered. At least one filtered workstation will be provided in the adult area. The library will use the filtering service offered by its Internet Service Provider. If possible, that filter will be set only to prevent access to sites that meet statutory obscenity and harmful to minors criteria. Patron equipment may be connected via wireless access or through specified wired connections only. Patron equipment may connect unfiltered to the Internet.
  5. Parents or guardians, not the Oshkosh Public Library, or its staff, are responsible for the use of the Internet by their minor children. Parents are encouraged to discuss appropriate use of Internet resources and to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents have the option of restricting their children from use of the Internet or to only filtered workstations as provided in the Library's Access to Materials and Services Policy. The library will make reasonable efforts to enforce that request by using software that identifies restrictions placed on the child's library card that is required to log on to the Internet workstations. A second child sharing a station will be asked to present his or her own library card to the staff. The Library is not responsible for access gained by persons who use non-library equipment or deliberately attempt to circumvent library procedures.

  6. The Oshkosh Public Library does not offer laptops or peripheral equipment (power strips, wireless network cards, mouse pads, Earthnet cables, etc.) to the public, nor does its staff support in any way patron-owned equipment. Handouts are available to instruct patrons on how to connect their equipment, but beyond that library staff may not be able to be of substantial assistance.
  7. The Oshkosh Public Library does not offer or support e-mail accounts for the public.

    • Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
    • Respecting the privacy of others by not, for example, misrepresenting oneself as another user, and by not attempting to use, modify or gain access to account information, card numbers, files, passwords, or data belonging to others. Users may be asked to present their own library card and/or other personal identification.
    • Further respecting the privacy of others using public access workstations at the Oshkosh Public Library by not interfering with their use.
    • Respecting the guidelines of other networks or sites to which the user may connect.
    • Not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.
    • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
    • Not sending, receiving, displaying, or printing text or images or sound clips from Internet resources, chat rooms, e-mail or other sources which may reasonably be construed as legally obscene or harmful to minors.
    • Not making changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware provided by the library.
    • Not using one's own software on a library workstation.

     

    • The Oshkosh Public Library will establish procedures for the responsible and equitable use of the public workstations and the public network for personal devices provided for Internet access. These procedures may include:

      • Requiring individuals to use only their own library card for access. Users may be asked to present their own library card and/or other personal identification.
      • Monitoring the workstations for assistance, security purposes and conformance with procedures and acceptable-use policies.
      • Monitoring computer files for security purposes and conformance with procedures and acceptable use policies.
      • Limiting the length of time individuals may use the workstations.
      • Limiting the number and location of workstations at which online games may be played.
      • Restricting downloading in the interests of bandwidth utilization and security of the equipment and network.
      • Limiting activities that impede the efficient operation of the library's equipment and software.
      • Requiring payment of library fines and fees on the same basis as required for the check out of materials.
      • Requiring annual verification of address and other borrower information on the same basis as required for the check out of materials.
      • Information about online safety related to providing personal identification information, use of e-mail, chat, and other forms of direct electronic communication will be provided through the Library web site and as a printed brochure offered in the library and provided to people registering for library cards.
      • The Oshkosh Public Library assumes no liability for any loss or damage to the user's data or equipment or other injury that may occur from the individual's use of the Library's Internet services.
      • The Oshkosh Public Library reserves the right to monitor individual's use of library workstations, personal devices connected to the Internet at the library, networks and server for security purposes, conformance with procedures and acceptable use policies and the detection of illegal activities. The privacy provisions of Chap. 43 Wis. Stat. will apply to an individual's use of the Internet although evidence of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
      • Misuse or abuse of the workstation equipment or violation of the Internet Access Policy and procedures will result in suspension of Internet access privileges, wireless access privilege, and/or library privileges.

Written By: John Nichols
Approved By: Library Board
Amended/Modified: 05/27/04; 09/26/02; 04/23/01; 12/16/99
Date: 02/25/99

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