Policies

I. Mission Statement

Internet access at Edgerton Public Library is an extension of the library’s commitment to meeting the community’s information needs. In addition to using the Internet as an information resource, the library also seeks to provide the opportunity for internet use to the public, via desktop computers and wireless internet service.

II. Library Responsibility

Edgerton Public Library does not collect browsing history or personal information entered into websites or applications. Customer use records are not maintained. The Library will not reveal any personal information or internet browsing or usage information unless required by law or court order.

Children are allowed to access the internet on library computers and also on their personal devices using the library’s wireless internet. Library staff cannot act in place of parents and hold no responsibility for what children access online at the library. Parents must monitor and be aware of their children’s internet usage.

To aid compliance with Minnesota and Federal obscenity laws, the Library does filter Internet access on Library-owned computers and wireless internet.  Filtering software works to block access to information and materials considered obscene or harmful to minors.  However, filtering software is not perfect, so no filtering program is able to block all material under these categories; likewise, some information that is harmless may inadvertently be blocked.

III. Library Disclaimers

Patrons are advised that the internet is not controlled as to content, and may contain materials deemed by some to be inappropriate for themselves or others. Edgerton Public Library assumes no responsibility for the materials users access, what they may come across online, or for any damages, injury, or harm a user may suffer by viewing any materials they access, intentionally or otherwise.

Users are advised to use caution in placing personal information into the computer. Edgerton Public Library assumes no responsibility of any kind for outcomes which may result from entering such information into the computer, or from downloading personal data or documents onto library computers.

IV. Access

A patron’s use of Library equipment or the wireless service to access the Internet constitutes agreement with this Policy. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the loss of computer and/or library privileges.

Patrons may access computers anytime during regular Edgerton Public Library hours of operation. Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and will not be reserved. Computer use is limited to 30 minute sessions. However, if no other patrons are waiting for the computer, you may use the computer longer.

Users are expected to have a basic knowledge of how to use the computer and the software available for patron use. Library staff will provide assistance to users only as their time permits. 

V. Charges

There will be no charge for the use of the computers or access to the Internet. There is a charge for copies printed out on the library’s printer. Users should inquire with library staff about current rates. Patrons will be held responsible for any charges incurred as a result of the purchase of items or subscriptions on the internet.

VI. Acceptable Use

• Installation, downloading, or modification of software on Library computers is prohibited.
• No more than one person may use a computer, unless prior arrangements have been made with staff.
• Users will respect the privacy of other users, and will refrain from attempting to view or read material being used by others.
• The computers are configured to not allow downloads, in attempt to protect the computers from viruses. If you need to download something from a trustworthy site, ask the staff about the possibility of overriding that protection. 
• Patrons should always log out of any accounts or applications when they have completed their computer session. Customers handling financial transactions or other activities that require confidentiality do so at their own risk.
• Patrons should use headphones when viewing material accompanied by sound. Headphones are provided at all desktop computers for patron use. 
• Internet computers will not be used to access illegal sites or obscene sites as defined by local community standards or those potentially harmful to minors.
• Users will obey copyright laws and licensing agreements.
• Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted library or internet files or networks, or to damage, or modify computer equipment or software at the library or at another location by using library connections.
• Parents or guardians bringing children to the library will not leave them unattended or allow them to violate noise and behavior policies while using the computers and internet.

Adopted by the Edgerton Public Library Board, May, 2019