Acceptable Use Policy

Livingston County Library Patrons’ Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Equipment,

Internet and Network Access

pdf


Approved September 18, 2008
1.0 Overview
In adopting the Patron Acceptable Use Policy, the Board of Directors of Livingston
County Library is trying to protect its, employees, patrons, partners and the Library from
illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly.
Internet/Intranet/Extranet-related systems, including but not limited to computer
equipment, software, operating systems, storage media, network accounts, web
browsing, and FTP, are the property of Livingston County Library. These systems are to
be used in serving the interests of the Library, and of our patrons in the course of
normal operations. Please review the Library Policies for further details.
In addition to these policies, Livingston County Library has accepted and approved the
Acceptable Use Policy of MORENet (www.more.net/about/policies/aup.html) which may
further define the responsibilities and limitations of the use of the library network and
computers.
Effective security is a team effort involving the participation and support of every
Livingston County Library employee and any patron who deals with information and/or
information systems. It is the responsibility of every computer user to know these
guidelines, and to conduct their activities accordingly.

2.0 Scope
Patrons who use the computers or network of Livingston County Library agree that by
using these facilities they will comply with, be subject to and grant the Library the right
to implement this policy and conditions of use.
This policy applies to all patrons or visitors who uses the computers or network and
includes all equipment owned or leased by the Livingston County Library.


3.0 Security

  1. The Library expects that all use of electronic information resources such as the
    Internet will be responsible, ethical and consistent with the purpose for which
    these resources are provided. This includes:
    a. 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; by not seeking unauthorized
    access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software
    components of any network or database.
    b. Respecting the privacy of others using the public computers and network
    by not interfering with their use.
    c. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
    d. Not making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of the
    software or hardware.
  2. For security and network maintenance purposes, authorized individuals within
    the Livingston County Library may monitor equipment, systems and network
    traffic at any time.
  3. Users should not expect total privacy of electronic mail or anything transmitted
    across the Internet. System administrators may see the contents of e-mail due to
    addressing errors or as a result of maintaining the network.
  4. Users should not expect complete privacy of items that they print. Staff and
    other patrons can, at times, view what others print.
  5. All web activity can be, and in some cases is, logged. The Library reserves the
    right to view such logs. Such logs are usually kept for 7 to 10 days.
  6. It is also the policy of the Library to limit or deny the downloading of Internet
    scripts and or controls (Java, ActiveX, etc.).
  7. For security reasons attaching electronic devices to the Library’s internal
    network, or phone system is prohibited.
    4.0 Patron Use
  8. The Library provides “Public” computers and a network for access to the Internet
    as an informational, educational and recreational resource.
  9. Reservations for the “Public” computers are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  10. A valid Livingston County Library card and a signed consent form (for patrons
    under 18) are required to use a library computer.
  11. “Public” computers may be reserved for a maximum of two hours per day.
    Sessions may not be extended beyond the reservation period. Reservations are
    canceled if the computer is not checked out within 10 minutes of the beginning of
    the session.
  12. Patrons must inform a library staff member that they want to continue their
    session if they leave a computer prior to the expiration of their reserved.
    Computers may be checked out to another patron if it is not is use.
  13. A “Reference” computer is available for patrons with or without a valid Livingston
    County Library card for approximately 15 minutes. The “Reference” computer is
    generally not available for patrons who have used or made a reservation for the
    “Public” computers, except to briefly check email.
  14. Patrons may print pages from the computers. Charges for printing that are not
    paid may be added to a patron’s record and payment will be required before the
    library card is reactivated.
  15. Files may be downloaded to a USB thumb drive, CD or other storage device.
  16. An anti-virus program is installed on all computers. However, the software may
    not prevent the spread of all viruses, worms or other damaging programs.
  17. Livingston County Library is not responsible for damage to a patron’s disk or
    computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron
    use of the library’s computers.
  18. Filtering software is installed on all library computers in accordance with state
    and federal laws. Patrons who are 18 years of age or older may request that
    filtering software be disengaged during their reserved time.
  19. Patrons agree to observe local, state and federal laws as they apply to individual
    use of electronic systems and are solely responsible for violations they or their
    legal dependents commit. Acts contrary to local, state or federal laws may result
    in disciplinary action or consultation with appropriate legal authority.
  20. Patrons are not allowed to view or print material that is pornographic for minors
    as defined in section 573.010 RSMO.
  21. The Livingston County Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the
    Internet by children. Subject to the above restrictions, it is the responsibility of the
    user (or the parent, guardian) to determine what is appropriate. Parents are
    advised to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
  22. The Livingston County Library does not vouch for or endorse the viewpoints of
    electronic information.
  23. Library staff is unable to provide in-depth training concerning Internet computer
    jargon, search strategies or personal computer use.
  24. Requests for the purchase and installation of software, services or hardware may
    be submitted to the Director. Livingston County Library reserves the right to
    either accept or deny such requests.
  25. Users may not add software that requires the administrative account.
  26. Violation of these policies, misuse or abuse of Library computers or Internet
    access may result in restriction or suspension of library privileges.