Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Resources at the Louisville (CO) Public Library

Revised and re-adopted by the Louisville Public Library Board of Trustees,
March 16, 2005.

The Library provides free and equitable access to a wide range of informational resources. The Internet has become a primary platform for access to electronic information resources essential for library research purposes. This access is consistent with the fundamental library principle of intellectual freedom; an abiding respect for the dignity and privacy of individual inquiry. The Library supports intellectual freedom, and the American Library Association's interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, as it applies to Access to Electronic Information, Services and Networks.

Since the Internet is a global electronic network, its available resources contain a wide variety of material and opinions from diverse points of view. Library staff cannot control the availability or content of Internet sites which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Much of the information on the Internet is timely, accurate, and useful. Some of it is dated, erroneous, or controversial. This is also the case with printed materials. It is necessary for all library users to cautiously analyze data and information sources, whether printed or electronic, before accepting their validity. The responsibility of the library is to provide access to information, not to endorse it. The Library has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.

With regard to the use of electronic information by minors, the Library respects the right and responsibility of parents and legal guardians to guide and oversee the reading and viewing activities of their children. The Library does not intrude on that relationship. Supervision or restriction of a minor child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The Library's Youth Services staff is available to assist parents and their children in searching for Internet sites appropriate for their individual needs. Additionally, the Library's Web site features numerous Internet links to sites that are appropriate for youth. While Web-based e-mail and "chat" services are available for patron use, the Library is unable to provide staff support for these services. Parents of children using these services are responsible for monitoring and protecting their children from the risks involved with these types of communication. If the Library staff observes minors accessing obscene material, the staff will intervene to stop such action.

Parents are encouraged to:

Explore the Internet with their children
Provide clear guidelines and set limits for their children
Learn how to evaluate the authoritativeness of Internet sites
Ask a librarian for assistance in selecting appropriate sites for their children

Computer workstations are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are asked to be respectful of others waiting to use the Library's electronic resources. Electronic files may be downloaded to removable storage devices. Each user is limited to a maximum of 60 minutes of use per day. Printing must be completed within the allotted 60 minutes. Library staff may change the time limit, depending on demand. The purpose of the Library's Internet workstations is to support inquiry. If no one is waiting to use a computer workstation for research, personal e-mail and "chat" use may be permitted.

If a patron is waiting for a workstation, library staff may determine priorities of use. The Library has a responsibility to protect the security of its network for the benefit of all its users.

Unacceptable use of the Library's electronic resources includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Disruptive behavior in the vicinity of workstations
Destruction of, or damage to, equipment, software, or data belonging to the Library or other users
Interference with or disruption of network users, services, or equipment
Unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications
Violation of computer system security or integrity
Using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the Library's networks
Propagation of computer worms or viruses
Unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others
Violation of software license agreements
Violation of copyright laws
Violation of network usage policies and regulations
Falsification of one's age to gain access to Internet sites
Distribution of unsolicited advertising
Violation of another user's privacy
Viewing obscene material
Violation of federal, state, or local laws

Violators of the Library's Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Resources may lose their library privileges. They may also be subject to criminal prosecution or other legal action.