The Internet and the other electronic library resources offer access to a wealth of information that can be personally, professionally and culturally enriching. However, the Internet is a vast, unregulated information network which enables access to ideas, information, images and commentary that are beyond the confines of the Library's mission and collection development policies. Access points on the Internet can and do change often, rapidly and unpredictably.
Users are cautioned that ideas, points of view and images can be found on the Internet which are controversial, divergent, inaccurate and/or inflammatory. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which may be found on the Internet.
The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied, with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all of the information available via the Internet is true, accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to be good information consumers by evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet.
User Responsibilities
Farmington Community Library patrons are guests at the Library’s Internet computers and must comply with the Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Each patron agrees to abide by these policies when using a computer in the Library. Violation(s) of the policy may result in Library privileges being removed, temporarily for investigation or permanently as determined by the Farmington Community Library Director.
You are in a public building. Computer use is a privilege. The Library reserves the right to restrict such use of Internet access. Graphics with explicit sex or violence are not appropriate. If you display such graphics, staff will ask you to end your Internet use for the day. Subsequent violations of the Library’s Internet policy may result in restriction of access to Library computers.
Responsible, courteous use of the Internet on the Library’s computers includes:
- Recognizing that the Internet, like all of the Library’s information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others. Time limits will be enforced when others are waiting for computer use.
- Using the Library’s Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.
- Refraining from any illegal or unethical use of the Internet.
- Respecting intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.
- Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.
- Refraining from damaging or altering the setup of Library-owned equipment used to access the Internet.
- Refraining from damaging or altering software or data residing on the Internet.
- Refraining from deliberate propagation of computer worms or viruses.
- Refraining from displaying or printing graphics with explicit sex as defined by Michigan Public Act 343 of 1984 or sexually explicit material harmful to minors as defined by Michigan Public Act 33 of 1978 and the Michigan Penal Code Act 328, Section 750.145c.
- Refraining from transmission of threatening, obscene or harassing messages.
Compliance with Library Policy and Guidelines
In addition to this policy, Library staff may establish guidelines to assure fair and equitable access to all Internet-related public access equipment. Such guidelines may include, but not be limited to: sign-up procedures, registration with patron barcode, online acknowledgement of the Library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy guidelines, and time limitations. Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the Library may be required to end use of the Internet computers and/or to leave the Library for a period of time determined by the Library Director or designee. Any patron may appeal to the Farmington Community Library Director in respect to any action taken by staff for violation of Library policies. Actions that violate local, state, or federal law will be prosecuted.
Child Safety on the Internet
Parents and caregivers may determine that some electronic information is not appropriate for their children. Parents need to be actively interested in and responsible for supervision of their children's online use of the Internet and other electronic sources. While Internet filtering software is installed on public access computers in the Children's Department, such software is only a partial solution in limiting access to web sites that some parents might find objectionable.
Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.
The Library has available online and in print form information to assist parents in guiding their child’s use of the Internet. The Library-produced Kid's Home page contains information and web site linkages of interest to both children and parents.
The Library complies with Michigan legislation (Public Act 212) that restricts individuals 18 years of age and under from receiving obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. Such compliance is accomplished in the Children’s Department by use of filtering software. Library staff observing minors accessing obscene or sexually explicit materials are authorized to notify parents or the primary caregiver.
Staff Assistance
Farmington Community Library staff has no control over the vast array of information resources available on the Internet. Library staff assists patrons of all ages to find and analyze search results from the Internet and other electronic resources. In as much as possible, staff will monitor use of the Library computers to assure that patrons comply with this policy and guidelines.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, October 12, 1995; Amended September 1996; October 2000; August 2005; October 2007; November 2008; March 2010; January 2017